CD REVIEW: EVERGREY – The Storm Within

Label: AFM Records

Release Date: September 9, 2016

Rating: 8.5/10

Reviewed by: Todd “Toddstar” Jolicoeur

Swedish rockers Evergrey seems to hit my radar whenever they put out new material and I am glad they do.  Once again, they have released a disc with some great melodic rock that leans to the darker side.  Disc opener “Distance” delivers what fans of the band have come to expect – heavy bottom end, great riffs, and lead vocals from Tom S. Englund that seem to soar and swirl both above and in the mix.  The full vocal sound at the chorus adds depth to this track.  “Passing Through” follows the path cut by the opening track, but with accentuated keyboards that give the song a different feel without sounding completely different.  The lead vocals are some of the best on the disc and pair nicely with Henrik Danhage’s guitar work.  “Astray” has a slightly different feel than other tracks on the disc.  The vocals and guitar seem to work against each other at times, giving the song a disjointed feel at times.  “My Allied Ocean” features a killer bottom end perfectly anchored by Jonas Ekdahl’s drums and the pounding bass of Johan Niemann.  The vocals sound great in the mix, but pay close attention to the killer solos tucked into the bridges.  “The Lonely Monarch” has a modern rock sound that seems to be woven together with a mild symphonic sound and the typical Evergrey fare.  The vocals carry the track while Rikard Zander’s keyboards dot the background while the guitar solos soar in the foreground.  Disc  closer “The Storm Within” marches along slowly at the intro, but picks up the pace after the first verse and moves along, taking the disc out on a track that leans heavier on keyboards than guitars most of the time.

“Someday” is one of the more infectious tracks on the disc, thanks to catchy lyrics at the chorus as well as vocals that perfectly deliver the lyrical content.  This song captures your attention and keeps you engaged until its close. “The Impossible” opens with a beautiful piano interlude that is joined by Englund’s vocals and slowly builds throughout the song in feel, but never volume or intensity.  “In Orbit” is a different beast, in that it brings a lofty, almost ethereal feel at the intro but soon morphs into a straight ahead rocker that showcases the lead vocals of Englund that are paired with one of my favorite female vocalists, ReVamp’s Floor Jansen.  These two duet together perfectly as their strong vocals contrast in range, yet play off of each other throughout the track.  The bridge is full of cool keyboards and riffs that shift into a monster guitar solo that seals this as one of the best songs on the disc.  “The Paradox Of The Flame” brings another duet partner to the table for Englund when Carina Englund, who often contributes background vocals, steps forward and duets with her husband on this beautiful ballad.  The guitar and keyboards drive the song underneath the Englund pairing on vocals.  “Disconnect” has a different vibe to it, thanks to the chugging riffs on the verse that shift into a keyboard driven chorus and bridge between verses.  This disc gives the band more great rock tracks in their musical arsenal that all mix well into their varied and deep catalog.

Tracklisting: Distance – Passing Through – Someday – Astray – The Impossible – My Allied Ocean – In Orbit – The Lonely Monarch – The Paradox Of The Flame – Disconnect – The Storm Within

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Category: CD Reviews