Vaenyr
Ancient Mariner
Torn
This is one of the few artworks in Evergrey discography that I genuinely like. Such a cool art style, but unfortunately a rarity. At least we didn't get a crying toddler again.
Broken Wings
This might be the most mid-2000s Evergrey have sounded so far. This song could be in the soundtrack of some Underworld Evolution type of movie and I wouldn't blink.
That said, I really enjoy the verse riff, especially the second half with the octave slides. The semi-spoken line in the second verse is a nice touch as well. Another thing I enjoy is how the chorus evolves, with the first one only being half as long and missing some of the harmonies that are added to the others.
The solo is simple, but the backing riff is pretty cool with the flurry of 16th notes towards the end of some of the measures. The production is pretty good overall and the bass has some nice grit to it.
The best part is the end of the final chorus transitioning to the octave slide riff from the first verse. Straightforward melodic heavy metal, 8/10.
Soaked
Prominent vocals by Tom to start this one. He sounds great, like always. The real meat of the song starts for the second verse where the guitars play a pretty catchy riff with a lot of variation.
I wonder if the chorus with the repetition of "27 years of [...]" is some kind of reference to Tom's life or if it's just an artistic choice. It is pretty catchy though. There are many parts of this song that keep getting stuck in my head.
I love the solo section and how it leads directly to the outro of the song, I just wish it didn't fade out. So unnecessary. Still, this is enough for an 8/10.
Fear
An aggressive riff to start with, to show how the first three songs all go for a very different feel and vibe. The chorus could've used a little bit of work, but it works either way.
I adore the "If I could I'd crown myself each day" part, which gets repeated later in the song to great effect.
We finally get a couple of riffs that aren't meant for verses, choruses or solos! It's just a short transition to the bridge, but I'll take it. I like how busy the guitars are during that part as well.
I'm sure if the album had more tracks like this one that its reputation within the fandom would be much better. The first 9/10 of the album.
When Kingdoms Fall
The transition from the previous track to this one is just plain weird. We get some phrygian riffing and a bit of a roller coaster with the tempo, before the song settles in a simple and subdued mid-tempo verse.
I gotta disagree with the other reviews, I've always loved the chorus of this one. Especially Tom's voice whenever he sings the final line. The second chorus, where that line leads into the fast paced instrumental section is pure hype!
Letting the rhythm guitars drop away, for the lead guitar and piano to carry the melody while the drums and bass chug along is an awesome moment.
It's obviously nothing spectacular or unique, but the way the final chorus keeps the double time rhythm of the previous section is great. Some of the vocal line variations are phenomenal as well. Another 9/10.
In Confidence
Weird intro leads into a chuggy riff, leads into a pretty awkward verse. I'm know we like to make fun of the lyrics quite often but:
When words mean nothing
Lack value and weight
All we have is nothing
What does nothing weigh?
are genuinely great lines. I also like the pre-chorus and chorus quite a bit. The rhythm guitar going crazy during the latter is always fun.
The first solo is competent but rather stock, the second with the different tempo is nice. Overall not a bad song but far from top-tier Evergrey. Guess I'll go with a 6/10.
Fail
This one never really clicked with me. There are some cool moments here and there, but the chorus is kinda awkward, the verses border on that as well. I think my issue is that the melodies for the chorus simply aren't strong enough for that type of song. That said, the instrumental section after the second chorus, while very simplistic, is genuinely nice and the highlight of the song for me.
I was ready to give this a 4/10 but I forgot how much I like the ending of the song. We needed more of the second half and less of the first. A balanced 5/10, I guess lol.
Numb
Great intro riff with some nice variations thrown in. The verse starts out kinda awkward again, the second half is better though. The chorus is pretty simple, but it works well.
The "breathe, breathe" part is pretty unique. It's a cool change of pace. The solo right afterwards feels almost like an afterthought. The ending on the other hand kinda falls apart. They kinda reprise the previous "breathe" part, but stripped it of its best parts. And we get another fade out, though on my version it's a bit weird and it doesn't fade to silence. It gets quieter and then changes to the next song. Gotta listen to the spotify version at some point to see if that's the intended behavior. Anyway, a step up from the previous song, 7/10.
Torn
I tend to give title tracks more leeway and more generous scores normally because I simply like the concept of them a lot. They're important enough to carry the album's name, they must be good songs, right? Well, this one is unfortunately rather weak.
