THE INNER CIRCLE

There are two kinds of people in this world. Evergrey Fans and those who have never heard them. If you are of the former group, don't worry The Inner Circle is another five star album in the string of five star albums. For the latter group, read on.

Sweden's Masters of Morose Metal are back again. The Inner Circle's is hot off the press and be assured, it's at least as good if not better than their best, which of course is better than anything else around. Evergrey's fifth album is another concept album. This time we hear the story of a impressionable member of an esoteric cult called The Inner Circle

Although I think this is a fantastic album, I don't really think the music is that much different from previous albums. It's still the same Evergrey sound even though the current lineup is entirely new from the second album, excepting the brilliant singer/guitarist/songwriter Tom Englund but I do think Evergrey has matured in it's approach to the music. The arrangements are now more complex and items that were only hinted at in previous releases are featured in The Inner Circle. Orchestration, background vocals and choirs, items that teased us in previous releases, are now integrally featured for a bigger more impressive sound.

I suppose comparisons to Queensryche and their fabulous 1988 album Operation Mincrime are inevitable. After all it is the standard to which all concept albums are measured and it too was about a cult.

So how does it compare? It's close, very close but I'm not going to judge. You be the judge!

Authors Note: I am so pleased to see Evergrey receiving so much love with all these five star reviews. Just goes to show you that the creamevenually does rise to the top.

It must have been a heavy mission for EVERGREY to match the previous album 'Recreation Day'. That one was nominated as best metal album of 2003 for the Swedish Grammy. If there is any band that claims the throne position of DREAM THEATER it has to be EVERGREY! "A Touch Of Blessing" opens with A PERFECT CIRCLE/TOOL alike intro, vocals are emotional and yet thoughtful. Later, a certain SAVATAGE atmosphere pops up, heavy riffs and melodic guitar parts; that's the recipe of this first song, in part familiar, in part progressive. 'Ambassador' is an extra-ordinary heavy track with a kind of METALLICA riff in the beginning, but keyboards, dark vocals and choirs give it an unconditional EVERGREY touch. In the middle of a proper heavy instrumentation we can hear a female soul vocalist in 'In the Wake of the Weary'. In 'Harmless Wishes' Tom S. Englund shows us his pant out voice, flanked by guitars and bombastic orchestration all over. I can't help thinking that EVERGREY sounds less Swedish than ever, the music is quiet sophisticated; a thesis that's confirmed by them touring with ICED EARTH in the States. We've also have some precative slows, soulful and cautiously enriched by a fragile (guitar) solo. Maybe a bit too smooth, that's why I talked about this American feeling.

The star of EVERGREY is rising however, and I can only applaud this when I take the energetic progressive metal of 'More Than Ever' and 'The Essence of Conviction' into consideration. Heavy and rigorous but with just enough accessible parts to get more worldwide success, and they deserve it! For EVERGREY still has that social awareness; just have a listen to the prompt deep-mouthed words of declamation in 'The Essence of Conviction', flowing smoothly into an unctuous (guitar) solo. This item can also be found in the slow 'Faith Restored' when acoustic guitars are accompanied by a proper excited Englund and all the grieves of the world are proclaimed. 'Where all Good Sleep' and 'When the Walls go down' are so full of inner rage that it almost becomes too delicate to listen to. In brief EVERGREY is a guarantee for excellent progressive metal with a distinct opinion while on the other hand the band leans towards the American market in his musical aspects. Yet this is so overwhelming that I'd like to say this is a superb release.

>>> Review by: Vera "Gothica" (9/10) <<<

EVERGREY is a band that improves tremendously with each album they record. "The Inner Circle" is their latest epic masterpiece. The lyrical content of this grand album centers on the control of people, focusing on religious rhetoric, which actually sounds like an evangelist straight from the TV set telling you that you will burn in hell and the devil wants you in his kingdom... blah, blah, blah. In between powerful sweeping metal music, the story unfolds and captures your imagination and awakens all of your senses, thoughts and ideas revolving around the church, religion and politics. It all seems to tie in together with the latest developments of the church in the courtrooms defending their sick child molesting men of the cloth, therefore making the word of God and church nothing but a mockery and a lie.

