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Everon - 2025 - "Shells" (70:00; Music Theories Recordings) ! Back in the really underground days of progressive rock, one of the most important labels was the Dutch SI Music, which was tied in with the hugely influential SI Magazine. I was fortunate enough to be on their mailing list and received everything from Simply 06 (Tracy Hitchings) until the label ended at Simply 73 (Landmarq). Among the way I heard some amazing music, and one of the albums which really impressed me was 'Paradoxes'', released by German band Everon in 1993. They followed it up with 'Flood' in 1995, which I also loved, but their next album (1997's 'Venus') was released on Mascot so I didn't come across it, or any of their others. Before this release, their last was 2008's 'North', but now they are back with the same line-up which recorded that one. It is incredible that there has only been one change since the debut, with Oliver Philipps (vocals, piano, keyboards, guitars, orchestrations), Schymy (bass) and Christian Moos (drums, percussion) being joined by Ulli Hoever (guitars) in time for their 2000 release, 'Fantasma'. However, Christian Moos died suddenly during the recording, but as he had already recorded eight of the tracks the decision was made to complete the album, so the band were joined by Jason Gianni, plus they have two additional female singers. I always expected Everon to be huge on the world stage as their form of melodic progressive metal was highly polished, and very different to what else was being created some 30 years ago, less in your face than Threshold and not as innately complex as Dream Theater. It is somewhat difficult, here in 2025, to realise that back then there were very few bands moving their prog in this direction, and even harder to find out about it. So I was really hopeful when I heard there was a new album after all this time, and to say I was not disappointed is something of an understatement! It is a given that everyone can play, but what makes these guys stand out is the sheer quality of the material and the arrangements. Songs like "Monster" are instant classics, and surely this should be on heavy rotation on rock radio stations? Especially in America as this is aimed straight at the market with the melodies, harmonies and vocals all on point yet still with all the power and emphasis I have come to expect. Oliver is singing just as well as ever, whether it is just with gentle piano backing, or when the band are at full throttle, and the result is an album which one soon gets deeply involved with. I can only hope the passing of Christian does not deter the band from getting out on tour and recording more, as this is a comeback album packed full of finesse, power and light. If you enjoy melodic progressive metal with wonderful songs and performances then this is essential. Progtector: November 2025 Related Links: Everon Mascot Label Group