Swedish band with their fourth studio album. A five piece consisting of vocalist/guitarist Torn S Englund, bass player Michael Hakansson, guitarist Henrik Danhage, drummer Patrick Carlsson and keyboard player Rikard Zander. The album is a loose concept around death and dealing with its aftermath. ‘The Great Deceiver’ opens the album with a furious barrage of guitar and metallic vocals. ‘End of Your Days’ continues the thunderous start with its double-time drums coupled with a slower chorus. The title track is a tour de force - switching from a heavy opening, then midway the song catches you out with a piano led piece and choral like harmony vocals.

But the band can do mellow as well. There is the acoustic balladry of ‘Madness Caught Another Victim’ and the bonus track ‘Trilogy of the Damned’. The latter features just vocalist Englund putting in a haunting vocal performance with just piano backing - a worthy addition to the album.

A very intense and dark album, with plenty of heavy riffing and some lyrical content, that is often missing from many metal albums. There are a lot of progressive metal bands out there but Evergrey are one of the better ones in the crowded field.

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Review by Jason Ritchie