Kev Rowland Evocation were formed as long ago as 1991 in the hotbed of metal that is Gothenburg, but after a few well-received demo tapes the band split up. Many conversations took place over the years but eventually in 2005 original members Thomas Josefsson (vocals), Vesa Kenttäkumpu (guitars), Marko Wacker Palmén (guitars), and drummer Janne Kenttäkumpu Bodén together with new bassist Martin Toresson finall got their act together, and since then they have been working at pace, releasing a series of albums. This is their first with Century Media, and also their first with new bassist Gustaf Jorde who replaced Martin earlier this year. As soon as I put this into the player I was totally blown away, and the initial question was why hadn’t I come across these guys before and where can I get all the rest of their albums?

This is brutally powerful, with a drive and passion not often heard, this really is symphonic death metal being taken to whole new levels. It isn’t often when it is just impossible to find any way to improve an album, but that is what we have here with a totally complete package. Just looking at the artwork is enough to put it on the player, and the production immediately had me searching to see who had undertaken the task (Roberto Laghi (In Flames) and Evocation themselves) as it is of the highest quality and it wouldn’t have surprised me to see the name Colin Richardson or Andy Sneap there either as this is top class. Great songs, well played, with powerful vocals and strong production who could wish for more? This is easily one of my top metal albums of the year, and is something that you need to discover for yourself – just incredible. www.centurymedia.com