Album Review: Evergrey – Theories of Emptiness (Napalm Records)

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 7th, 2024 via Napalm Records.

One of the most prolific and consistent bands to still be playing today, Everygrey need no introduction and chances are, you’ll be well and truly stoked to hear this album regardless of what this, or any, review says.

A word like ‘legend’ exists to describe a band like this, even if personally, I’ve not always been enamoured with what they’ve produced. Which kind of sums up this new album. At times, a phenomenally pleasing album with big anthemic progressive metal tracks dripping in melancholic tones. At others, just a bit dull.

It begins in style though, Evergrey effortless style. Progressively heavy in places with some chuggy riff work and a bright chorus, Falling from the Sun is an ear-worm of a track. Then, Misfortune brings forth some of that classic Evergrey melancholic grandeur, but finds the band really hitting levels of accessibility not often heard from them with the chorus. Before To Become Someone Else puts melody front and centre, but has Evergrey balancing it out with robust riffs and a bit more ‘oomph’ in certain vocal parts.

It’s a strong start to the album, and there are many more highlights to come, but first, it’s Say and Ghost of My Hero. Both are big songs from a band that excels at making big songs. Yet, because of some formulaic elements, both end up feeling a bit unremarkable. The former has some nice keyboard melodies, but that’s about it. Whereas the latter is deadly dull.

Where this album really gets good, and heavy, is with We Are the North and One Heart. Both standout efforts, but for different reasons. The former has some real flair to it, the keyboards sound great and the guitars are crushing. Yet, what really makes this track special is a fabulous chorus. Something that also applies to the latter, which has the album’s strongest chorus and addictive groove. Both are lovable as all hell, and show that Evergrey are still more than capable of delivering bangers.

It’s time for something truly epic though with Cold Dreams, but first there’s the flatness of The Night Within. No matter, not every track can feature Katatonia’s Jonas Renkse in a vocal role where he duets with Englund. Which is exactly what we get on the great Cold Dreams. The cherry on top of this emotive and powerful track are additional guest vocals delivered by Englund’s daughter, Salina.

The penultimate track is Our Way Through Silence, and while it does have plenty of flavour to the melodies, the lack of spark this track has means Theories of Emptiness peters out. Not helped by the title-track finale, a two-minute outro that features spoken-word and ambient melody. It’s nice enough, but doesn’t feel like anything special.

Which, if I’m being mean, kind of sums up the whole record. It’s good, often very good, but that’s about it. More than enough, if I’m honest, but not enough to make me want to scream about it from the rooftops.

Evergrey – Theories of Emptiness Track Listing:

1. Falling from the Sun
2. Misfortune
3. To Become Someone Else
4. Say
5. Ghost of My Hero
6. We Are the North
7. One Heart
8. The Night Within
9. Cold Dreams (feat. Jonas Renkse, Salina Englund)
10. Our Way Through Silence
11. A Theory of Emptiness

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