Sweden encompasses some of the most amazing rock and metal bands that exist. I don’t know what it is about that country that oozes talent, but it has continually made me consider moving there. Evergrey is one of these bands. Album after album somehow gets better and better, and their newest album, Theories of Emptiness, is the best one yet. There is so much heart and soul, emotions, and incredible instrumentation, it is easy to get lost in.
Evergrey formed in 1993 and quickly made a name for themselves in the progressive metal world. They are: Tom S. Englund (vocals, guitar), Henrik Danhage (guitar), Rikard Zander (keyboard), Jonas Ekdahl (drums), and Johan Riemann (bass). Theories of Emptiness is their fourteenth studio album and will be released on June 7th, 2024 through Napalm Records. The album begins with the insanely catchy, “Falling From the Sun”, which also has some of the most beautiful lyrics. Englund is known for not only his powerful vocals, but his lyrical geniuses. The musicianship is full and emotion driven. There is some magnificent guitar work sprinkled throughout, along with memorable bass and drum pieces. I really enjoy, “We Are the North”, with its heavy riffs and harsh screams mixed in. I am also a big fan of, “Cold Dreams”, for many reasons, but one is the breathtaking vocal harmonizations between Englund and Jonas Renkse of Katatonia. They really sound ethereal together and I hope to hear more collaborations in the future. The album ends with title track, “A Theory of Emptiness” which is a bewitching piano melody with spoken word in the background.
Henrik was kind enough to sit down with Metal Nation and discuss this album. (If you are viewing from your phone, scroll to the end of the page and click on “View Desktop Version” to gain interview and video access).