EVERMORE is a Power Metal power trio from Sweden. Bringing a melodic sensibility to the heaviness, they create a bigger, darker sound than you would expect from a three-piece outfit. Having only been around for a few years, they've already released an EP and are now issuing their second full-length LP. In Memoriam will hit the digital airwaves on April 21, 2023, via Scarlet Records. Like many great Power Metal albums, this one starts with an overture, "Nova Aurora." This is turn leads to the first song on the epic journey we are about to embark upon. The intro uses strings and a choir to prepare us for the trek, then "Forevermore" opens with a massive riff and powerful rhythm, only to be overshadowed by a masterful scream. That note is stunning. It goes higher, dips down, soars again, then finally fades after what seems like a half minute. I'm already hooked!

The rest of the album is very much in the same vein, bombastic, heavy, and evocative. It is the Power Metal lovers paradise with rapid-fire dual guitars, drumming that ranges from melodic to blast beats, a bass guitar that defines the rhythm, not just supporting it, and vocals that will leave you breathless. Whether you listen to "I Am The Flame" or "Broken Free," you will hear everything Power Metal on display. "Empire Within" takes the speed down a notch, going for the melodic hook, that darker section of the journey that is based on the inner struggle of the protagonist. The tempo is slower and the tone is heavier, deeper, giving voice to the turmoil we feel when hearing this song. "In Memoriam" is similar in sound and speed, but incorporates some fantastic backing vocals, turning more into a choir to expand the sound.

Wrapping the disc is "Queen Of Woe," a song with an extended intro to set the tone of the song. After the intro, there is a rapid build to the body of the song. Those variable tempos and shifts from heavy to melodic and back show the skill of both the musicians and the songwriters. There is vision and daring in these songs. EVERMORE is new to the scene, but don't let that fool you, these guys are no ordinary musicians. They have already moved into the big leagues, creating complex songs that will delight the senses and hook the ears of Power Metal lovers and can draw in fans from other areas, like Speed, Progressive, and Symphonic Metal. This is a solid effort and should definitely spend some time on loop so you can truly appreciate all it has to offer.