Drummer Jonas Ekdahl of Sweden's Evergrey has announced his departure from the band. He shared the following message:

"Over the last couple of years, my passion within music has gradually shifted from touring and playing live shows to the creative aspect of being in the studio: writing songs, recording, producing, and mixing. It has reached a point where I no longer find joy and excitement in touring, making it difficult to continue. It has felt like I was traveling away from something rather than toward something whenever we would go out to play. Instead, I want to dedicate my time, focus, and energy to writing, producing, and mixing. Therefore, I will no longer be performing gigs or tours as a drummer.

"It's important for me to clarify that the lack of passion for playing live is solely the reason for my decision. It wouldn't be fair to the band or to myself to continue doing something that doesn't excite me or bring me happiness.

"Equally important for me to mention is that I still hold just as much love for the guys in the band as before. They will always be like older brothers to me, having taken me under their wings since I was 17 years old. I have nothing but love and respect for them!

"It feels like I’m going out with a bang in the most positive sense. I’m so proud of what the five of us have accomplished together with ’Theories of Emptiness’. The album truly feels special in so many ways and I hope that it will translate and resonate with you guys just as much as it does to me, and, I will still be involved in Evergrey in terms of songwriting and production.

"With all this being said, we have an incredible drummer ready to take over for me in 2024, and I can't wait to hear and see him play! He's truly exceptional, and I'm sure you'll love him because behind the drums, he's a beast!

Thank you, thank you for everything! - Jonas"

Says Evergrey: "Let's wish Jonas all the best on his future endeavours! Band statement will follow soon."

Evergrey will release their new album, Theories Of Emptiness, on June 7 via Napalm Records.

Theories Of Emptiness was produced by Tom S. Englund and Jonas Ekdahl, and was mixed by Adam "Nolly" Getgood (ex-Periphery), who worked closely with the band from the start - bringing out the vividness of the album’s overall sonic profile. Rounding out the album’s production, mastering was helmed by Thomas “Plec” Johansson (Soilwork, The Night Flight Orchestra, Onslaught, The Gems, Eleine and many more).

Theories Of Emptiness follows its chart-topping and critically acclaimed predecessor, 2022’s A Heartless Portrait (The Orphean Testament), which entered charts worldwide at #3 in Sweden (Metal), ranked #5 on the Top New Artist Albums charts in the United States, entered #7 in Finland and #12 in Germany.

“For us, progression is paramount”, states Tom S. Englund when discussing the eleven track opus, Theories Of Emptiness. “We're dedicated to ensuring that our music remains innovative and avoids stagnation. With each album, we strive to introduce something new — a unique flavor, a different key or chord, fresh voices in our writing, or innovative production techniques.”

In fact, no stone has been left unturned. Tracks are created to balance each-other mutually: from the aggressive tones of “Misfortune“ contrasting the light-hearted opening of “To Become Someone Else“, to the ballad “Ghost of My Hero“ leading into the furious riffs of “We Are the North“. Album opener “Falling From The Sun” and “Say” interweave heaviness with mesmerizing keyboards and unpredictable instrumental parts, as also heard on “The Night Within“. On “Cold Dreams”, Englund’s distinctive voice is accompanied by Jonas Renkse of fellow Swedish metal icons Katatonia, splicing the song with a stellar performance that underlines another intense facet of the album. In addition, Englund’s daughter Salina provides lush backing vocals that enhance the song’s dynamics even more. Ending on a quiet note, Theories Of Emptiness depicts exactly what emptiness is about, first with the immersive “Our Way Through Silence“, and then with “A Theory of Emptiness” which, with timid piano, makes us rationalize our innermost feelings. Navigating realms of darkness and light, Theories Of Emptiness takes listeners on a carefully balanced roller coaster ride - showcasing Evergrey's ever-evolving sound in 2024 and beyond.      

Tom Englund adds: “Our new album is soon to be yours! We can’t wait for that to happen, there are so many new and refreshing elements on it as well as respect paid to every part of our past. We have just refined what we always have done and tried to make it as contemporary as we possibly could to please ourselves and our sonic expectations. With the presence of Adam ”Nolly” Getgood, we felt fired up, hungry and eager to do our utmost to ensure that we would write the best songs we possibly could - I really feel we have achieved that. Sound quality wise we feel that it is on par with the best the world has to offer today. It is a brave statement that I will stand behind for the rest of my life. Taking Evergrey into a new cycle feels just as when I did it the first time. We are more motivated than ever, and with a lot of touring to be announced very soon, we cannot wait to come and play this new music for you. Finally, we need to mention that we couldn't be prouder to announce our guest vocalist for this album. Jonas Renkse has graced Katatonia's music with his unique atmosphere for decades. Now we in the band and the fans of Evergrey get to experience the same and we couldn't be more excited! You might even get to hear Jonas growl for maybe the first time in many years… Much love, Tom”

Theories Of Emptiness will be available in the following formats:  

- Deluxe Bag incl. 1CD Digisleeve, 1CD Cardboard Sleeve with 2 Bonus Tracks, Pendant, Patch Album Artwork, Sunglasses with band logo, Artprint DIY Puzzle, all packed in exclusive cotton bag – Napalm Records Mailorder exclusive (strictly limited to 400 copies worldwide)
- 1LP Die Hard Gatefold Purple/White Splatter incl. 24pp booklet, record butler – Napalm Records Mailorder exclusive (strictly limited to 500 copies worldwide)
- 1LP Gatefold Translucent – Napalm Records Mailorder exclusive (strictly limited to 300 copies worldwide)
- 1LP Gatefold Black
- Digisleeve
- Digital Album

Pre-order here.

Theories Of Emptiness tracklisting:

"Falling From The Sun"
"Misfortune"
"To Become Someone Else"
"Say"
"Ghost Of My Hero"
"We Are The North"
"One Heart"
"The Night Within"
"Cold Dreams"
"Our Way Through Silence"
"A Theory Of Emptiness"

“Say” video:

"Falling From The Sun" video:

Evergrey are:

Tom S. Englund - Vocals, Guitar
Henrik Danhage - Guitar
Rikard Zander - Keyboard
Jonas Ekdahl - Drums
Johan Niemann - Bass

(Photo - Patric Ullaeus)