After more than 30 years of existence, Gothenburg's finest metal masters EVERGREY are far away from slowing things down. The five-piece, led by founder, singer and guitarist Tom S. Englund, will release its fourteenth studio album, Theories of Emptiness, on June 7, 2024 via Napalm Records. “For us, progression is paramount”, states Tom S. Englund. “We're dedicated to ensuring that our music remains innovative and avoids stagnation. With each album, we strive to introduce something new — a unique flavor, a different key or chord, fresh voices in our writing, or innovative production techniques.” In fact, no stone has been left unturned.

Out of the gate, I have to admit not knowing much about the band, which makes me an impartial reviewer I suppose. The first three songs are polished, energetic and engaging. There is a big chorus overtop of the hardened guitar riff in “Falling From the Sun,” and Tom’s sometime fragile voice is excellent, as is the lead guitar work. The heavy bass work and subtle keyboards in “Misfortune” play a nice yin to the yang of the weighted riff, and melody is so well balanced with aggression. “To Become Someone Else” has a darker sound, almost like the pain and frustration of watching someone you thought you knew well transforming to a person that you really don’t know. The ambiance in the middle of the song is fantastic.

“Ghost of My Hero” has a slow, gloomy pace that rides the thin line between elements of hope and despair. “This is what’s left me, I’m not going to hide it” he confesses. Tom’s vocals are so expressive in this song, and the piano notes keep it grounded. “We are the North” roars out of the gate with a low and aggressive riff augmented with spacey keyboard notes, and you get an ominous feeling out of the music. It’s the magic of “The Night Within” however that really grabs me. They lay a palate of melodies out in front of you and invite you inside to explore. They are familiar and comforting, and there is just something that happens hours after the sun goes down that you can’t explain.

“Our Way Through Silence” is a song with a strong message, a revelation if you will. We all face obstacles daily in our lives, and the band uses this as a medium to charge you to get up and keep going in the face of adversity. The melodies are nothing short of gorgeous. “A Theory of Emptiness” closes the album, shrouded in doubt, leaving an air of mystery in its wake. This album weaves together disparate emotions and themes into a compelling narrative. Melodies soar and dip, carrying listeners on a journey through a landscape of shifting moods. At times, the music is imbued with a sense of mystery, evoking a feeling of intrigue and curiosity that keeps listeners eager to uncover its secrets. Yet, woven into the fabric of each song is a subtle undercurrent of melancholy, a poignant reminder of the bittersweet beauty of life's fleeting moments. This has "album of the year" written all over it.