We couldn’t miss EVERGREY‘s Emptiness Over Europe Tour in Germany. So, on November 22nd, 2024, we made our way to our beloved Bahnhof Pauli in Hamburg, right in the heart of Reeperbahn, to witness the force of EVERGREY’S new compositions live. The band surprised the music world with their latest full-length “Theories of Emptiness,” released back in June this year via Napalm Records. Known for their qualitative output throughout the years, their melodic versatility in heavier, yet progressive compositions, and the depth of their lyrics, EVERGREY has always stood out as a cornerstone of the genre. Joining them were the support bands VIRTUAL SYMMETRY from Switzerland and KLOGR from Italy.
VIRTUAL SYMMETRY kicked off the evening with their charismatic presence on stage. While their music wears the official tag of progressive metal, it is important to mention how many passages in their compositions sound straight out of an uplifting heavy metal banger, ultimately placing them in the more classic realm of progressive rock/metal. This sound paired with the band’s energy, got the crowd completely fixated on them. The contagious high spirits of every band member, ended up spreading among the audience in a matter of minutes.
Next in line were the Italian quartet KLOGR. They offer a unique blend of alternative and metal/heavy rock, with their very personal touch. A trademark of their sound is the vocal delivery of frontman Gabriele “Rusty” Rustichelli, which proved to be impeccable live. Pairing that with the heavy and catchy riffing, they deliver an approachable sound full of passion. Also worth noting is the lighting design on stage, which elegantly lit the faces of the band members, and key areas of the stage, creating an atmospheric yet fitting visual accompaniment to their music. The sound was clear, yet raw, allowing us to immerse in their world, despite not having been long acquainted with their work.
After what seemed like a lengthy changeover, the countdown for the headliner of the evening began, quite literally.
Part of EVERGREY’s production includes a screen setup on stage, serving as the backdrop. The screens initially displayed motifs of “Theories of Emptiness” for a while, building anticipation among the audience. When the motifs transformed into a countdown, the crowd erupted, shouting each number in unison as it appeared on the screen. Right on cue, the band entered the stage to greet the crowd.
Having avoided spoilers about the setlist, we were thrilled when EVERGREY opened with some fan favorites from their most recent full-length, “Theories of Emptiness”: “Falling From The Sun” and “Say.”
Reflecting on the show, it’s clear that the band’s ability to produce hit after hit is unmatched. And that is exactly where one of the band’s biggest strengths lies: while their signature style could very well be reduced to a unique formula— melodic depth, progressive complexity, and emotional resonance—none of their songs feel repetitive or derivative. Instead, each composition stands as a distinct narrative, full of its own personality and meaning.
The setlist combined highlights from their current and previous albums, including songs like “Midwinter Calls” and “Save Us” from “A Heartless Portrait (The Orphéan Testament)” (2022), alongside classics from “Escape The Phoenix” (2021) such as “Eternal Nocturnal,” and “Where August Mourns.”
Now, while being well acquainted with their music for a long time, this was my first time seeing EVERGREY live. Having said that, the events observed during their gig at Bahnhof Pauli truly left a lasting impression. The night was defined not only by the band’s outstanding performance but also by the crowd’s connection to the music. What stood out from this particular gig was the euphoria of the attendees throughout the entire concert and how the majority of them were fully acquainted with the band’s material, which was reflected in them singing along to every single song.
Our highlight moments included the end of “Call Out The Dark,” where the choir voices repeated the moving lines from the chorus, “It’s not over, we’ll soon be closer than before…,” to which every single attendee gladly and loudly sang along. Just as memorable were the efforts during “Misfortune,” particularly the chorus, where the band and crowd alike gave it their all, as well as countless other moments.
Another interesting and touching event that left an imprint on our minds that evening, was the number of people moved to tears by EVERGREY‘s music. Upon talking to people in the audience who experienced this particular emotional effect, we were able to draw out a common denominator. The attendees reported that the band’s music had accompanied them through difficult times in their lives, and by listening to the band again (now out of that phase), it felt good to realize those times were over. While this occurrence isn’t exclusive to just one band, we still believe it to be an outstanding achievement as a musician and/or artist.
Coming back to the elements that make the band what they are, it is important to mention the eloquence with which the heaviness is placed in their music, and the enormous influence the unique voice of frontman Tom S. Englund has on every composition. These factors ultimately play a role in the poignancy with which every statement in every song is made. Needless to say, every band member brings their own talent into the mix, which adds to their spotless performance and energy on stage, making EVERGREY one of the best bands in their lane that nobody should miss the chance to see live. All-in-all, it was a great evening that combined many different musical styles and was crowned with the uniqueness of EVERGREY‘s music.
Text and Photos by Michelle R.
