Evergrey is a progressive metal band from Sweden founded by Tom S. Englund (guitar and vocals). They released the debut album The Dark Discovery in 1998. Englund is the only found member left as the band has been through numerous line-up changes. The Atlantic is the eleventh studio album and the third with the same line-up. It is also the third album of a concept which started with 2014's Hymns for the Broken.
The Atlantic displays Evergrey's trademarks: progressive, mid-tempo and melancholic metal. But it's a "heavier" and darker album when compared to previous releases. Take the video single "Weightless" for example, it features a heavy intro with almost djent-like guitar riffs. Overall the song is great, the melody and chorus are catchy and full of energy while still being dark. It's by far my favorite track. The album opener and first video single "A Silent Arc" likewise is a heavy track but also showcasing some mid-tempo sections during its almost 8 minutes. It's a good contrast that often comes back throughout the The Atlantic. Also the guitar solo in this song is pretty cool, melodic with just the right notes, reminds me of David Gilmour. Evergrey were also spot on selecting "Currents" as the third single, still a groovy and heavy track but with a rock vibe to it. It features this Pink Floydian guitar section at the end which is just great. There are other good tracks on the same lines, but overall it's a bit of hit and miss album. I'd expect a bit more hooks and epic moments like "Weightless". But instead many songs are slow-tempo and very depressive for my taste.
To be clear, The Atlantic is a good album from a band I respect a lot, it just could've been a bit sharper and more diverse. Like any prog album, it's a grower and I may appreciate even more with time. Luckily there are some gems to be added to their set list.
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