Embarrassingly I did not know and was totally unfamiliar of Everon’s previous work. Finding out that this was their first release in 16 years was intriguing enough to request this review. That said anything released on Mascot Records deserves your attention.
So what have these Germans got to offer? Has the 16 years been worth the wait? I promise I will not lie for fear of developing a Pinocchio nose syndrome! The opener ‘No Embrace’ is an immediate surprise as it embraces a medieval feel, not what I was expecting at all. Having had such a lengthy hiatus, the recording of this album was tinged with grief following the unexpected death of drummer Christian ‘Moschus’ Moos, he did complete 8 of the 12 tracks on offer here, the remaining saw American Jason Gianni on the drum stool.
That tragic news makes it difficult not to want to create and write a positive review. I will move on to the penultimate track ‘Until We Meet Again’ which is about the loss of Christian… It evokes the feeling of losing a friend, it is quite upbeat and sincere, reminding us not to take life for granted. “When we lose someone, we love… the memories will have to be enough”.
The final track ‘Flesh’ runs to over 14 minutes, we are told length is not important but this is truly epic. The album is around 70 minutes long and can only be really appreciated with repeated listens. The listener needs to find the time to confront and understand the scale of the unprecedented musicianship on offer throughout.
The arrangements, lyrics, layers of keyboards, electric & acoustic guitars, piano and vocals can leave you mesmerised to the point of exhaustion come the end. It is a magical myriad that only true quality Progressive Rock music has the scope to deliver.
‘Children Of The Earth’ delivers a warning which questions the purpose of Religion and Politics, it is the briefest song on offer here at 2.42, with an almost hymn-like structure, which creates a choir-like feel. Its gentle immediacy reaches out with a subtle power that sweeps over the listener. ‘OCD’ follows and it hits like a sledgehammer as the instrumental flexes its muscles with fluid fury. Obsessive, compulsive, disorder indeed!
Returning to notable songs from earlier in this monstrous album ‘Travels’ takes you on a journey which is more than memorable. Whereas ‘Monster’ conjures up dark images of being linked through the bonds of blood ties to the evils that men can do. As an album it has definitely been worth the wait, everything has been thrown at this record from Celtic sounds to the male/female voices that grace the songs. Canadian singer LEAH appears on ‘Pinocchio’s Nose, a humorous dig at the liars that surround us. Helena Iren Michaelsen duets on ‘Grace’ ‘Broken Angels’ &’ Guilty As Charged’ to scintillating effect. I haven’t mentioned the captivating artwork that adorns the sleeve, which is excellent.
Review: Paul Mace
Their First New Album in 16 Years, ‘Shells.’
Released 28 February via Music Theories Recordings
Pre-order ‘Shells’ HERE
Also watch the video for No Embrace
Track Listing
1. No Embrace
2. Broken Angels
3. Travels
4. Pinocchio’s Nose
5. Monster
6. Shells
7. Grace
8. Guilty as Charged
9. Children of the Earth
10. OCD
11. Until We Meet Again
12. Flesh
Everon Online
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