Histor… Read Full Bio ↴Evergrey is a Swedish progressive metal band from Gothenburg.
History
Evergrey was formed in 1993 in Gothenburg by guitarist/vocalist Tom S. Englund as a progressive power metal band, in contrast to the melodic death metal that Gothenburg is known for. Since then, the band's lyrics have always been of the darker sort, and the same can be said of the band's imagery. After finding a stable lineup, The Dark Discovery was recorded in 1996 and released in 1998, and Solitude, Dominance, Tragedy was recorded and released in 1999. While those two albums dealt with a variety of ideas, In Search of Truth (2001) and Recreation Day (2003) are concept albums, the latter album dealing with issues such as contemplating suicide ("As I Lie Here Bleeding"), mourners after a funeral ("I'm Sorry", a cover of Dilba Demirbag's hit), and dying people looking back on their "unforgivable" sins ("Unforgivable"). "Unforgivable" also acted as a catalyst for the next album, The Inner Circle (2004), which expanded on the issues described in the song: cults, religion and child abuse.
On 4 April 2006, Evergrey released their sixth studio album, Monday Morning Apocalypse. It debuted at No. 6 in Sweden.
Later that year, Evergrey played at many festivals throughout Europe: among others, Sweden Rock Festival, Download Festival, Arvika Festival, Masters of Rock, Storsjöyran and Sziget Festival. From 5 to 30 May, the band toured the United States with In Flames, Nevermore and Throwdown. On 15 September, they headlined Prog Power VII in Atlanta, Georgia.
On 24 October 2006, Evergrey started a new European tour. They were supported by fellow Swedish death metal band Avatar, and they visited Germany, Italy, Spain, France, the Netherlands, Belgium, the United Kingdom, Denmark, and Sweden.
Evergrey released their seventh studio album, Torn, in September 2008, continuing with their trademark lyrical themes of desperation and despair. Jari Kainulainen permanently filled the role on 6 August 2007, who also played bass on Torn.
On 8 May 2008, Evergrey announced that they had signed a deal with Steamhammer/SPV. This included the release of their new album and the entire back catalogue. It also was announced that the new album, Torn, would be released early in September 2008. As the deal includes the band's entire back catalog, there is the possibility of re-releases of previous Evergrey albums with the inclusion of added bonus material.
In July 2008, Swedish/Danish band Amaranthe announced that keyboardist Rikard Zander, along with In Flames bassist Peter Iwers, would make a guest appearance on their upcoming album.
In May 2010, it was announced that Jonas Ekdahl, Henrik Danhage and Jari Kainulainen have all left Evergrey by mutual decision because of problems with the band members interacting with each other. They called it quits as to not ruin the friendship they all have with each other.
An article posted on 13 November 2010 on Evergrey's blog contained dates for upcoming concerts as well as the confirmation of a new album titled Glorious Collision on 28 February 2011.
Via Facebook posts in November 2013, while writing the next Evergrey album due for release in 2014, the band first confirmed that drummer Hannes Van Dahl would be leaving the band to join Sabaton full-time, and then due to "problems working together" guitarist Marcus Jidell would also be leaving.
In August 2014, the release of the music video for "King of Errors" from the forthcoming Hymns for the Broken revealed that Henrik Danhage and Jonas Ekdahl had returned to the band. Hymns for the Broken was released in September 2014. The band released two more albums after that, The Storm Within in 2016 and The Atlantic in 2019. Those three albums were mixed and mastered by Jacob Hansen and form a conceptual trilogy.
Evergrey's twelfth studio album, Escape of the Phoenix, was released on 26 February 2021.
On 26 August 2021 Evergrey announced they signed a new deal with Napalm Records and are already working on a new album.
On 24 February 2022 Evergrey announced the release of their thirteenth studio album, A Heartless Portrait (The Orphean Testament), which was released on Napalm Records on 20 May 2022.
On 23 October 2023 Evergrey announced the release of From Dark Discoveries To Heartless Portraits, a compilation album to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the band's formation, released on 15 December 2023.
On April 12th, 2024, the band released a new single, "Falling from the Sun", coinciding with the announcement of their newest album Theories of Emptiness, which released on June 7th, 2024. On May 15th, it was announced that drummer Jonas Ekdahl would be stepping down as drummer for the band due to having more interest in production and mixing than drumming. Simen Sandnes joined as drummer.
