This is
Evergrey's fourth release and like the other ones there is a shadow-like gloomy darkness covering the overall impression of the record.
I would say that
Evergrey plays a style of music that I find one of the most unique and interesting, I have ever heard. Dark, hard, powerful, symphonic, progressive, melancholic, atmospheric, emotion filled, raw, melodic, and catchy are all words that can be used in describing
Evergrey's music in a more or lesser way. Overall I would say that Power Metal best describes the bands style, but that the way many different aspects are incorporated is something that really makes the band special.
The lyrical universe of Recreation Day is very much concerned with the darker aspect of life, death, sorrow, longing, inner struggles, despair, feeling lost but also seeing a light in the darkness are themes that are touched upon in an intelligent and very interesting way. Because the lyrics are filled with strong emotions that are highly relatable I have developed a very personal connection with this album.
The Great Deceiver hits you of guard with its fast pace and thundering lead guitar opening. A great track with fantastic keyboard melodies, powerful vocals and a monster riff mid-section.
End Of Your Days is one of my absolute favourite songs by
Evergrey. It is hard to describe in words what this song musical contains because so many things are happening all the time. It's really a magic blend of raw guitar riffs, strange (in the good sense) keyboard parts, melodic lead lines, a slow mid-section, detailed drums and a song-binding huge emotion filled chorus. I really feel this song deep inside when I listen to it, strong feelings of loss and regret. A pure masterpiece.
The dramatic
Fallen is yet another brilliant song. The rhythm guitar work on this one is simply magnificent, extremely powerful and still very melodic, and as a kind of opposition to this hardness a very catchy lead section comes along. A strong melodic chorus is working fantastic and I also love the hard and grooving bass that gives the song tons of depth.
Recreation Day starts with some great atmospheric keyboard tunes and Tom's stunning powerful vocals. I am deeply impressed by this man's singing abilities, a fantastic dramatic, hard and diverse voice that fits each song brilliantly.
This song features some great progressive elements and once again a chorus that tears everything down with its power and depth.
In
Visions the keyboard really takes up a lot of attention, creating not only background moods, but also more central melody lines. The laid back and very catchy guitar solo is one of the best on the record, very skilfully played. The chorus is not that exciting though; it is also used a bit much I think. Anyway, it's not bad at all, and overall this a good song with some great bombastic keyboard arrangements and some technical drums.
Blinded comes out as very hard and direct. Once again fantastic keyboard passages and a stunning vocal performance sees the day. Anyway the track does not have the same dramatic edge as so many of the other songs.
Fragments has a slower and more grooving style than the other songs, this is especially heard in the slow, epic and very bombastic chorus, beautifully accompanied by huge atmospheric keyboard arrangements. A nice varied song with many interesting passages and a very melancholic feel.
Madness Caught Another Victim is the albums acoustic guitar/vocal track. Tom sings with lots of emotion and his performance really lifts this untraditional song to a higher level. The main guitar rhythm is a bit strange and very dominant, it's not bad but could have fitted better I think. Still this is a pretty good track, especially in the parts where almost all tempo has left the guitar and the suffering lyric are calmly sung.
Your Darkest Hour offers some very powerful drumming and a diverse overall style. I love the fantastic hymn like piano passages and the way the song changes in pace and atmosphere. The lyric in this one is also very good, about helping a person out of deep despair. Once again a great and well-played song.
Unforgivable ends the record in a hard and mid-tempo style. A very heavy rhythm guitar leads the way and dramatic keyboard/piano/vocal parts are nicely incorporated.
It is easily heard that all members really can play high class music, every member puts out a remarkable performance which is clearly heard thanks to the bombastic, clear and extremely good production.
I expect a lot of this band in the future; they surely know how to make interesting and very captivating music.
This album is extremely rich in drama, strong emotions, diverse music and powerful songs.
Written by
Tommy Monday, August 4, 2003
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