Sweden’s progressive power groove kings return with their fifteenth album, Architects Of A New Weave. Much like previous releases, the band’s earth-rumbling, symphonic, haunting, and melodious trademark sound is present. One difference New Weave has is that it feels more uplifting than their last few albums. At first, I was caught off guard. However, vocalist Tom Englund’s knack for creating lasting melodies makes this feel seamless.

A couple of the heavy-hitting tunes are “The Shadow Self” and “The Script.” Vocalist/guitarist Tom Englund and guitarist Stephen Platt’s seven-strings sound like an approaching M1 Abrams tank. Some of the more melodic songs include “Heaven,” “Call Off Your Lions,” and “The Prophecy.”

These guys know how to close out an album. If for some reason you have any doubts, queue up “The Prophecy.” This song offers a deliberate slow drive and mood. The keyboards add such depth to the piece, while Englund’s voice crystallizes the ambience of the song.

“A Burning Flame,” featuring Mikael Stanne, is another standout track. It has arguably the finest chorus on New Weave. “Chains Of Shame” is another song that has an epic vibe. There are some slick legato runs played on the sixth and seventh strings that mesh with the hard-driving main riff.

Flipping the coin, we have what I consider to be the most interesting and emotional moment on the album. The band goes into this post-rock/metal section that contains clean guitars and keyboards. The rhythm section is the glue. Close your eyes shortly before the three-minute mark. The tranquility cannot be ignored.

Musically, I’ll finish by saying that the lead guitar execution and tone offer both skill and melody. Both guitarists have a sense of when to bend or vibrate notes and when to surge through a scale.

Lyrically, topics covered include broken promises, fear of another heartache, overcoming adversity, and releasing anguish.

I’ve followed Evergrey since 2001’s In Search Of Truth. This is one of the most consistent bands I’ve listened to in my life. Architects Of A New Weave is a strong and balanced release that continues the Evergrey machine churning along. I’m hoping to catch them in the U.S. to experience some of this new material in person.

Architects Of A New Weave Tracklist

1. Welcome To The Pattern
2. The Shadow Self
3. Architects Of The New Weave
4. The World Is On Fire
5. Heaven
6. The Script
7. Leaving The Emptiness
8. Longing
9. A Burning Flame featuring Mikael Stanne
10. Call Off Your Lions
11. Chains Of Shame
12. The Prophecy

Evergrey Are

• Tom S. Englund – vocals, guitar
• Stephen Platt – guitar
• Rikard Zander – keyboard
• Simen Sandnes – drums
• Johan Niemann – bass