BW&BK;'s Mark Gromen has had an exclusive first-listen to EVERGREY's new album, Torn, due out via SPV on the following dates:

Germany - September 19th

Europe - September 22nd

USA/Canada - September 23rd

Here's his synopsis:

These eleven newly minded gems are a combination of classic Grey (acoustic, a cappella, piano), with a mix of Monday Morning Apocalypse (particularly ‘In Remembrance’ or ‘Obedience’). Fans will be happy to hear Torn is a return to form, albeit heavier and less dark/depressive (melancholy, Yes. Not fatalistic, nor paranoid), plus a few Guitar Hero moments enlisted. What follows is a track-by-track synopsis, complete with pertinent lyrics, when applicable.

‘Broken Wings’: electronic water droplets introduce, staccato guitar, multi-voice chorus, “I’d give anything to find a way to leave the fear and evacuate. Come reach inside my inner fear. Come feel my sorrow and my tears.”

‘Soaked’: Sporadic drum beats, synth and lone voice kick things off. “My bare feet soaked in blood as I leave you.”

‘Fear’: Heavy, guitar oriented, right from the start. Chorus begins with Englund’s voice zig-zagging from channel to channel. “If I could I’d throw myself into the flames, but I fear my heart, fear my soul. I fear I’m weak. I feel unique, I fear the cold.”

‘When Kingdoms Fall’: piano, slower and subdued except for brief interlude midway through

‘In Confidence’: Return to up tempo, with undercurrent of keyboard tinkling. Blistering guitar break

‘Fail’ jangly, ethereal acoustic intro quickly gives way (but continues underneath) to the familiar bouncy mid-paced Evergrey rhythm. Mid-section Tom’s mournful voice atop prominent piano notes. “Did you think of all the blame that you left me with? Did you think of all the guilt that I now feel? I thought I was as close as someone could ever get. I was so wrong to think that I knew you.” Ends with fleet fingered flourish atop symphonic strings.

‘Numb’: Modern, staccato start. Tom utilizing a lighter (higher?) voice. “Have you ever felt like I feel? Wounded. Never got a chance to heal. . Have you ever been through what I’ve been through? Still breathing, still breathing.”

‘Torn’ Great play on dynamics; acoustic early, buildings and ends much as it began, electric-less guitars. “Pushing my head under water, making me tired & torn. If only things were different. Never claimed to be someone I’m not. Always feared to be forgotten.”

‘Nothing Is Erased’ Similar modern take on Gothenburg sound to Dark Tranquillity, but with Englund’s soulful throat. (How does he do it smoking & drinking so much? Lemmy school of vocal care!) More guitar work as it concludes.

‘Still Walk Alone’: Heavy bottom end throughout. The most progressive tune. Another finger scorcher section!

‘These Scars’: Nice visual imagery, as well as metaphoric. Don’t want to touch scars/open wounds, nor do you want these emotional difficulties constantly reinvestigated. “Can’t hide these scars. Can’t hide these wounds.” Midway through, Tom’s wife Carina adds vocals counterpoint. Disc closes with solo symphonic strings.

The new Evergrey song 'Fail' is currently streaming on BW&BK;'s KnuckleTracks Audio Player - head to the left-hand-side of BraveWords.com to listen.

Mark's rating: 8.5/10