Review Summary: All too reminiscent of 2011’s Glorious Collision.
Evergrey first bottomed out on 2011’s
Glorious Collision, an album characterized by multiple lineup changes, awful compressed production, unmemorable songs, and uninspired pale purple artwork. With the reintroduction of former members, Evergrey then breathed new life on 2014’s
Hymns for the Broken which was well-received by fans and critics alike. Unfortunately, since then it’s been a slow but steady decay right back to 2011. Now fifteen years later, the cycle has come full circle with 2026’s
Architects of a New Weave – also perfectly described with multiple lineup changes, awful compressed production, unmemorable songs, and uninspired pale purple artwork.
The two current departures are guitarist Henrik Danhage who first appeared with Evergrey in 2001, and drummer Jonas Ekdahl who first played with the band in 2004. Ironically, these were also the two missing members for 2011’s
Glorious Collision. Replacing them this time around are Norwegian drummer Simen Sandnes and guitarist Stephen Platt of Scar Symmetry who will be the touring lead guitarist. On the record, bassist Johan Niemann performed the dual solos alongside Tom Englund (vocals & guitar). Niemann did a fantastic job filling in on a different instrument.
The songwriting formula for
Architects of a New Weave remains essentially the same with Evergey’s trademarked mix of detuned chugs, sustaining chords, and soaring clean vocals all sprinkled with occasional double bass drums and accenting piano. It’s still heavy but melodic. Lyrically, there are no risks taken on theme either with predictable song titles including “The Shadow Self”, “Longing”, “Chains of Shame”, and “Leaving the Emptiness.” It’s all stereotypical Evergrey, unfortunately executed in a mediocre manner.
Dark Tranquility’s Mikael Stanne makes a guest appearance on the single “A Burning Flame” but for one reason or another brings nothing worthwhile to the table. I likely wouldn’t have known Stanne was actually featured on the song had the title not bluntly stated it. It's another example of wasted opportunity.
It is no secret that I am an Evergrey superfan, and thus it pains me to do this write-up; but we must live in reality and not what we wish reality were.
Architects of a New Weave isn’t a bad album, but it certainly isn’t an interesting soundscape frolic either. If history does in fact repeat itself, we should expect another Evergrey resurgence in approximately 3 years.
