Evergrey was formed in 1993 in Gothenburg, Sweden by guitarist/vocalist Tom S. Englund as a progressive power metal band, in contrast to the melodic death metal that Gothenburg is known for.
They recently released an anniversary album `From Dark Discoveries To Heartless Portraits` which is a kind of glace at the last thirty years with live versions of some of their songs along with stripped back piano versions and demos.
The first half dozen numbers are live cuts from the last twenty years from albums such as `Recreation Day` through to the last release `A Heartless Portrait`. The live section opens with `Call Out The Dark` which is every bit as anthemic as on the studio version with it`s reflective synth keys adding a further edginess to the track. `Where August Mourns` is delightfully reflective with a towering bassline while `My Allied Ocean` ramps up the power and intensity. `A Touch Of Blessing` retains that sense of seeking something from life. `Recreation Day` powers along with it`s questioning lyrics before `King Of Errors` closes out this live section. It has the crowd screaming along and really feels cathartic.
The fellas share piano vocal versions of four selected tracks from the last studio album `A Heartless Portrait`. `Save Us` is almost unrecognisable as it becomes a heartbreaking call to save a relationship, and `Call Out The Dark` exudes the same hurt and passion. `Blindfolded` has a deep strength, a light in times of darkness while `Midwinter Calls` has that feeling of never give up even when the odds are stacked against you.
The final five tracks are demo versions or rough mixes and begin with `A Silent Arc` which is remodelled as an instrumental but retains the same intensity of the original release. `Save Us` has a real power and at times a kind of spirituality, although is fairly raw. `Midwinter Calls` has all the harmonies and that pulsing heartbeat running throughout and for me is an unpolished gem.
`Call Out The Dark` has an uncut beauty about it before `Blindfolded` drives us out of this release. A thumping, pounding version.
`From Dark Discoveries To Heartless Portraits` is a really interesting and appealing concept and I found it delightfully absorbing with something here for everyone. Apart from the live tracks, the stripped back piano versions highlighted the dexterity and range of not only Tom S. Englund`s vocal delivery but the band`s songwriting strength. The rough or demo mixes were a further icing on the cake on this seventy plus minutes of engaging progressive melodic power rock.
A superb glace back as this band look forward to a bright future.
Rating 8.5/10
