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Evergrey
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| By
Vinnie Apicella
Just when I thought I'd heard everything Prog-Metal had to offer, along
comes a band like Sweden's (naturally) Evergrey to blow a gaping hole in my
thickened skull. In name and image, Evergrey dismisses the rosy theory
that usually associates with Progressive music and their
challenging complexities within the usually uplifted environs. In fact
Evergrey combines those same challenging aspects of a standout like Dream
Theater with the unusually darker associations of a Tad Morose, even
incremental Paradise Lost, neither with the Gothic inspirations but more so
the content, and specifically drawing to the lower range vocals of
Tom Englund, a fit screamer with a raspy edge and approachable range
only without the expected decibel-raising virtuosic reach. And as a
unit, their view goes as far back as the many mid-70s Hard Rock faves
with classic inclinations, not unlike a Uriah Heep or Rainbow, where
this richness of depth lay at the core of the songs in spite of
dazzling instrumental maneuvers. "In Search Of Truth" is both challenging
and capable of full power and this can be readily heard in each of the
nine tracks contained herein, perhaps indisputable only seconds into the
lead track "The Masterplan," set for first single and video-and
rightfully so. Full choir intercession further lends the charm to "In Search
Of." particularly on songs like "Rulers Of The Mind," and "Dark Waters."
In fact there's so much happening on this album that begins with
superior musicianship and deft lyrical content but is carried much further by
way of keyboard color and quick tempo changes, accepted as a norm and
yet the songs, supporting emotionality above all else, their
uniformity never lost along the way. Co-produced by Englund and Andy LaRoque
of King Diamond fame among much else, "In Search Of Truth" is the
first U.S. release and the timing couldn't have been better. Definitely one
of the more imaginative and intriguing Prog/Metal records of the year
and one you'll listen to over and again and derive something new each time.
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