The verse are okay I suppose. The chorus is nice (and there's a brilliant bass fill in the first one). The bass is actually one of the highlights of the song. The main acoustic riff is overused too much. It has a lovely atmosphere but we don't need to hear it between every section and as the fade out outro. I do like how Tom sings the final line though. 6/10.
Nothing Is Erased
A step up with a nice intro riff and some nice variations for the verses. The pre-chorus and chorus aren't anything unique but I like them well enough. The solos once again, while competently played, feel like after thoughts. A bit like going through a checklist. The outro is fun though. A 7/10.
Still Walk Alone
This one's a stinker. The verse is already kinda weird, but the chorus actively annoys me. One of the few Evergrey songs that I actually dislike. I guess the bridge is kinda cool. The riff for the solos sounds like Soundtrack-era In Flames. The post solo metalcore-y riff is awesome, but wasted on this song. Still a 3/10.
These Scars
I fucking adore the verse and how Tom sounds there. The way the chorus flirts with phrygian the first times around (though it's just playing with the scales) is brilliant and I particularly enjoy how the final chorus goes into a very different direction.
Carina's obviously always a welcome addition. Hey, we even get a 12/8 riff after the solo! Turns out they didn't forget how to write extended instrumental sections. We desperately needed more songs like this one, 9/10. The fade out's unnecessary though.
Caught In A Lie
This one should've been on the regular album, maybe in place of Still Walk Alone. It's pretty straightforward heavy metal/modern rock, but it fits with the rest of the album while retaining some really catchy melodies, both in the main riff and in the vocal lines. There are some parts that sound like they could've been from the next album. Kinda feels like foreshadowing.
Normally I'd criticize the subdued middle section, but considering how simplistic the other songs on the album are it's actually quite refreshing to get one song that breaks the mold, even if just a tiny bit. 9/10!
My current ranking of Evergrey songs:
1. Solitude Within
2. The Essence Of Conviction
3. At Loss For Words
4. Where All Good Sleep
5. Mark Of The Triangle
6. As I Lie Here Bleeding
7. A Touch Of Blessing
8. When Darkness Falls
9. Faith Restored
10. The Encounter
This is one of the few artworks in Evergrey discography that I genuinely like. Such a cool art style, but unfortunately a rarity. At least we didn't get a crying toddler again.
Broken Wings
This might be the most mid-2000s Evergrey have sounded so far. This song could be in the soundtrack of some Underworld Evolution type of movie and I wouldn't blink.
That said, I really enjoy the verse riff, especially the second half with the octave slides. The semi-spoken line in the second verse is a nice touch as well. Another thing I enjoy is how the chorus evolves, with the first one only being half as long and missing some of the harmonies that are added to the others.
The solo is simple, but the backing riff is pretty cool with the flurry of 16th notes towards the end of some of the measures. The production is pretty good overall and the bass has some nice grit to it.
The best part is the end of the final chorus transitioning to the octave slide riff from the first verse. Straightforward melodic heavy metal, 8/10.
Soaked
Prominent vocals by Tom to start this one. He sounds great, like always. The real meat of the song starts for the second verse where the guitars play a pretty catchy riff with a lot of variation.
I wonder if the chorus with the repetition of "27 years of [...]" is some kind of reference to Tom's life or if it's just an artistic choice. It is pretty catchy though. There are many parts of this song that keep getting stuck in my head.
I love the solo section and how it leads directly to the outro of the song, I just wish it didn't fade out. So unnecessary. Still, this is enough for an 8/10.
Fear
An aggressive riff to start with, to show how the first three songs all go for a very different feel and vibe. The chorus could've used a little bit of work, but it works either way.
I adore the "If I could I'd crown myself each day" part, which gets repeated later in the song to great effect.
We finally get a couple of riffs that aren't meant for verses, choruses or solos! It's just a short transition to the bridge, but I'll take it. I like how busy the guitars are during that part as well.
I'm sure if the album had more tracks like this one that its reputation within the fandom would be much better. The first 9/10 of the album.
When Kingdoms Fall
The transition from the previous track to this one is just plain weird. We get some phrygian riffing and a bit of a roller coaster with the tempo, before the song settles in a simple and subdued mid-tempo verse.
