Although highly respected by certain factions of the progressive power metal scene, the Swedish band has never truly made the leap from underground darlings to serious big time contenders. This sprawling 24 track collection goes a long way to explaining both the esteem the band is held in and also, why they’ve never jumped to the next level.
As far back as the debut album – here represented by a live take on “Blackened Dawn” – it was clear the band had much to offer. As is essential to the progressive power metal genre in which they operate, the musicianship is absolutely top quality throughout. By the time the band really hit their stride on tracks like “Still In The Water” from 2006’s Monday Morning Apocalypse, that raw musical talent had been neatly shaped into some classy songs, packed with drama and passion.
And yet, something never quite clicks into place the way it should. Perhaps the revolving door of personnel around lead vocalist Tom S. Englund has prevented Evergrey from truly building the momentum needed to prosper, but the bottom line is that for all the clear talent on display, the full tilt metal parts don’t hammer the listener in the same way that those of Iced Earth do, and the more considered, progressive parts fail to dazzle like those of Symphony X. We’re talking fine margins for sure, but it’s the detail which distinguishes a merely good band from a truly great one.
As a one stop shop for the curious wanting to dabble in the world of Evergrey, this is a hugely worthwhile and value for money package. How many of them will emerge as diehard converts is a big question, the answer to which will go a long way in deciding where Evergrey goes from here.
(released January 17, 2012 on SPV Records)
