Evergrey’s dose of hope: Hymns For The Broken

Photo courtesy of AFM Records

Review by Joe Crollard

Evergrey, a progressive metal band from Gothenburg, Sweden, released their latest album, “Hymns for the Broken” on Sept. 30, 2014.
Formed in 1995, they survived various lineup changes and even a breakup, “Hymns For The Broken” is perhaps the most musically innovative album in Evergrey’s collection.
Although the band has always been known for its darker lyrics and themes, ranging from subjects of child abuse, religion, suicide and other darker aspects of life, the latest release, while still exploring those experiences, offers a refreshing dose of hope.
Starting with a brief intro entitled “The Awakening”, “Hymns” begins poetically with spoken vocals overlaying a dramatic instrumental that bleeds into their first lead single, “King of Errors”.
With Tom Englund on vocals and guitar, Rikard Zander on keyboard, Johan Niemann on bass, Henrik Danhage on guitar, and Jonas Ekdahl on drums,  “King of Errors” introduces the listener to the dark yet hopeful vibe that flows through this album.
“They call us kings, then watch us fall down broken. Lost right to the throne. They crown the king of errors,” Englund passionately sings through a soaring, intense chorus, immediately grabbing the listener. The song breaks into a softer, almost intimate moment during the bridge, only to return to intensity by the end.
“King of Errors” is also accompanied by an epic black and white music video, filled with stunning visuals and dramatic camera angles; panning across desolate landscapes, vast forests, streams, and oceans; following Englund as he determinedly pushes through these relentless conditions while carrying a flag marked with the words “From Solitude to Multitude”; a symbolic reference to the underlying theme and message of the album.
The video then cuts away to scenes of the band performing on top of an enormous shipyard crane, several hundred feet above water.
“Hymns” continues with “A New Dawn”, bringing things down a bit and easing the listener into the musical journey they’re about to take.  The song continues lyrically where King of Errors left off and shifts through different changes in melody and atmosphere, complete with a guitar solo and an almost dream-like piano breakdown that shows just how diverse this band can be.
Then comes “Wake a Change,” a softer track that lyrically delves further into the theme of acknowledging the darkness in your life yet still knowing you can come out victorious; that you can make a change.
Perhaps the most noteworthy track is “Archaic Rage”. The track begins with a piano melody underneath a heavy guitar riff creating a sound that feels almost orchestral. Englund begins with painful but determined vocals, expressing that that deep down inside we all know who we truly are, despite how some may see us.
This is the song that really sets the major theme of the album; the idea of perseverance, the will to fight, and the fact that no one is alone. During the breakdown, this is emphasized lyrically, as a voice states “there are thousand of people just like you and me, who will never let you walk this path alone”.
“Barricades” begins with a heavy guitar riff that slows down to almost ballad territory.
“Do you ever think it’s over? That we already lost?” England questions as the song progresses through various emotions and musical alterations. It also features one of the catchiest metal choruses – and of course a complex guitar solo. The end again signifies the point of the album, that despite the struggles we may face, we will fight until our barricades fall.
Next up is “Black Undertow” which is possibly the most powerful song on the album.
As with most tracks on “Hymns”, the mood fluctuates, beginning with a haunting, almost goth-esque intro, then shifting between heavy and softer moments.
What really makes this song special though, is not only the desperation and power in the vocals, but how impressive Englund’s vocal range actually is. We even hear a few falsetto notes in the chorus.
“The Fire” is next on this, and combines a mix aggressive guitars, pounding drums, and synth. It also features vocals from Englund’s wife, adding something different to the mix.
The title track, “Hymns For The Broken” is another huge standout.  The powerful chorus, “Reach out, show me how you feel the same. Scream loud, these hymns are for the broken,” says everything. The pain and perseverance in the vocals bleed through each note, making it easy to feel what the singer is trying to convey.  This is perhaps the best and most emotional track on the album.
Taking a drastic shift, “Missing You” is a somber piano ballad. It’s a nice calming break, but only for a moment.
“The Grand Collapse” returns the album to a much heavier sound, with an in your face bass-line, crushing guitars, pounding drum beats, layered on top of symphonic elements.
Lastly, “The Aftermath” concludes “Hymns for the Broken” on a much softer and eerie note, fading away to a final end that leaves the listener with perhaps the most haunting, poetic and reflective lyrics of the album.

Photo courtesy of AFM Records
Photo courtesy of AFM Records

In every aspect, “Hymns” is an amazing album. Though for me, the lyrics are a huge part of what kept me captivated. While it does touch upon the darker sides of life, especially in terms of being an outcast or simply broken, it isn’t about dwelling on those things. Instead, it’s about surviving them. Or at least having hope, which is so refreshing for a metal album.
Furthermore, the musical talent involved is beyond what one would expect from many modern day bands.  Instead of just screaming and shouting, Englund utilizes his vocal abilities to the fullest extent. Beyond that, the music itself is carefully crafted, filled with intricate harmonies, sharp hooks, soaring choruses, and real emotion.
Overall, what really sets “Hymns for the Broken” apart is that isn’t an album full of simple variations of the same thing over and over.  It’s dynamic. Atmospheric. Adventurous. It takes the listener on a journey. Whether you’re a hardcore fan of the metal genre, or simply appreciate good, well-written music, I’d highly suggest giving this album a listen.