NORTH

This album was my introduction to German band Everon. I had read reviews of their albums before listening. The overwhelming consensus was that everyone has a hard time labeling their style of progressive music...Were they neo prog? Were they heavy prog? Were they symphonic? Metal? No one seemed to know. After getting familiar with most of their albums now, I can see how labeling this band into a specific genre is impossible. When listening to North, my first thought was Enchant but that wasn't entirely accurate...then I thought of Rush...then Sylvan...and on the 8th instrumental track, my first thought was Neal Morse with the piano sections. So it's evident that Everon has created their own brand of progressive rock that lands all across the board. This is one of the main reasons why their music does not grow stale. Then there is the actual music itself...

Oliver Philipps is the mastermind behind Everon. He is the vocals, keys, guitar and composition of the music. Some reviewers have given less than favorable reviews based on his German accent. I completely disagree. From first listen I felt his German accent only adds to the emotion in his voice and seems to fit his style of music perfectly. He is able to tone his voice down when needed but can also belt it out with power too. He has amazing range and the vocals were the first that stuck out.

The rest of the music is also outstanding. The keyboards are very present but the heavy guitar parts are the most noticeable. The songs are well constructed and have the staying power that only helps certain sections build on repeated listens. I have probably listened to this album 30 times and I am not tiring on it at all. North was my #1 pick for 2008 album of the year and have enjoyed their back catalog just as much. Not sure why Everon is not as well known in the progressive rock world, but I hope more proggers start taking notice because this is high quality music! 5 stars and one of my favorite albums in the last 10 years! Well done!