Evergrey – Theories of Emptiness
Release Date: 7th June 2024
Label: Napalm Records
Bandcamp
Genre: Progressive Metal, Heavy Metal, Melodic Metal, Power Metal.
FFO: Nevermore, Symphony X, Pyramaze, Soen, Katatonia.
Review By: Rick Farley
Gothenburg, Sweden’s progressive metal masters Evergrey return for album number fourteen, Theories of Emptiness releasing June 7th, 2024, via Napalm Records.
Formed more than thirty years ago on the soulful voice of Tom S. Englund’s incredible singing and the bands penchant for writing extremely memorable, melancholic progressive metal. Atmospheric, dynamic, heavy, melodic and ever evolving band Evergrey seem to be showing no signs of slowing down. Putting out albums that are often well ahead of their peers and truthfully the band has yet to even release a bad record. Thankfully, I can say Theories of Emptiness is not going to be the first.
Theories of Emptiness picks up where the critically acclaimed A Heartless Portrait (The Orphean Testament) ends in terms of musicality. Essentially feeling like a continuation of the sound of that record. It’s well-balanced in its guitar driven aggressiveness, darkness and melancholy. Not quite as heavy as its predecessor, but still packing quite the punch on a number of tracks. There are tons of chuggy riffs within Theories of Emptiness that will satisfy your need to headbang uncontrollably while still adding subtle nuances to their core sound. It’s not always noticeable right away, but the band evolves from record to record. Whether its low tuned single note riffs reminiscent of Meshuggah on Say or wicked 80s metal influence on One Heart, the band ages like fine wine, adding more and more depth to their sound.
Album opener Falling from the Sun is the sequel to track three Ominous from the band’s previous album. It starts the record off with a quickened, energetic pace and chunky riffs. A quintessential Evergrey hook soothes the ears with huge catchiness and textural atmosphere. Straightforward in its intent, but still very memorable. This track will surely be a live setting favourite.
Powerful and melodic Misfortune takes an entirely different approach. Doomy, slower paced riffs that are looser, airy keyboards and a sing along, gang vocal type of chorus, give this a slightly more progressive sound. Its complexity is in its terrific use of dynamics, offering up a lot to discover with multiple listens. Like most Evergrey songs, the catchiness is infectious.
The albums standout track for me though is Cold Dreams, which features guest vocals from Jonas Renkse of Katatonia fame, and additional female backing vocals from Tom’s daughter Salina Englund. The clean vocals from both singers go back and forth between the two, trading off parts beautifully. Seriously, a fanboy moment for me to hear these two on the same song. Jonas provides growls for a small portion of the song, which is something I wasn’t expecting to hear in 2024, but it’s pretty amazing. The song is extremely dark yet still beautiful, It’s melancholic and emotionally heavy. An absolute must-hear and an instant Evergrey classic.
Theories of Emptiness sounds absolutely stunning. Everything is vivid, warm and huge sounding. The record was produced by Tom S. Englund and Jonas Ekdahl (drums) who has sadly left the band before the album’s release. The mixing was done by Adam “Nolly” Getgood, and mastering was helmed by Thomas “Plec” Johansson. Crystal clear, meticulous and utterly flawless.
Evergrey’s blend of groovy power metal, progressive metal and sullen melodies is on full metallic display. With shreddy solos, booming bass and killer hooks, still sounding energized, the band being able to release high quality music after all these years is nothing short of incredible. The beauty of this band is that regardless of where you came in at as a fan, you’ll be able to appreciate their entire catalogue without ever feeling that it’s repetitive. Not sure where Theories of Emptiness sits with me personally in their discography, but I’m going to have a hell of a fun time figuring it out. 
(4 / 5)
