Evergrey is a band that truly doesn’t need an introduction anymore. With more than 25 years of career and a solid discography of 13 albums, they have cemented their name as a Powerhouse in the Melodic Metal scene. With their very characteristic blend of Progressive and Heavy Metal, they bring us “A Heartless Portrait (The Orphean Testament)”, their new album, and one I am very excited to dive into.
“Save Us” kicks things right away with no intros, giving us a crushing riff right from the very first second and shortly after, Tom Englund’s amazing vocals. This is a song that could easily encompass all the elements that have made Evergrey who they are today: strong and energetic riff sections, pounding and accurate drumming, free-flowing vocal verses, and a beautiful and catchy chorus. A very intense song that is perfect to begin this musical journey. “Midwinter Calls” is next and it doesn’t drop the ball. An opening choral section that reminds me of Kamelot leads to a powerful verse and a pre-chorus that sees a more Pop-oriented melody. and I really mean that as a compliment, as it works perfectly, it is memorable, and leads the way to the soaring notes of the main chorus. This is an amazing song that manages to be as powerful as it is accessible for metal and non-metal fans alike. “Ominous” is next. A croony vocal intro gives way to a very proggy song, like the ones they used to write in their earlier years. This song sees a slight change of pace when compared to the openers, with a lot of slower atmospheric sections and interludes. “Call Out The Dark” is easily one of my favorite Evergrey tracks ever, and I have only listened to it once. This song is emotional, touching, and incredibly powerful from every angle. Some might argue that is it one of their least heavy efforts, but precisely that gives way to a song that feels more personal, a song that reaches deeper. Englund’s performance is stellar here and you can feel his emotion at every note. The chorus begs to be heard live, and those lead synth lines are catchy as hell. “The Orphean Testament” is next, and this one brings the heavy back in full form. This one feels like a classic Evergrey song, one of those timeless Heavy Proggers that they master. Everything is in place, and while it is not as catchy or outstanding as previous songs, its quality is unquestionable.
At this point in the album, it is undeniable that Evergrey is a master of their craft. All of them are astounding musicians that make every note count and that can give us virtuosic solos right next to odd-timed pounding Prog riffs. Tom Englund must be one of the most accomplished singers in metal right now, and the apparent ease with which he sings and makes his vocal notes flow freely is something to be heard. His vocal control is nothing short of impressive. The album continues with “Reawakening”, a bombastic song with a more mellow verse and an energetic chorus that feels more hopeful and less dark than the rest of the songs. This one definitely goes more into Power Metal territory. A very enjoyable and shorter song that could easily get some radio play. “The Great Unwashed” is a slower song with a very precise and defined pace and a grandiose chorus.
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One could say it is one of the weaker songs in the album, and that it drags for a bit longer than I’d wished for, but only because the rest of the album is truly spectacular. The guitar solo is out of this world though. Still, a very good song that showcases everything the band has to give. “Heartless” is next, this one is a synth-driven track that perfectly encapsulates the soul and essence of this album as a whole. Extremely catchy and just one of those songs that put a smile on your face and make you wanna sing it as loud as possible in a live setting. “Blindfolded” is a virtuosic song that brings in all the prog riffs and is possibly the heaviest song in the collection. I am particularly impressed at how the band created harmonies using low notes instead of higher pitches, as the down-tuned guitar sounds as crushing as a million rocks during the main and verse riffs. I am usually not a fan of ballads in my metal, but Tom’s voice was made to sing songs like album closer “Wildfires”. A beautiful song with a very passionate delivery that closes one of the best albums I’ve heard in a long time, with an emotional and rather sad feel to it. It signals the fact that we probably won’t have any more new Evergrey music in a while now.
Production-wise, this album is perfect. It is everything you could ask from a metal recording.
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Every note of every instrument is crystal clear, yet it doesn’t feel over-produced. Every kick drum is felt in your chest and every bass note resonates in your body. I have always been a fan of the way Evergrey make use of synths as keyboards, and although some of the key lines are leads, they never feel overpowering or like they are sitting on top of everything. They always feel adequate and perfect in the whole mix, whether as a lead melody or a background atmosphere that makes the whole sound thicker.
This album is a must-have for every metal fan that appreciates good music, not only for melodic metal enthusiasts, period.
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It is a nearly perfect collection of songs that shows why the band is where they are right now, and why they have remained one of the most respected names in metal for more than 2 decades. “A Heartless Portrait (The Orphean Testament)” often feels like a roller coaster of emotions, one that you do not want to get out of. So please stop reading now and go buy yourself a copy.
Album highlights: Save Us, Midwinter Calls, Call Out The Dark, Heartless
For fans of: Vanishing Point, Kamelot, Pyramaze, Threshold
Evergrey: Facebook
Release Year: 2022
Label: Napalm Records
Category: Album
Country: Germany
Reviewed by Roman Ibarra
