EVERGREY, Gothenburg’s pioneering masters of darkness, have unveiled a new official video for “Cold Dreams” from their upcoming fourteenth studio album, Theories of Emptiness, set for release this Friday, June 7 via Napalm Records. This sonic majesty cut from the new album showcases an out-of-this-world vocal performance by band leader and vocalist Tom Englund, alongside a guest appearance by Jonas Renkse (KATATONIA) and Englund’s daughter, Salina – contributing lush backing vocals that enhance the song’s dynamics and highlighting another intense facet of the album.
Theories Of Emptiness stands as the distinguished successor to their worldwide chart-topping release, A Heartless Portrait (The Orphean Testament), and is leaving critics breathless all over the world. Seamlessly blending dark, emotive themes with complex progressive elements and melodic heavy metal, the album is already making waves, ranking #1 in the soundcheck charts of German Rock Hard, German Metal Hammer, Aardschok and Sweden Rock. With Theories Of Emptiness, EVERGREY have crafted an absolute masterpiece and goose-bump generator, solidifying their legacy as they continue to shape metal history after 30 years in the industry.
Tom Englund on “Cold Dreams”:
“’Cold Dreams’ is probably the darkest piece of music on Theories of Emptiness. Its somber power is quite overwhelming. It’s a composition that honestly leaves me feeling a bit uneasy. To have Jonas Renkse of Katatonia singing words describing fates that we both encountered makes it even more special and intriguing. Jonas’ unique voice of sadness spreads like a disease and to hear him growl, again, is just fucking great!
To balance the darkness, we decided to bring in some angelic qualities, and at the time of composing, I couldn’t imagine anything more suiting than my daughter Salina Englund’s voice. We cannot wait to hear what you feel after these 6 minutes and 46 seconds of soul searching. Enjoy!”
Watch the gripping official video for ‘Cold Dreams’ below
Theories of Emptiness was produced by Tom S. Englund and Jonas Ekdahl, and was mixed by Adam “Nolly” Getgood (ex-Periphery), who worked closely with the band from the start – bringing out the vividness of the album’s overall sonic profile. Rounding out the album’s production, mastering was helmed by Thomas “Plec” Johansson (Soilwork, The Night Flight Orchestra, Onslaught, The Gems, Eleine and many more).
Theories of Emptiness follows its chart-topping and critically acclaimed predecessor, 2022’s A Heartless Portrait (The Orphean Testament), which entered charts worldwide at #3 in Sweden (Metal), ranked #5 on the Top New Artist Albums charts in the United States, entered #7 in Finland and #12 in Germany.
“For us, progression is paramount”, states Tom S. Englund when discussing the eleven track opus, Theories Of Emptiness. “We’re dedicated to ensuring that our music remains innovative and avoids stagnation. With each album, we strive to introduce something new — a unique flavor, a different key or chord, fresh voices in our writing, or innovative production techniques.”
In fact, no stone has been left unturned. Tracks are created to balance each-other mutually: from the aggressive tones of “Misfortune“ contrasting the light-hearted opening of “To Become Someone Else“, to the ballad “Ghost of My Hero“ leading into the furious riffs of “We Are the North“. Album opener “Falling From The Sun” and “Say” interweave heaviness with mesmerizing keyboards and unpredictable instrumental parts, as also heard on “The Night Within“. On “Cold Dreams”, Englund’s distinctive voice is accompanied by Jonas Renkse of fellow Swedish metal icons Katatonia, splicing the song with a stellar performance that underlines another intense facet of the album. In addition, Englund’s daughter Salina provides lush backing vocals that enhance the song’s dynamics even more. Ending on a quiet note, Theories Of Emptiness depicts exactly what emptiness is about, first with the immersive “Our Way Through Silence“, and then with “A Theory of Emptiness” which, with timid piano, makes us rationalize our innermost feelings. Navigating realms of darkness and light, Theories Of Emptiness takes listeners on a carefully balanced roller coaster ride – showcasing Evergrey’s ever-evolving sound in 2024 and beyond.
