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The City That Never Sleeps put everyone to bed early, September 3rd, with an Evergrey headlining show at the Marlin Room in Webster Hall that ended before 10pm (to make room for a late-night dance party). People had trouble getting into the city, as the trio of opening bands played to an about half-empty venue, which filled in time for the Swedes.bTonight's guest list was scrawled on a Buffalo Wild Wings take-out menu, so at least the guys are getting "something" to eat on the road!

Following “The Awakening” intro, the amazing “King Of Errors” was the first proper song, the crowd pushed against the barricade-less stage recognizing the newbie right away. Good to see frizzy-haired guitarist Henrik Danhage to the left of mainman/singer Tom Englund once more. He was all business, throwing himself into the performance with wild facial expressions and determination, headbanging alongside his guitar partner. The tall, husky voiced Englund was soon covered in sweat, his string black mane plastered to his face, when not flying skyward with each head bob. His vocals switch from somber, almost spoken, to forceful with such easy, as on “Leave It Behind Us”, a strobe flashing “The Fire” and the synthesizer begun “Solitude Within”. 

The set was skewed towards older material, highlighted by the mournful “Black Undertow”, a crowd sing- along “Blinded” and “Recreation Day”, which was saved for the encore. In reacquainting myself with the back catalog, quickly re-discovered what an emotive live act Evergrey is, and that long drought in experiencing a concert fix was a jones that needs frequent attention. If you get the opportunity, on this short US jaunt, don't miss 'em.