Death.
Feared and misunderstood by all.
What happens to us when we pass on, and transition into a realm where the indefinite and unknown are in absolute control? Many theories have been collated through as much fact that one can find under this ambiguous heading. Some believe in life after death and others believe in eternal sleep. However, it is
Evergrey that believe in the "Recreation Day", a time solely devoted to 'getting away' as guitarist Tom Englund explains.
Evergrey's "Recreation Day" is melting pot of emotional and sentimental beliefs that are projected at the listener via outstanding melodies, furious guitar riffs, harmonious vocals and demolition style drumming. The 12 tracks, including one bonus track titled "Trilogy of the Damned" comprise a unique sound that offers more to the avid metal lover.
What stood out in particular about this band was the quality of the musicianship.
The opening track, entitled
"The great deceiver" is a subtle attempt to mock God by conveying anger through the palm-muted guitar riffs and double kicking aggression of the drums. One can feel the sheer power and energy that is being contributed through the lyrics and instruments, which is what defines this song as being the genuine article and not a mediocre attempt at being hostile towards 'something'.
There is great diversity and contrast between each of the songs on "Recreation Day". This is seen through the influences that shine through and the feel of each song.
Track one, being so aggressive, tends to contrast to track four (Recreation Day), which is more rhythmically driven, as opposed to melodically.
In track four I hear influences like
Iron Maiden and even Shadow Gallery, but the song itself is more like a hard rock song as opposed to that ruffled metal sound that we hear on
'The Great Deceiver' and
'End of your Days'. This element of stylistic contrast is what I have picked up throughout the entire album and is achieved in a myriad of fashions.
Instrumentally, the style can alter with a simple change of the drumbeat. The chorus' of each song tends to be dramatic and powerful, whereas the verses are less emotionally driven. In a metaphor, one could see the verse as anger and the chorus as sorrow. Hence, it is via this combination of metal and rock 'n' roll that the band manages to justify stylistic contrast throughout their songs.
The guitar riffs also seem characterise this contrast. '2:34' of track five is a speed picking spectacular that just screams 'metal', but the solo following that is much more laid back and tends to symbolise early rock 'n' roll through a type of 'Guns and Roses' influence that I can hear.
Again, this is merely proof of how the band has assembled an appropriate combination of rock and metal and how they have constructed their tracks in a fashion that gives the songs a diverse sound, not only through their influences but also through the instruments themselves.
Songs that particularly stand out on this album are tracks like
'Blinded,' which carries a type of
Symphony X influence behind it. The musicianship on this song is simply incredible, with guitar lines that will sweep a techno-lover off his/her feet.
The vocals give off a type of angered, pessimistic tone - which contributes to the feel and atmosphere that the song creates for the listener. When someone can pick up this atmospheric presence, it is as if the band has established a connection or relationship with the listener. When I pick up the atmosphere in these songs, it is a point of understanding and acknowledgement, which is why I think this song is special. The atmosphere that is created not only on this song, but also throughout the album is primarily an achievement by the keyboard parts.
I noticed a lot of chordal movements by keyboardist Rikard Zander on
'Blinded' but also on the following track,
'Fragments' and especially on
'Your Darkest Hour'. Although Zander's work is subtle, and at times slightly difficult to hear I found his contribution to the album to be beneficial. His input into the songs on "Recreation Day" create a feel, or mood of sorts that give a feeling of realism, or authenticity. The sound he supplies conveys blackness, giving the songs a darker tone and thus paving the way for the black ending of
'Fragments', which could be described as 'spine tingling' by a boy with a cliché addiction.
However, the song
'Your Darkest Hour' is surely where Zander shines. The melodies, particularly during the chorus are what give the song that extra grief-stricken edge, which again offers that contrast between simple metal and powerful metal. His solo during the middle of the song is delightful, and a wonderful break from all the heavy music. It is relaxed and yet, there is something malevolent about its tone and timing.
Most surprising on this album is the song
"Madness Caught Another Victim", which begins with the same acoustic sound that one might find on some
Opeth albums. It's the most contrasting song on the album because of the lack of textures. The only instruments in this song are vocals and the one guitar, which conveys an intimate feeling to the responder, almost sounding like a live and unplugged set.
All in all, this is an album for a person looking for a melodic metal album that breaks a few of so many limiting rules.
Evergrey's "Recreation Day" is ideal for somebody looking for something unique, unpredictable and exciting.
Definite ear candy, but not for the faint-hearted.
Written by
Yoni Friday, March 7, 2003
Show all reviews by YoniRatingsYoni: 7.5/10Members: 8.5/10 - Average of 2 ratings.
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 | Steen (Staff)
Rating: 8/10
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