Tom Englund adds: “Our new album is soon to be yours! We can’t wait for that to happen, there are so many new and refreshing elements on it as well as respect paid to every part of our past. We have just refined what we always have done and tried to make it as contemporary as we possibly could to please ourselves and our sonic expectations. With the presence of Adam ”Nolly” Getgood, we felt fired up, hungry and eager to do our utmost to ensure that we would write the best songs we possibly could – I really feel we have achieved that. Sound quality wise we feel that it is on par with the best the world has to offer today. It is a brave statement that I will stand behind for the rest of my life. Taking Evergrey into a new cycle feels just as when I did it the first time. We are more motivated than ever, and with a lot of touring to be announced very soon, we cannot wait to come and play this new music for you. Finally, we need to mention that we couldn’t be prouder to announce our guest vocalist for this album. Jonas Renkse has graced Katatonia’s music with his unique atmosphere for decades. Now we in the band and the fans of Evergrey get to experience the same and we couldn’t be more excited! You might even get to hear Jonas growl for maybe the first time in many years… Much love, Tom”
“Theories Of Emptiness” will be available in the following formats:
– Deluxe Bag incl. 1CD Digisleeve, 1CD Cardboard Sleeve with 2 Bonus Tracks, Pendant, Patch Album Artwork, Sunglasses with band logo, Artprint DIY Puzzle, all packed in exclusive cotton bag – Napalm Records Mailorder exclusive (strictly limited to 400 copies worldwide)
– 1LP Die Hard Gatefold Purple/White Splatter incl. 24pp booklet, record butler – Napalm Records Mailorder exclusive (strictly limited to 500 copies worldwide)
– 1LP Gatefold Translucent – Napalm Records Mailorder exclusive (strictly limited to 300 copies worldwide)
– 1LP Gatefold Black
– Digisleeve
– Digital Album
Pre-order here.
“Theories Of Emptiness” tracklisting:
Falling From The Sun (video)
Misfortune
To Become Someone Else
Say (video)
Ghost Of My Hero
We Are The North
One Heart
The Night Within
Cold Dreams
Our Way Through Silence
A Theory Of Emptiness
Video for ‘Cold Dreams’
“(…) Theories of Emptiness takes the Swedes’ music to a whole
new level (…).”
– Metal Hammer Germany (Soundcheck #1) –
“appears as an early candidate for the honorary title of “hard rock album of the year”, as well as perhaps their best album ever.”
– Sweden Rock (Soundcheck #1) –
“Another work of art between melancholy, lightness and complexity”
– Rock Hard Germany (Soundcheck #1) –
“Evergrey are perfection personified.”
– Powerplay (UK, album of the month) –
“…might be the band’s best work at the end of a very productive decade.”
– Decibel (US) –
EVERGREY Live 2024:
Latin America Tour 2024
11.06.24 MX – Mexico City / Foro Veintiocho
13.06.24 CO – Bogota / Ace of Spades
14.06.24 PE – Lima / Teatro Kantaro
16.06.24 CL – Santiago / Club Chocolate
18.06.24 AR – Buenos Aires / El Teatrito
20.06.24 BR – Brasilia / Toinha
22.06.24 BR – Sao Paulo / Carioca Club
23.06.24 BR – Limeira / Mirage
Emptiness Over Scandinavia
Support: Cyhra
12.09.24 SE – Göteborg / Pustervik
13.09.24 SE – Örebro / Frimis
14.09.24 SE – Stockholm / Naten
15.09.24 NO – Oslo / Parktreatret
17.09.24 DK – Copenhagen / Pumpehuset
18.09.24 SE – Malmö / Babel
19.09.24 DK – Kolding / Godset
20.09.24 SE – Skövde / Valhall
21.09.24 SE – Helsingborg / The Tivoli
24.09.24 FI – Helsinki / Ääniwalli
25.09.24 FI – Tampere / Olympia
27.09.24 SE – Östersund / Rock Fest
28.09.24 SE – Lulea / Rockfest
30.09.24 SE – Eskilstuna / Lokomotivet
01.10.24 SE – Uppsala / Katalin
02.10.24 SE – Kristianstad / Bilijardkompaniet
NEW!
