ALBUM REVIEW: Evergrey - Theories of Emptiness

Purveyors of dark melodic metal for over thirty years, Evergrey formed in 1993 and with a back catalogue of thirteen albums, Evergrey are a band who encompass a very Swedish style of metal which has earned them a legion of loyal and dedicated fans whilst never really attaining a huge amount of popularity especially in the United Kingdom. Over the last few years, the tide has begun to turn, and people have finally started to appreciate the wonder that is Evergrey with the band headlining the Thursday night slot at Bloodstock Open Air Festival this year. 

Evergrey have had one of the finest runs of albums in recent memory which began with Hymns for The Broken in 2014 and had continued since with the band pumping out albums at an incredible rate whilst never compromising in the quality releasing some of the finest material of their career. The question now is whether this home run continues with the band’s fourteenth album Theories of Emptiness? 

The answer is a resounding yes. 

Evergrey - Photo: Patric Ullaeus

If you have never heard Evergrey before then they could be described as progressive power metal much in the style of bands such as Symphony X, Kamelot and Pagan’s Mind but Evergrey have always had a darker take on this style of metal with far darker lyrical themes and a far more sombre and melancholic mood to the music evoking bands such as Katatonia and Paradise Lost. It is a style they have pretty much stuck to from their debut album to present day with a few minor stylistic changes as metal music has evolved over the last thirty years but when you hear the band it is unmistakably Evergrey which is always aided by the frankly incredible, soulful, and heart-breaking vocals from the band’s frontman Tom Englund. 

Evergrey - Thekla, Bristol 19/09/22 Photo: Hutchie224

Theories Of Emptiness pretty much picks up straight from where previous album A Heartless Portrait (The Orphean Testament) left off with the band approaching a more succinct and punchier approach to their song writing whilst offering a variation of moods and emotions. There are straightforward catchy songs such as Far from The Sun, Misfortune and One Heart, songs that balance a dark atmosphere and crushing heaviness such as To Become Someone Else and We Are the North to heartfelt ballads such as Ghost of My Hero and emotionally charged pieces such as Our Way Through Silence. One highlight is Cold Dreams which sees a guest vocal appearance from Jonas Renkse from Katatonia and Englund’s daughter Salina. As well as being a truly beautiful song it sees Jonas resurrect his harsh vocals which was a real treat as a fan of old school Katatonia. 

It is safe to say that Evergrey are showing absolutely no signs of floundering and Theories of Emptiness is another stunning album from the band. All members of the band are in amazing form with truly excellent performances all round. Unfortunately, this will be the final album to feature long term drummer Jonas Ekdahl who has announced his amicable departure. Theories Of Emptiness is a definite high point to depart the band though he will remain involved behind the scenes with the band. 

A clear candidate for album of the year with stellar song writing and stunning performances and a fantastic sounding album with a fantastic mix and mastering. If you like dark and melancholic metal with plenty of melody and emotion but which also does not hold back on the heavy side of things, then Theories of Emptiness is a must hear album. Evergrey’s home run of killer albums continues, and I cannot wait to hear some of this material performed live in August.

Theories of Emptiness is released on 6th June on Napalm Records.

Review by Richard Oliver.