SEPTEMBER 15th, 2024
EVERGREY & CYHRA
Review & Photos by: Polina Kulikovskikh
Photo Gallery: http://www.metaltitans.com/concertpics/evergrey-cyhra/

After a busy summer packed with festivals, it was time to return to the intimacy of club gigs. My first show of the season was a performance by two Swedish bands—Evergrey and Cyhra—at Parkteatret in Oslo, NO on September 15th.

Cyhra, a melodic heavy metal band formed in 2017, is often described as a "supergroup" due to its members' impressive backgrounds, having played in renowned bands such as In Flames, Amaranthe, Annihilator, and Shining. Despite the band already releasing three studio albums, I wasn’t particularly familiar with their music before this concert and went in with an open mind. I’m happy to say that they exceeded my expectations. Their performance was tight, energetic, and left the crowd perfectly primed for the headliner, Evergrey.

Evergrey was formed in 1993 in Gothenburg, a city renowned for giving the world some of the greatest metal bands, especially in the melodic death metal genre. Over the decades, Evergrey has carved out its own unique place in the progressive metal scene, blending dark, atmospheric themes with intricate musicianship and powerful vocals. The band has an impressive discography spanning 14 studio albums, with their latest release, Theories From Emptiness, continuing to showcase their evolution and relevance in the metal world.
On this particular evening at Parkteatret in Oslo, fans of all ages packed the venue, a clear testament to the enduring appeal of Evergrey. Their ability to connect with both longtime followers and newer listeners highlights just how vibrant and influential the band remains after more than three decades in the industry.

Throughout Evergrey's long history, the lineup has seen numerous changes, with vocalist and guitarist Tom S. Englund being the only constant member since the band's inception. Englund's powerful, emotive voice and skillful guitar work have always been the backbone of Evergrey's sound, driving the band's thematic focus on inner struggles, existential questions, and personal tribulations. Recently, Evergrey welcomed a new drummer, Simen Sandnes, into the fold, and his performance at this live show was nothing short of impressive.

The atmosphere at Parkteatret was electric, with Englund not only delivering a good vocal performance but also engaging the crowd with his characteristic wit and wisdom, sharing lighthearted jokes and moments of reflection between songs. This personal touch added to the already intimate setting, making the audience feel even more connected to the band.

The setlist that night leaned heavily on material from their last four albums, reflecting their more recent musical direction. They opened with "Falling From the Sun," followed by "Say," both from Theories From Emptiness. These newer tracks demonstrated Evergrey’s continuing ability to craft emotional, heavy, and thought-provoking songs that resonate deeply with their audience.

As the night progressed, the band also treated fans to some of their biggest hits, such as "Where August Mourn" and "Call Out the Dark". However, they didn’t forget to pay homage to their older work, with fan favorites like "A Touch of Blessing" and "King of Errors" appearing during the encore.

Though a few fans might have wished for more deep cuts or older tracks in the setlist, the overall performance was captivating. Both Evergrey and Cyhra delivered with remarkable professionalism and energy, making it a night to remember. I, for one, am already looking forward to the next opportunity to see them live—hopefully soon.

Evergrey setlist:

Falling From the Sun
Say
Midwinter Calls
Distance
Eternal Nocturnal
A Silent Arc
Call Out the Dark
One Heart
Weightless
Where August Mourn
Misfortune
Save Us

Encore:
A Touch of Blessing
King of Errors
Our Way Through Silence