As if it was the easiest thing in the world. Yes,
Evergrey has done it again, their new collaboration has resulted in another ingenious and magnificent album.
Even though their approach this time around is cut down, straight to the point, brighter sounding, catchier and very melodic the deep-felt and profound melancholy hasn't lost any of its credibility.
With full throttle
Monday Morning Apocalypse sets a phenomenal high standard from the first second. A vibrant and groovy track with splendid drum twists, a catchy chorus and tons of melodic power. Classic
Evergrey and then again not quite, this is focused in a very slick manner.
As a dark and apocalyptic cloud
Unspeakable slowly brings along softer tones, but don't be fooled, before long I find myself banging my head to one of the heaviest rhythm passages I have heard in a long time.
The immensely well-balanced and compact production is a perfect match for the very direct musical direction.
Lost is one of the albums calmer tracks, the cunningly performed guitar lick and subsequently caressing solo are clear highlights. The idea of squeezing in the line "
as I lie here" in the chorus section is a perfect example of how small measures can have a huge effect, this being one of
Evergrey's biggest strengths.
The solid guitar work plays a leading role in
Obedience, creating a very interesting symbiosis with the ingenious bass lines and effectual key arrangements. When listening to this song over and over I almost forget that the refrain could have been an inch more stimulating.
The Gregorian-like and atmospherically sombre
In Remembrance uses orchestral treats, hypnotic key layers, bombastic choirs and good old fashioned tight structuring in pulling home another stunning composition.
At Loss For Words is one mean and tight monster, relentlessly pushing forth and just at its heaviest moment a great harmonious solo sets in, a fantastic contrast.
As a natural diversion from a lot of forceful music, the beautiful piano dedication
Till Dagmar fills the room with a sense of honour and pride.
Tom S. Englund is well underway as establishing himself as one of the most charismatic and expressive vocalists in Metal, the pain and despair in his voice is so captivatingly painful and authentic.
Just listen to him sing these lines in the utterly genius and intense
The Dark I Walk You Through:
I'm sorry for the times I screamed
And the times I made you lonely
I'm sorry for the times I made you cry
And the times I didn't hold you
I'm sorry for the doubts I brought to you
I'm sorry for the dark I walk you through
I'm sorry for the times I put you through
Forgive me
As if these words in themselves weren't enough to create empathy, his voice makes them even more relatable.
Closure is one of the saddest songs I have come across; it gets right under my skin and leaves a lasting impression. A fascinating and brilliant piano driven song with lyrics and vocals that makes your heart bleed with pure affliction.
On top of these amazing songs we also get
I Should, intelligently mixing hard and soft passages, the weighty
The Curtain Falls and the gloomy
Still In The Water, all top of the class Metal artwork.
After this well served Metal meal I'm left wondering, can this band do anything remotely wrong?
These songs leave an immediate strong impact; the real trick comes with the fact that they keep evolving and stay dynamic. Everything kind of falls into place, which makes Monday Morning Apocalypse a very natural and coherent record.
The instrumental section is not only vigorously acute, it keeps inspiring with hidden gestures and those guitar solos are just penned down so elaborately well.
Blame, anger, despair, regret, respect, love and a desperate cry to the heavens pretty much summarizes the inner turmoil to be found in the clever and thoughtful lyrics.
This is music with soul and heart, commanding you to be emotionally involved.
Written by
Tommy Sunday, May 7, 2006
Show all reviews by TommyRatingsTommy: 8.5/10Members: 8/10 - Average of 1 ratings.
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