Tom Englund gives an outstanding performance vocally, living out the parts, making them real for the listener. He plays out the concept vocally to perfection, giving you the true feeling and emotion behind all of the power packed lyrics. It's like a real life situation that comes to life inside the music. Oh yes, the music! Does it ever rock! This band is on a roll now, recording some of the best metal available in the world today, without question. I like to call it progressive metal, but the term progressive seems to make people shy away, particularly those that are the true hardcore metal heads. I am actually referring more to the progression the band is making with each subsequent recording, not the traces of prog-rock within their sound (mostly the way the keyboards interplay with the guitar). Make no mistake about it though; this is heavy, dark and hard rockin' music.

EVERGREY's musicianship is clearly beyond reproach as Rikard Zander (keyboards), Michael Hakansson (bass), Jonas Ekdahl (drums), Tom S. Englund (vocals/guitars) and Henrik Danhage (guitars) are a high-energy group that attacks the music with unyielding passion. The dark and ominous atmosphere coupled with the political and spiritual aspects make you rethink life itself and why man lets religion and politics get in the way of our true nature. "The Inner Circle" gives you all of that cranked up a few notches on the decibel scale for maximum impact.

I have listened to this album countless times now and I can tell you it only gets better with each listen, it's that good, and no doubt one of the top metal albums of 2004.

This is an album which takes a little more time to settle than your usual prog metal album. It's about cults and how people get seduced by spiritual leaders and get drawn into something which they can't control anymore. In the liner notes the band even cautions the listener about the seriousness of the music ... and it really is quite intense and emotional.

Much of the intensity has to be credited to their singer, who does a tremendous job. The vocals are not for everyone though, they remind some people of 80s hair metal bands, which is a connection that I can't reproduce at all. Composition and musicianship is excellent throughout, as is the production and sound. I rate this album 4.5 stars, and it is heavily recommended to fans of Pain of Salvation or Riverside. Evergrey have a heavier sound than those bands though.

Evergrey had a lot to live up to after their last album, the wonderful Recreation Day. Tom S. Englund and Co. responded with their greatest work to date. The Inner Circle follows the story of a man who is lured into a cult and is soon disillusioned by the rituals and extremism of its members. Lyrically, this is a great concept album that is on par with the songwriting on The Human Equation and Operation Mindcrime. Musically, however, it isn't very strong.

The drums are predicatble and add nothing to the music. Jonas did very little that stood out from the band. The guitar rythms are impeccable, but the solos are a bit bland. Tom's vocals are the most important instrument on this album, as they move the story as much as the rythm guitars do. The orchestration, however, really redeems the lackluster performances with some of the best arrangements I've heard on a metal album.

Touch of Blessing, Harmless Wishes, Essence of Conviction, and the closing instrumental When the Walls Go Down are the highlights of the album. They all feature great vocals (except of course the instrumental) and the best musicianship on the disc. There are not any truly weak songs on the album, but the non-highlights all have weak moments.

This is Evergrey's best album lyrically, but it's straightforward sound can be a bit off- putting to proggies. The album is truly haunting and, as the liner notes say, you will not feel happy after you listen to it. The story is never uplifting; this is truly morose metal at its finest. If you are like me and enjoy the dark things in life, this album is perfect for you.

Grade: B

The band deals with the subject of people who are in cults or religious groups who feel they are part of "The Inner Circle". Thus they give these powerful, deceptive leaders their money, time and themselves as they fall under their influence. One major complaint I have with such a serious subject are the pictures in the liner notes of the band partying, and doing what I feel are inappropriate things for the concept they present. Now if this was a live record or if they were dealing with a frivilous subject then I don't really care what pictures they present. It just doesn't seem right to me to be so dramatic and emotional about this and have so many samples of these "evil" religious men ranting, and then to have pictures of the band all loaded up and acting stupid.

"A Touch Of Blessings" builds to pounding drums and aggressive vocals.The guitar solos are tasteful and incredible especially around 4 minutes with background synths."Ambassador" has lots of beautiful guitar solos and angy,passionate vocals."In The Wake Of The Weary" features more drumming that I find annoying and some female vocals. "Harmless Wishes" has some orchestration and choir and the vocals go from being reserved to intense. Nice solo 3 minutes in.

