Album Review: Evergrey - Architects Of A New Weave
Reviewed by Rich Oliver
Fifteen albums in and Evergrey, the Swedish masterminds of melancholia, show no signs of running out of steam. The band have had a ridiculously strong run of albums that started in 2014 with “Hymns For The Broken” and that streak has continued right up to the present day with “Architects Of A New Weave”, It ushers in a new chapter for the band with this album being the first to feature drummer Simen Sandnes who joined the band in 2024 but also joining the band is new guitarist Stephen Platt who replaced departing guitarist Henrik Danhage a few months back though for this album all guitars are performed by frontman/guitarist Tom Englund and bassist Johan Niemann.
Evergrey have described this album as “melodic, progressive, dark metal at its most massive and intimate: heavy enough to shift mountains, anthemic enough to make you raise your fist and truly believe it”. It is hard to argue with that as “Architects Of A New Weave” sees Evergrey firing on all cylinders and doing what they do best with songs that break your heart, stir your soul, lift your spirits and get your heart racing.
All the songs within have a dark tone to them but some are punchier and more energetic such as ‘Heaven’, ‘Leaving The Emptiness’, ‘A Burning Flame’ and the title track. On the other end, you have songs that are a bit slower and more emotionally charged such as ‘The World Is On Fire’, ‘The Script’ and ‘Call Off Your Lions’, The most tender moments on the album appear on the melancholic ‘Longing’ and the beautiful album closer ‘The Prophecy’. It is a nice mix of songs that really showcases the abilities of Evergrey from the killer guitarwork in both driving riffs and stellar solos, the always amazing keyboard work from Rikard Zander providing the atmospheric and melodic backbone of the band, the fantastic and energetic drumwork from Simen and of course the stunning vocals from Tom Englund who has long been one of my favourite singers in metal. Also on the vocals front, we get a guest appearance from another luminary of the Gothenburg metal scene with the mighty Mikael Stanne providing vocals on ‘A Burning Flame’.
Having lost two long term band members in a short space of time, it appears that Evergrey have something to prove with their fifteenth album. Of course with there being new blood in the band, there is always the worry that the dynamic will change and the magic that makes a band will disappear but “Architects Of A New Weave” will silence doubters and reassure Evergrey fans that the band is still very much in safe hands in 2026. Evergrey can now claim a winning streak of seven fantastic albums as “Architects Of A New Weave” is more classic Evergrey with songs such as ‘Leaving The Emptiness’ and the title track guaranteed to be fan favourites and set staples when the band tour in support of this album. Evergrey are one of my absolute favourite bands and this album is another fantastic release from a band that has barely made a misstep. A masterclass in dark, melodic metal.
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