Albums
The Dark Discovery (1998)
Solitude, Dominance, Tragedy (1999)
In Search of Truth (2001)
Recreation Day (2003)
The Inner Circle (2004)
Monday Morning Apocalypse (2006)
Torn (2008)
Glorious Collision (2011)
Hymns for the Broken (2014)
The Storm Within (2016)
The Atlantic (2019)
Escape Of The Phoenix (2021)
A Heartless Portrait (The Orphean Testament) (2022)
Theories of Emptiness (2024)
Rulers of the Mind
Evergrey Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
What I feel cause even I don't
A strange sensation of never being lonely
Has made me question the essence of existence
...of life
Are we parts of a puzzle
Small pieces in a major plan
Formed and shaped like clay
[solo englund / solo danhage]
I'm trying but failing unanswered cries unites
The struggling of finding the truth behind the lies
I'm trying they're laughing my rulers of the mind
I'm trying ...I'm trying
Their constant presence deceives me
I can't tell when i'm awake or when i dream
And my hiding is useless
My anxiety reveals me
Gives me away
I'm trying but failing unanswered cries unites
The struggling of finding the truth behind the lies
I'm trying they're laughing my rulers of the mind
I'm trying ...I'm trying...
The lyrics in Evergrey's song "Rulers of the Mind" deal with some existential and philosophical ideas, asking questions about our very existence and purpose in life. The first verse talks about a peculiar feeling of being never lonely, which has made the singer question the essence of existence. The uncertainty about feelings and life's meaning is emphasized by the line, "What I feel cause even I don't." It seems as though the singer is grappling with a deep sense of detachment or disconnection from themselves and the world around them.
In the second verse, the lyrics suggest that we might be small pieces in a grander plan, or "puppets on a string being run by a master." The idea of being "formed and shaped like clay" evokes a sense of being controlled or manipulated by an external force, and raises questions about free will and agency. The solo section that follows feels like a moment of introspection or reflection, perhaps representing a brief moment of clarity before the singer is pulled back into his questioning and struggling.
The chorus repeats the phrase "I'm trying" several times, suggesting that the singer is attempting to make sense of his experiences and uncover some deeper truth. However, he's met with resistance and ridicule from the "rulers of the mind," whoever they might be. The final verse shifts to a more personal struggle, with the singer feeling perpetually watched and exposed. The line "My anxiety reveals me" is especially striking, capturing the sense of vulnerability and helplessness that comes with feeling constantly under someone else's gaze.
Overall, the lyrics in "Rulers of the Mind" seem to channel a sense of existential angst and uncertainty, as the singer grapples with big questions about the nature of reality and their place in it.
Line by Line Meaning
You can't possibly know me
The complexity of my inner self is beyond human comprehension.
What I feel cause even I don't
My emotions are so mixed up that I cannot even decipher them myself.
A strange sensation of never being lonely
I am surrounded by a mysterious energy that keeps me from feeling alone.
Has made me question the essence of existence
This energy has given me a new outlook on life, and I question its very purpose.
...of life
The meaning of life itself is in doubt.
Are we parts of a puzzle
Perhaps our whole life is just one small piece in a larger cosmic puzzle.
Small pieces in a major plan
Our existence might be part of a plan orchestrated by a higher power.
Fuppets on a string being run by a master
We could all just be puppets, controlled by a master puppeteer.
Formed and shaped like clay
Our lives may have been molded and shaped by an outside force.
I'm trying but failing unanswered cries unites
Despite my efforts, I continue to struggle and cry out for answers that are not forthcoming.
The struggling of finding the truth behind the lies
It is a constant struggle to find truth in a world filled with deceit.
I'm trying they're laughing my rulers of the mind
As I try to make sense of the world around me, those in power mock me and exert their control over my thoughts.
...I'm trying
Despite it all, I continue to strive for understanding and enlightenment.
Their constant presence deceives me
The constant influence of those in power is leading me astray.
I can't tell when I'm awake or when I dream
The line between reality and illusion is blurred, leaving me unsure of what is real.
And my hiding is useless
My attempts to hide from the truth are futile.
My anxiety reveals me
My inner turmoil and anxiety are apparent for all to see, giving away my true state of mind.
Gives me away
I am exposed, vulnerable, and powerless.
...I'm trying...
I continue to persist, even in the face of overwhelming adversity.
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: HENRIK DANHAGE, MICHAEL CARL HAKANSSON, PATRIK CARLSSON, TOMAS ENGLUND
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind