Customer Reviews

Torn

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

When the words dark, melodic, metal are used there are a few bands that rise up to the top of the list and with the release of "Torn", Evergrey , once again fails to disappoint. Having taken a slight but astounding departure in production and sound with the prior release Monday Morning Apocalypse, one would think it might be a difficult task to outdo that impressive cd. However, Englund proves that theory wrong by not only vocally delivering each lyric with on the spot energy and passion but turning the knobs with drummer Jonas Ekdahl and self producing "Torn". The result--for the tried and true Evergrey fan you'll find comfort in the similarities to seminal releases like "Search of Truth" and "Recreation Day" but don't expect a rehash. Evergrey continues to evolve with each cd, managing to forego that pit so many other metal bands fall into--formula. With the new addition of bassist Jari Kainulainen, the overall backbone sound of Jari and Jonas has a bit of an innovative feel to it--it's easy to recognize that Kainulainen has no problems playing in the pocket and flavors "Torn" with his own signature sound. As is to be expected by Evergrey, there are no fillers, each track is a standout, with "Soaked", "Still Walk Alone" and "These Scars" being standouts. If "this" is what being torn feels like, grab a seam ripper asap because "Torn" is at the end of 11 tracks what metal/prog should aspire to be.
Kim- Maximumetal.com, allaccessmagazine.com

Since I was first introduced to Evergrey's totally unique brand of dark progressive metal with 2001's In Search of Truth, I've anticipated each new Evergrey release about as eagerly as I would a new Dream Theater album. I've only once been (mildly) disappointed with a new Evergrey album, but since that happened with the band's previous effort - 2006's Monday Morning Apocalypse - I was a bit apprehensive about hearing 2008's Torn for the first time.

That apprehension lasted roughly 30 seconds. From the very first moments of album opener Broken Wings, it was clear that the band is back in their element. Torn is the logical follow up to Recreation Day. It's not as singularly focused as the epic (and utterly brilliant) Inner Circle, nor is it as unfocused as Monday Morning Apocalypse. Rather, it sounds like the band made a real effort to regroup after label and lineup changes and come up with a collection of songs that accurately reflect what the band is all about. I think Recreation Day did that perfectly, and so does Torn. All of Evergrey's power, intensity, darkness, technicality, passion, soul and emotion are perfectly represented here. It's the kind of album you'd hand to someone unfamiliar with the band to make them a fan for life.

Anyone less than thrilled with Monday Morning Apocalypse (and to be fair, that's an album that definitely grew on me) should find Torn a welcome return to form. It's also a powerful reminder why there is no other band on the planet quite like Evergrey. I'm giving Torn a full 5-star rating. It's not quite as impressive as The Inner Circle, but it's still an amazing release.

NOTE: Early versions of Torn come housed in a neat digipack (though not as nice as the InsideOut digipack versions of Recreation Day and The Inner Circle) and include the bonus studio song Caught In a Lie. This is actually one of the album's better songs, and makes for a very effective closing track, so if at all possible you should try to get this version of the album.

in 2006 Evergrey released a album called "monday morning apocalipse", and for the first time Evergrey Dissapointed me. What i found on that album were repetitive song structures, and very listener friendly arrangements. There was a handful of good songs, but not enough...

Now Evergrey Return in 2008 with their new album "torn", and im happy to say Evergrey are back! This is perhaps one of Evergrey's best albums yet. It's like all their eairlyer albums mixed in one, but heavier, and Darker. The songwriting is back to the strong dramatic quality of Evergrey. This album is also more progressive than all their eairlyer albums. The guitar playing is at its best, and the Vocals are amazing. I expecally love the lyrics on this album. They are lyrics are the kind you can truely relate to. My only real complaint is the Production of this album. The production seems compressed, and the highs are too low. it just seems a bit muddy. That's a disappointment because evergrey always had great production to their albums.
other than that i could not be happyer!

one of the best metal albums of 2008 don't pass it up!

songs on Torn blend power and progressive metal with a lot of melody. The riffs are heavy, and the keyboards are utilized very effectively, injecting atmosphere and mood without being too obstrusive or distracting. Tom S. Englund has a distinctive voice. He sings with a lot of emotion and really sells the lyrics. He also has a good amount of power and range.

he Good
"Broken Wings" is dominated by meaty riffs and throaty melodic vocals. "Fear" barrels down the tracks at break-neck speed courtesy of driving drum beats and chugga-chugga riffs. The chorus brings the emotional level to a peak. "When Kingdoms Fall" takes a darker turn but keeps things heavy and melodic. "Fail" is just as heavy as it is thought-provoking. The mix of rhythmic flow adds great texture to the track. The album's title track is probably the closest your going to get to a ballad from Evergrey. Vocalist Tom Englund gives a defining vocal performance here. The chorus section beings in all the energy.

The Bad
Would have like a little more diversity

The Verdict
The group is certainly a metal force to reckon with. Torn is both a dark and powerful heavy metal statement.

The cd is a continuation of the bands progress. If you love the band and appreciate progress you will not be disappointed. Evergrey is a little known secret to many that should be kept secret no more.

The mighty Evergrey is back...& it feels like such a long time coming but it was worth the wait! So far with these guys 10 years on the scene they have released one great album after the next & have yet to disappoint loyal followers! With 'Torn' I could easily say that Evergrey is progressing in the direction it has been since 'Recreation Day' but there is also a touch of the old Evergrey sound in this one as well. In other words it's what you would expect of this brilliant band & more! Power/progressive fans SHOULDN'T miss out on this one...this just might be the best Evergrey album yet!

This is a really good album. The music is heavy with melodic vocals. The production is top notch. This has to be one of their best albums to date. If you like heavy music with a singer that can actually sing, this album is for you.

I own almost every Evergrey album, and Torn comes close to being the best album. But my favorites are still The Dark Discovery and In Search of Truth. Torn goes back a little to the Dark Discovery album, fast, heavy, and dark like Tom said it was going to be. There is some variety in the sounds, but there aren't really any slow ballads. Torn has a little bit of a new sound to it, but it's still a great Evergrey album, much better than the previous album; Monday Morning Apocalypse. I find that Torn is an album you can listen to straight through over and over and not get tired of it.

I love this album.... Everysong kicks on this album, right from the opening track until the last track. if you loved Recreation Day and Monday Morning and a Touch of "In Search of Truth" then you have to own this album, one of the heaviest Evergrey albums to date. Highlights for me are as follows:

These Scars
When Kingdoms Fall
Fail
Torn
Broken Wings