"Waking Up Blind" is a mellow song about breaking free from the inner circle. "More Than Ever" is a heavy tune with riffs to open."The Essence Of Conviction" is a fairly intricate song with a monologue. "Where All Good Sleep" features riffs and keys as vocals come in with some layered backing vocals. "Faith Restored" is a mellow, emotional song. "When The Walls Come Down" is an instrumental with lots of religious ranting. The song actually builds right to the end which is cool.

This is way down in my list of favourite Metal albums, there is no question this is good and I love the guitar solos on this record but it's not essential by any means.

Another outstanding release from the black-haired Swedes, with a sound that continues the band's forward thinking song-writing and playing, this time using the absurdity (and tragic reality) of cults as a theme for their dark textures and unrelenting riffing. "Inner Circle" is a step in the right direction, at least from a progressive standpoint, because it features several new elements to the band's already stellar sound: appropriate voice-overs, improved playing from the rhythm section, and quality ballads, all sandwiched between their usual staple of excellent metal.

"Inner Circle" is conceptually more sound than Evergrey's prior releases as well, and utilizes a strong narrative to tell its story, blending Englund's always great vocals with some eerie voice-overs. All in all, this is Evergrey's most disturbing album yet, and the difficult themes are presented in a mature-- gut-wrenching manner... great stuff! As a side note after reading through the liner- notes, I have greatly increased appreciation for the unapologetic statements of Englund (who, euphemistically, doesn't appear to care for religion).

Solid metal which will please new comers and fans alike.

Songwriting: 4 Instrumental Performances: 4 Lyrics/Vocals: 4 Style/Emotion/Replay: 4

Excellent album... Not really progressive, but a good act of power metal with some complex passages.

If you are searching for a band in the vein of Dream Theater of Symphony X, you are in the wrong way here... This is the only Evergrey's album I've heard, and maybe their previous albums were more progressive... And although this album is far from the true progressive metal, I must hear more music from this people. Because "The Inner Circle" is excellent... The dark vein they give to their power metal makes it very personal, with the help of the powerful and sensitive voice of Tom S. Englund, a great songwriter and singer.

It's also difficult to choose a song here... The album can be heared in its integrity without any problem. In The Wake of the Weary, A Touch of Blessing, Harmless Wishes, More than Ever, Faith Restored... This album is plenty of good tracks. Maybe the concept isn't too clear, it's a little dim, not too well developed... But that's not very important. The quality of the music makes you forget the weak idea of the concept...

Conclusion: if you like dark metal in the vein of Pain of Salvation or Wolverine, but more power oriented and not so progressive... This is your album. It really deserves a good listening.

My rating: ***1/2

Well it just gets worse and worse. With the Inner Circle Evergrey almost complete the transformation from a good prog/ Metal band with great thrashy riffs to a simple heavy metal band.

I´m really trying not to turn this one off, as I am bored out of my mind. It´s not bad, but it really is boring and repetitive. Where did all those great riffs go ? When did Tom S. Englund grow so mature that he got to be this sensitive ? I really urge you to listen to Solitude + Dominance + Tragedy and In Search of Truth instead of this. The only song I kind of remember is Ambassador which has a great memorable riff which reminds me of Solitude + Dominance + Tragedy. There are a few other places on the album that Evergrey play some acceptable riffs, but it´s so seldom that I don´t even remember where.

The production is again in the organic style metal, which I find uninspiring.

I won´t say anything more, as you can clearly sense my disapointment with this band.

I'm afraid I have to admit this is one of those albums you like almost immediately after you get to know it but after some time and about 20 spins you have heard the best of it. That period was about 2 years ago, it was a period in which I bought 6 of their albums and on top of that even a DVD. After working them all through I was really into Evergrey and considered them one of the best in prog metal. I think they actually still are of course but it's like having read the book and then that's it.

