EVERGREY

Torn

SPV/ CD

Although I don't have anything against EVERGREY latest effort ("Monday Morning Apocalypse" was not a bad album at all), I prefer their previous works. Especially released in 2003, epic metal masterpiece „Recreation Day” which is not only the best release of these ambitious Swedes, but also one of the best in that genre. Reaching a peak in terms of songwriting and sound quality, the band proved their ability to create world-class music then... Five years after the release of „Recreation Day” EVERGREY would like to present you their seventh studio album called „Thorn” which can be described as the next logical step in their career, but it also does not stray from what „Recreation Day” is renowned for- epic metal at its best!

Melodic heaviness on top and very dramatic feeling hidden behind the wall of massive sound have always been the main components of EVERGREY's music and „Torn” is another good example for that well-balanced connection. In fact, the band still manage to develop this formula into more complex arrangements and beautiful harmonies, highlighted by impressive musicianship (recording line up features also Jari Kainulainen- ex STRATOVARIUS bassist). This is also a very coherent album, consisted of a solid bunch of songs. There's virtually no filler here, each piece of „Thorn” has been thought-out very well and has its own intended meaning. From the opening track (Broken Wings) till the closing one (These Scars) EVERGREY deliver strength and consistency than can be noticed in every single note. Also band's frontman Tom Englund still manages to keep his voice in a great shape. In such tracks as „When Kingdoms Fall” or „Soaked” he almost proves himself a worthy successor to such classics as Ian Gillan and David Coverdale. I could not ask for more...

Even if „Thorn” objectively isn't the most progressive album in EVERGREY discography, its vibe is just timeless. If you are a fan of such monuments as "Recreation Day" or "The Inner Circle", the newest offering of the band should satisfy you at least in 99 percent. I'm pretty sure after several listenings this album will not leave out your CD player for months.

9/12