CoC : Evergrey - In Search of Truth : Review

Evergrey - _In Search of Truth_
(InsideOut, 2001)
by: Adrian Bromley (9.5 out of 10)

I cannot begin to tell all you CoC readers how much I -LOVE- this new album by Evergrey. I have not stopped playing this album since I got it. Honestly. Sure I'll throw on other CDs to review them or just to break away from _In Search of Truth_ for a while, but after a few hours or at the latest by the end of the day when I am finishing up my nightly e-mails, I have the album cranked again. Playing what could only be described as "impressive progressive metal" music, Sweden's Evergrey just dazzle us with their musicianship here (as they have done with past works like _The Dark Discovery_ and _Solitude, Dominance, Tragedy_). The talent, the production (by Andy LaRocque) and the song structures just blow me away with each listen. Singer/guitarist Tom S. Englund sounds in fine form here, delivering vocal lines with passion and intensity as this concept-based album unfolds. And the piano/keyboard work found here? To die for. From eloquent to haunting, the keyboard definitely adds another level to the material, as do the occasional female vocals. Nicely blended and not overdone. Fans of Nevermore and older era Queensryche will no doubt want to pick this baby up, as it delivers the perfect sound and style that should be associated with good progressive metal -- not wanker guitar work that seems to be flooding the genre of late. Die-hard fans of the band probably already have this disc and are in the same exact frenzy I am. Am I right, people? _In Search of Truth_ is hard, heavy and truly one of 2001's most memorable discs. Everyone should own this.

(article published 19/10/2001)