Emptiness Over Europe
Special guest: Klogr
- Virtual Symmetry (02.11.2024 – 01.12.2024)
- Tba support (03.12.2024 – 22.12.2024)
02.11.24 NL – Apeldoorn / Brainstorm Festival
03.11.24 DE – Herford / Kulturwerk
05.11.24 DE – Bochum / Zeche
06.11.24 DE – Siegburg / Kubana
07.11.24 CH – Sarnen / Urrock Musik Festival
08.11.24 CH – Monthey / Pont Rouge
09.11.24 ES – Barcelona / Sala Boveda
10.11.24 ES – Madrid / Revi Live
11.11.24 PT – Lisbon / RCA Club
12.11.24 PT – Porto / Hard Club Room 2
13.11.24 ES – Mos / Sala Rebullion
14.11.24 ES – Valladolid / Porta Caeli
15.11.24 ES – Vitoria-Gasteiz / Urban Rock Concept
16.11.24 FR – Nantes / Le Ferrailleur
17.11.24 FR – Paris / Petit Bain
19.11.24 DE – Würzburg / Posthalle
20.11.24 DE – Hannover / Musikzentrum
21.11.24 DE – Leipzig / Hellraiser
22.11.24 DE – Hamburg / Bahnhof Pauli
23.11.24 DE – Weissenhaeuser Strand / Metal Hammer Paradise
24.11.24 DE – Berlin / Lido
25.11.24 PL – Poznan / 2Progi
26.11.24 PL – Crcow / Kwadrat
29.11.24 BG – Sofia / Mixtape 5
30.11.24 GR – Thessaloniki / Principal Club Theater
01.12.24 GR – Athens / Kyttaro Live
03.12.24 RS – Belgrade / Dorcol Platz
04.12.24 HR – Zagreb / Mochvara Club
05.12.24 BH – Banja Luka / Sports Hall Obilicevo
06.12.24 HU – Budapest / Barba Negra
07.12.24 DE – Burglengenfeld / VAZ Pfarrheim
08.12.24 AT – Dornbirn / Conrad Sohm
10.12.24 DE – Munich / Backstage Halle
11.12.24 DE – Mannheim / 7er Club
12.12.24 DE – Trier / Mergener Hof
13.12.24 BE – St. Niklaas / De Casino
21.12.24 DE – Andernach / Live Club
22.12.24 NL – Helmond / Cacaofabrik
EVERGREY on their upcoming EU tour:
“We are so extremely happy to announce our European tour, it’s a long one and we are coming pretty much everywhere! We also have 10 more dates to be announced for Europe this year! With us as special guest we have KLOGR and you should go and check them out immediately, as well as our friends in Virtual Symmetry opening the first month of the tour! We cannot wait, now go get your tickets and we will see you in the fall!”
Festivals
08.08.24 UK – Catton Park, Derby / Bloodstock Open Air
17.08.24 RO – Caransebes / Gugulan Rock Open Air
31.08.24 GR – Rethymno, Island of Crete / Rethymno Rocks Open Air
02.11.24 NL – Podium Gigant, Apeldoorn / Brainstorm Open Air
07.11.24 CH – Sarnen / Urrock Musik Festival
22.-23.11.24 DE – Weissenhäuser Strand / Metal Hammer Paradise
Evergrey are:
Tom S. Englund – Vocals, Guitar
Henrik Danhage – Guitar
Rikard Zander – Keyboard
Jonas Ekdahl – Drums
Johan Niemann – Bass