Everon – Shells
Everon – Shells
M-Theories Recordings
Release Date: 28/02/2025
Review by Beth Morait
9.5/10
German Progressive Rockers Everon have been on somewhat of a lengthy hiatus, but after 16 years they’re back with their new album “Shells”. It’s a monumental expression of Classic Prog to mark their return to the scene. But it’s also tinged with sadness, as Everon’s drummer, Moschus, sadly passed away suddenly before the album recording was finished. Founder and Songwriter Oliver Philipps says they continued with the album as 8 of the drum tracks had already been laid down, and it felt like the right thing to do. The penultimate track on the album, ‘Until We Meet Again’ has become a homage to Oliver’s bandmate and friend, as it is the last song he wrote for the album, and the news of Moschus’ passing came while he was writing it.
This album is, undeniably, old-school Prog Rock, with grandiose melodies, theatrical annunciation of lyrics, and vast orchestral expanse that makes this into more a piece of musical theatre, rather than a simple album. But we have all the skillful and stylistic instrumentation that keeps it firmly planted in Rock. Guitar fills and solos using classic, slightly overdriven, but not overdone tones. Drum rhythms that dance frivolously with time signatures and cross beats, and blistering melodic vocals.
The band’s ability to embed storytelling into their music is also incredible, with every song, lyrically, being like a fantastical tale. You can almost imagine them as wandering medieval minstrels, traveling from village to village delivering their lore to the villagers sitting around a campfire, and using every dramatic hook available to them. The eyes of the gathered crowd unblinking, stare transfixed at these strange but wonderful travellers who were performing before them, wondering if they’d been sent from the heavens.
This is a very mature album from a well-seasoned band, so you know it’s going to be good. But it has the distinct air of writing with the purpose of pleasure and passion, rather than writing music for the sake of it. They say absence makes the heart grow fonder, and it certainly feels like this is what’s at play here. This is an album that Oliver’s soul needed to write. Yes, it’s a little cheesy and clichéd in places, but to be honest, that makes it more endearing, and more real. And there’s absolutely no denying the fact that Everon are a bunch of very, very talented musicians, and this album showcases that. Whether it’s the dramatic passages, intricate guitar, delicate piano, or indeed the deep understanding of music theory, and orchestral writing that’s shown in every single song.
My tracks of the album, if I had to pick, would be ‘No Embrace’, ‘Guilty As Charged’ (look out for the lush, indulgent guitar solo here!) and the aforementioned ‘Until We Meet Again’, which is jubilant and uplifting. The album closes with a 14-minute opus, that’s full of operatic splendour, and a very fitting finale to such a theatrically charged album.
If you’re not into Classic Prog, you should probably just move along, because it’s likely this won’t be for you. But if you love a bit of musical theatre, then grab your opera glasses, take your seats, wait for the fire curtain to rise, and enjoy the show.
TRACKLISTING:
01. No Embrace
02. Broken Angels
03. Travels
04. Pinocchio’s Nose
05. Monster
06. Shells
07. Grace
08. Guilty As Charged
09. Children Of The Earth
10. OCD
11. Until We Meet Again
12. Flesh
LINKS:
Disclaimer: This review is solely the property of Beth Morait and Ever Metal. It is strictly forbidden to copy any part of this review, unless you have the strict permission of both parties. Failure to adhere to this will be treated as plagiarism and will be reported to the relevant authorities.
