Year: 2024
Total Time: 51.05
Label: Napalm Records
A little before turning 30 years old as a band, EVERGREY followed their all time habbit of releasing new album every two years. So, the release of “Theories Of Emptiness” two years after the successful “A Heartless Portrait (The Orphean Testament)” was not surprising.
What was quite surprising though was the fact that this album was less heavy than the previous one although EVERGREY stuck to their basic instincts. They emphasized their progressive elements combined though with electronic touches here and there. Darkness was heavy especially lyrically. Typical for them after all. Their main strength remained the amazing and unique voice of their founder and frontman, Tom Englund who could sing “Fee, Fi, Fo” and make it stand out.
The album was quite balanced and we could find songs for every taste. From the catchy “Falling From The Sun” and “One Heart” (I can listen in my head the sing along in one of their live show) to the typical ballad like the quite indifferent “Ghost Of My Hero”. There are also heavier songs like “We Are The North”. A huge highlight is the collaboration with Jonas Renkse from KATATONIA and Salina Englund for the song “Cold Dreams” which is accompanied by an excellent video clip from John Kaimakamis. Englund characterized it as “Somber power” and I think that phrase is really accurate. Especially when Renkse decided to remember his youth and growl…pure magic. Another huge moment, not musically but as far as the band’s history and legacy is concerned, is the video clip for the song “Say”. Recently, their long time drummer Jonas Ekdhal announced his departure from the band and the rest of the members decided to show their gratitude and love at the closing of this video where Ekdhal left his drum sticks on the drums, moved in front of the camera, said his goodbyes and left. Maybe one of the best goodbyes a band has presented.
I am not sure that “Theories Of Emptiness” will reach the album collections or spotify playlists of hard metalheads or that it will become the favorite of fans who love EVERGREY’s first era. But, I can tell you with certainty that it is an album that demonstrates the progress this band has made over the years following their own path. I believe this album will earn them some new fans along the way!
Rating: 7,5/10
Editor: Kostas Boudoukos
Related Link: EVERGREY – Official Page