Point is I still have to do all of the reviews so I play them all over again and see what is left of the good feeling there once was. I think this album is my favourite of all, it had a pretty big impact on me two years ago so it can't be bad. I will do a "song by song with short comment" kind of review:

1. A Touch of Blessing. Great song with interesting build up in the beginning. One of my fav's. 3,75*

2. Ambassador. Another classic for the fans which was evident on the DVD. 3,5*

3. In the Wake of the Weary. Good song with nice orchestral contribution. 3,5*

4. Harmless Wishes. Average song compared to the others. 3,25*

5. Waking up Blind. One of the 2 ballads of the album. The lesser of the two. 3,0*

6. More than ever. One of those great live rockers. 3,5*

7. The Essence of Conviction. A long one for their standard with variation. 3,75*

8. Where all Good sleep. Anothe more average track though still nice. 3,5*

9. Faith Restored. The better ballad of the two. 3,5*

10. When the walls go down. Best song for last. Impressive and original though not everyone's fav I think. 4,0*

So that's a narrow escape for the 4 stars. It would have been an easy 4 star case 2 years ago, no doubt.

Evergrey play it safe on their 5th album. The Inner Circle brings a polished version of their trademark dark melodic power metal. The overindulgent bombast of the preceding Recreation Day is tuned down a bit, but not enough to recreate the pure agony of their masterpieces Solitude Dominance Tragedy and In Search Of Truth.

The main problem is with the songwriting which is far from consistent. While taking a tremendous start with A Touch of Blessing and Ambassador, the remainder of the album is anonymous and faceless at best, but rather annoying at other times. The Essence of Conviction and Where All Good Sleep are cheap FM-tunes, over-arranged with symphonic keyboards and hallow metal pathos. The closing track When The Walls Go Down gets a bit exciting near the end but it's not enough.

The Inner Circle is a mostly average album with 2 outstanding tracks and 2 very weak ones. Hardly 3 stars.

Fifth release in shoer amount of time, I guess in only 6-7 years since they formed, The inner circle from 2004 is another worthy album from their catalogue, but as I said before not an album reaches the beauty of In search for truth. From previous album Recreation day they become more and more a power metal band with prog metal leanings not vice versa as they were on first 3 albums, and this is their last solid album, after this they quite forgert to writte great prog metal music, at least for my ears. The inner circle has some very catchy dark gloomy arrangements, solid musicianship and some ok vocal parts. Ambassador is a killer piece where they still shine, great riffs and solos, another worthy one is The Essence Of Conviction, the rest are more or less good towards great, but nothing is special here. I prefere thier first phase when they were more prog metal and less power metal, still enjoyble for sure. 3 stars maybe rounded in places with 3.5 stars.

Evergrey are one of those bands who do their level best to defy comparisons with others. They are more to the metal end of the prog metal genre than their contemporaries, and the result is a type of music that is extremely loud and heavy while maintaining the melody and invention of the genre. When they decide that they are going to crank it up and belt it out there are few bands that stay the pace ? listen to sections of some of their songs and without the keyboards it could almost be Machine Head. This is a concept album, and to get across the themes singer Tom S. Englund uses different vocal styles, differentiating the characters.

This is an extremely intense album, one that has to be played loud and proud ? this is not a subject matter or music that can be pushed into the background. The concept is about religion and what fanatics can do with it. The t-shirts for the tour are apparently going to say "I am my own God, God walking". There is something here for every rock fan, whatever your particular genre, as long as you like your music heavy. There is room for contrasts, light and shade, but the power of the album is always there in your face. This has to be one of the best albums from Sweden, ever.

Originally appeared in Feedback #79, June 2004

After the slightly shaky Recreation Day, Evergrey firmed up their sound again with The Inner Circle. Once again it's a concept album, this time based around the thin line between conventional religious practices and cultish manipulation, and how sects which theologically try to wall off their followers from the outside world can create an environment in which all sorts of abuses can take place.

The idea offers some obvious thematic connections with In Search of Truth - in the sense that both concepts revolve around conspiracies that cover for abusive actions, although where the former is fantastical and unlikely, the latter is unfortunately an all too real phenomenon, as illustrated by incidents like the conviction of Warren Jeffs. Likewise, whereas In Search of Truth had spoken word bits from the point of view of an abductee, here we have various spoken word extracts from the sermons of various religious leaders, some of whom seem overcome with grief.

So, structurally then what we are dealing with is an album which feels a lot like a sequel to In Search of Truth, and musically we're in the same general area too. On the whole, I think it's no embarrassment to its predecessor, and is certainly a better followup than Recreation Day, but I don't think it's quite on the same level - say, about a half-star difference between them.