THE INNER CIRCLE

In my collection this is definitively among the best conceptual symfonic-metal albums. The story is intriguing and the addings of the voice recordings of the preacher (I think I've heard Englund say that they are real) brings in an eery fee to the story l that really helps to carry the story forward and also adds a bit of suspense.

The heavy songs are mixed with a couple of softer songs/ballads. T S Englund, beeing a really nice singer does however manage to bring these songs to life and the album does never feel boring.

It is an album that I would definitively recommend to all symfonic-metal fans out there. Or to put it like this, if I lost this record I would immediatly go out and buy a new copy.

4 star Swedish conceptual metal...

So why not a five star? Well, It's a bit to straight forward and I miss some "extras" and musical happenings. In short, I miss the element of surprise and curiosity. Much like with the Marillion "Brave" album. It is perfect all the way, but never surprising.

But something tells me that in due time I will give 5 stars to an Evergrey album.