I gotta disagree with the other reviews, I've always loved the chorus of this one. Especially Tom's voice whenever he sings the final line. The second chorus, where that line leads into the fast paced instrumental section is pure hype!
Letting the rhythm guitars drop away, for the lead guitar and piano to carry the melody while the drums and bass chug along is an awesome moment.
It's obviously nothing spectacular or unique, but the way the final chorus keeps the double time rhythm of the previous section is great. Some of the vocal line variations are phenomenal as well. Another 9/10.
In Confidence
Weird intro leads into a chuggy riff, leads into a pretty awkward verse. I'm know we like to make fun of the lyrics quite often but:
When words mean nothing
Lack value and weight
All we have is nothing
What does nothing weigh?
are genuinely great lines. I also like the pre-chorus and chorus quite a bit. The rhythm guitar going crazy during the latter is always fun.
The first solo is competent but rather stock, the second with the different tempo is nice. Overall not a bad song but far from top-tier Evergrey. Guess I'll go with a 6/10.
Fail
This one never really clicked with me. There are some cool moments here and there, but the chorus is kinda awkward, the verses border on that as well. I think my issue is that the melodies for the chorus simply aren't strong enough for that type of song. That said, the instrumental section after the second chorus, while very simplistic, is genuinely nice and the highlight of the song for me.
I was ready to give this a 4/10 but I forgot how much I like the ending of the song. We needed more of the second half and less of the first. A balanced 5/10, I guess lol.
Numb
Great intro riff with some nice variations thrown in. The verse starts out kinda awkward again, the second half is better though. The chorus is pretty simple, but it works well.
The "breathe, breathe" part is pretty unique. It's a cool change of pace. The solo right afterwards feels almost like an afterthought. The ending on the other hand kinda falls apart. They kinda reprise the previous "breathe" part, but stripped it of its best parts. And we get another fade out, though on my version it's a bit weird and it doesn't fade to silence. It gets quieter and then changes to the next song. Gotta listen to the spotify version at some point to see if that's the intended behavior. Anyway, a step up from the previous song, 7/10.
Torn
I tend to give title tracks more leeway and more generous scores normally because I simply like the concept of them a lot. They're important enough to carry the album's name, they must be good songs, right? Well, this one is unfortunately rather weak.
The verse are okay I suppose. The chorus is nice (and there's a brilliant bass fill in the first one). The bass is actually one of the highlights of the song. The main acoustic riff is overused too much. It has a lovely atmosphere but we don't need to hear it between every section and as the fade out outro. I do like how Tom sings the final line though. 6/10.
Nothing Is Erased
A step up with a nice intro riff and some nice variations for the verses. The pre-chorus and chorus aren't anything unique but I like them well enough. The solos once again, while competently played, feel like after thoughts. A bit like going through a checklist. The outro is fun though. A 7/10.
Still Walk Alone
This one's a stinker. The verse is already kinda weird, but the chorus actively annoys me. One of the few Evergrey songs that I actually dislike. I guess the bridge is kinda cool. The riff for the solos sounds like Soundtrack-era In Flames. The post solo metalcore-y riff is awesome, but wasted on this song. Still a 3/10.
These Scars
I fucking adore the verse and how Tom sounds there. The way the chorus flirts with phrygian the first times around (though it's just playing with the scales) is brilliant and I particularly enjoy how the final chorus goes into a very different direction.
Carina's obviously always a welcome addition. Hey, we even get a 12/8 riff after the solo! Turns out they didn't forget how to write extended instrumental sections. We desperately needed more songs like this one, 9/10. The fade out's unnecessary though.
Caught In A Lie
This one should've been on the regular album, maybe in place of Still Walk Alone. It's pretty straightforward heavy metal/modern rock, but it fits with the rest of the album while retaining some really catchy melodies, both in the main riff and in the vocal lines. There are some parts that sound like they could've been from the next album. Kinda feels like foreshadowing.
Normally I'd criticize the subdued middle section, but considering how simplistic the other songs on the album are it's actually quite refreshing to get one song that breaks the mold, even if just a tiny bit. 9/10!
My current ranking of Evergrey songs:
1. Solitude Within
2. The Essence Of Conviction
3. At Loss For Words
4. Where All Good Sleep
5. Mark Of The Triangle
6. As I Lie Here Bleeding
7. A Touch Of Blessing
8. When Darkness Falls
9. Faith Restored
10. The Encounter
