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Evergrey - Hymns For The Broken review



Reviewer:
8.0

306 users:
8.26
Band: Evergrey
Album: Hymns For The Broken
Release date: September 2014


Disc I
01. The Awakening
02. King Of Errors
03. A New Dawn
04. Wake A Change
05. Archaic Rage
06. Barricades
07. Black Undertow
08. The Fire
09. Hymns For The Broken
10. Missing You
11. The Grand Collapse
12. The Aftermath

Disc II [Limited Edition bonus]
01. Hymns For The Broken [piano version]
02. Barricades [piano version]
03. These Scars [piano version]

As a band seemingly at the brink of defeat and dissolution, Evergrey have returned with surprising resolve on their latest record, and, with themes of revolution in mind, Hymns For The Broken resounds with renewed inspiration and restored integrity.

Englund provides a unifying lead performance in this effort, which could very well have never seen the light of day, as the possibility of the band's ultimate break-up seemed all the more likely as time wore on. This commendable return to form is centred on granting the front man's vocal delivery all the instrumental support it can give, once again founded in the reunited and original rhythm section with which the band had created its renown within progressive metal, ever harnessing the gratifying hooks of power metal.

The inspiration found in these tracks isn't of the particularly complex nature that the band held in its song written prime, but of a clear and focused expression receiving a vocal emphasis that connects the album title to the music in captivating effectiveness and compelling conviction. It's the band's most triumphantly anthemic record which finds piano arrangements and theme tied sound effects well suited and utilised within the decidedly power metal driven song structures. The progressive nature and more complex presentation here recedes in what is a deliverance of a more upfront and uplifting evocation of an element that has always motivated their accessible direction. Tracks such as "The Fire" ignite the proceedings with a directly engaging and excellently produced impact, the polish of prior records finding the material here much more deserving. While still retaining their characteristic sense of dark mood, there is a noticeable change of pace and feeling in this record, which perfectly suits the return to form that the album represents as the song writing meets the standard set in what is excellent musicianship. The balance has been welcomely restored.

One need only look at the album cover for an appropriate picture of the memorable metal dynamism at play; the music is visually adorned with raised hands and resolved spirit. Listen to the impassioned lyrics and fervent energies of a band breaking free from a continual studio recording slump that has left them well below the bar set at their creative peak at the turn of the millennium. The progressive tendency for a binding thematic concept continues to be a distinguishing feature for the band, and is here amply backed by a power generated sound that projects their newer ambitions most effectively, certainly so in comparison to the lack of focus and unrealised potential in preceding albums since Monday Morning Apocalypse.

Snatching such a victory from the threat of defeat is quite an achievement in itself, and Evergrey have demonstrated that they are far from a broken band, as they've bounced back to form in an obviously inspired record.


Rating breakdown
Performance: 10
Songwriting: 8
Originality: 7
Production: 9





Written on 26.10.2014 by R'Vannith enjoys music, he's hoping you do too.


Comments

Comments: 5   Visited by: 98 users
29.10.2014 - 23:43
Rating: 7
tea[m]ster
Au Pays Natal
Always liked these guys. Good prog metal. I've heard nothing but great things about this album - and your review confirms it. I need to listen to this ASAP. Thanks for the review R' !
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rekt
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16.12.2014 - 06:05
Rating: 9
Susan
Smeghead
Yes, thank you for pointing out the cover art and correlation to the music. It really made me think about the album title as well. Both together could be taken as an admitted "last ditch effort" from the band. They know they're "broken" and possibly defeated but are still going to make some music because dammit, that's what they do.

And it's BEAUTIFUL. I mean, this album is as beautiful a Recreate Day. And that is something I never thought I'd say.

In my heart, all hope was lost for this talented band. My incredible memories and emotions were tucked away for safe keeping; protected from the newer music. While Torn wasn't complete shit, Recreation Day was certainly the last album that was one special, cohesive album worth hearing from start to finish (as were the previous albums) and truly experiencing. You could easily fall in love with the uniqueness of this band's first few albums.

Whether "they're back" or they re-discovered the flame just as it was dying for good, this album is an unexpected gift to the illicit lover of emotional music. I just hope it's not a good-bye gift.
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"A life all mine
Is what I choose
At the end of my days"
--The Gathering "A Life All Mine" from Souvenirs
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07.02.2015 - 16:29
Rating: 9
BlankFile

Really awsome release, with some memorable tracks like "King of Errors", "A New Dawn", "The Fire" or "Missing You".

The best one since "The Inner Circle". Absolutely amazing.
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25.07.2015 - 19:56
Metalsoul

It is good that Jonas came back to the band as Hannes has joined Sabaton. They are both great drummers (seen them both life) though Jonas is the one with whom they created their first darker albums, like "The Dark Discovery", "Solitude, Dominance, Tragedy", "In search of truth" which I like prerry much. "Glorious collision" is actually the one that I really don't like and that album was created with Hannes as a drummer. Not that it's his fault, but Jonas' impact on their work is according me quite sensible. His influence on the songs is as visible as it could be, because this album comes closer to the ones from the earlier years. That's what makes it much better than "Glorious collision" and still I think if it was heavier, it would have been much better. They somehow changed a bit their style after "Monday morning apocalypse" and maybe that's a reason to lose some fans, but still I find them a good band to be seen live too.
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26.06.2021 - 12:23
jeffster69

Great album, my favorite with in search of truth and the storm within. each time i listen to this album i see correlations with queensryche's operation mind crime. Not to say that they are equivalent but it sometimes sounds like it to my ears.
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