Search - Evergrey :: Recreation Day

Progressive Metal Perfection

Mike | Maryland | 04/28/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Actually I take the title back, this isn't prog-metal perfection, it is perfection found in the prog-metal genre. This means that even people who usually do not like progressive music will still like this. Take nearly every reason that people do not like progressive music and throw it out the window; there is none of that to be found here. The music also shows an influence of power metal, but once again this contains none of the downsides normally associated with the genre (relentless kick-drums, lame lyrics, screeching singers). Unlike most of Evergrey's other albums, this is not a concept album. Each song holds up all by itself. Here's how they rate.



1. The Great Deceiver 10/10- Excellent song to lead off the album. Possibly my favorite Evergrey song. Probably the heaviest song on the album.

2. End of your Days 9/10- As you can guess by the title, this is one of Evergrey's trademark depressive-metal songs. Decent song, but doesn't really stick out from the rest of the songs.

3. As I Lie Here Bleeding 10/10- This song is highlighted by singer/guitarist Tom Englund's fantastic, emotional vocals. Spectacular chorus and guitar work.

4. Recreation Day 10/10- Maybe one of the greatest songs ever written. You can find everything that makes Evergrey great in this song: Strong and passionate vocals, skillful riffing, powerful and melodic guitar solos, and the keyboard used to its greatest capability without going overboard and being cheesy. This song alone is worth the price of the disc.

5. Visions 10/10- Another great song that is depressive until the guitar solo, where it unexpectedly becomes uplifting. The highlight of the song is the guitar solo in the middle.

6. I'm Sorry 9/10- An excellent rendition of a song that was originally a hit on pop radio in Sweden. Englund gets a chance to show off his vocal chops and he succeeds brilliantly.

7. Blinded 10/10- This song has my favorite chorus and riffs on the album. Of course, Englund gives a powerful vocal performance.

8. Fragmants 7/10- Englund proves that he has incredible range in this song, going from high-pitched yells to a near death-metal scream! That being said, there is no need to worry about either of the two extremes mentioned before because, as always, Englund does it successfully, and more importantly, tastefully. Excellent song is ruined by the lame gothic choir.

9. Madness Caught Another Victim 6/10- Decent song that is too short and lacks a guitar solo.

10. Your Darkest Hour 7/10- Very emotional Evergrey song (is there any other kind?). I wish they would have included a guitar solo, though.

11. Unforgiveable 7/10- I dunno, it's not that this is a bad song, it just seems an unsatifying one to end the album. A guitar solo would have been nice, too.



I know that I seem shallow for saying that songs could have been better with a guitar solo, but both Englund and fellow guitarist Henrik Danhage's emotional, melodic solos become the part that sticks in your mind for the majority of the songs. Also I must comment on the keyboardist because he is one of the few keyboardists in the genre that use their instrument to benefit the actual songs. Many keyboardists today just use their air-time to show off without adding anything to the song, but here the keyboards are used to perfection. The same goes for the guitar solos. Both guitarists never go into self-indulgant guitar solos, but still manage to convey what amazing guitarists they both are. And Tom Englund's voice; let me just say right now that there is no other voice like his in all of metal. He manages to convey emotion and power at the same time. Evergrey is one of the most promising bands in the genre and Recreation Day is by far their most accessible, but also their best. Do yourself a favor and buy it now."

Evergrey "Dealing with Death"

Matthew Jordan | Saint Joseph, IL United States | 03/28/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This album is probably going to be the best album of 2003 (well unless Nevermore can pull off better), so you know that it's special to many like myself. Lets make this clear, this is Power/Prog metal so don't exspect a guy growling the whole way thru with drummers going faster than engines. No, you will find heavy/softer metal with very deep vocals with emotion. The subject matter for most of the album is death, so tears may fall. This is the best so far that Evergrey has done, so if indeed you are trying out evergrey, Pick this one up. One more note for the fans, This Version of the album is very cool and neat. You get a book for an album cover and such. Cd comes in a page at the end of the book (no tabs to break!), and comes with more artwork and pictures from concerts in 2002 and the singer Tom writes to the fans in the book explaining the making of the album. Now onto my review of the tracks.... 1. The Great Deceiver- A great Start to the album. Being one of the heavyer tracks, your find after 2 to 3 plays, that indeed this headbanger worthy. ..90%2. End Of Your Days- A very moving Powerful song. Tom couldn't have sang it better. Perfect track! ...100% 3. As I Lie Here Bleeding- Sort of a 80's vibe here, but with decent delivery. Yet another deep song about dieing. ...95% 4. Recreation Day- I have to admit the lyrics which I read first led me to believe this song would suck. Don't bother reading the lyrics. Turn on the tune and listen! I was surprised how good this one was. ...95% 5. I'm Sorry- The first single for this album is a cover from a performer in Sweden. However This version of the song delivers quite a punch. Please just listen to it! ...95% 6. Blinded- Heavyer track. Some cool guitar work here. worth a listen. ...90% 7. Fragments- This is the first part of what I like to call "I'm Dieing Trilogy". This one has a weird doomy sound to the vocals in the chorus. Speaks of dieing and the losing of life from the point of view of the dieing. Do not be surprised when you find yourself playing this track to death! ...100% 8. Madness Caught Another Victim- This is the second part of "I'm Dieing Trilogy" as I named it. This is a very emotional Ballad about leaving the ones who they love, from the point of view from the dieing. The only flaw with this track is it's too short! (under 3 minutes). ...95% 9. Your Darkest Hour- The last part of the "I'm Dieing Trilogy" As I name it. This part speaks to the living from the dead one they are missing. I Very tender yet heavy and deep song. It will very much grow on you! ....100% 10. Unforgivable- A decent end for the album. ...90% 11. Trilogy Of The Damned (Bonus Track)- This track has the songs: "As light is our darkness", "Words mean Nothing", "The shocking truth" in a row and are only performed with Keyboard, Vocals and a little guitar. It's a treat of a bonus track which had been the bonus track to "In Search of Truth" for the japan version, but due to poparlar request was placed on this album as a bonus for those who don't like spending $40 for an extra track. ....90% If you like this album (which you will!), please also check out the following albums: Evergrey-In Search of Truth(a must have!), Nevermore- Dreaming Neon Black, Evergrey- Solitude+Dominance+Tragedy, Angeldust- Enlighten the Darkness, evergrey- The Dark Discovery(their first album, go look of bands site for info), Nevermore-Dead Heart in a Dead World, and Angeldust-Of Human Bondage.    "

Blistering and supremely confident

JeffGonsalves | Citrus Heights, CA USA | 04/03/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"If you enjoyed Evergrey's "In Search of Truth", chances are you'll cherish this CD as well. You get much of the same, taken to a higher level of aggression, with crunchy, haunting riffs, heavy tone, and some melodic, seamless solos that perfectly complement the music. Englund's vocals are excellent, walking a fine line between compassion and accusation. Whenever I hear him singing, I think of an impassioned prosecutor demanding justice for crimes against humanity in court. There's a good blend of tempos here, with power ballads, songs that could (and should) be heard on the radio, and longer suites. Every song is highly enjoyable and gives one the cold sweats if you concentrate on the lyrics and let them wash over your mind with compact fury. Evergrey is the type of unique band that seems to do no wrong, crafting superb music that leaves you panting for more."