What makes Hymns for the Broken by Evergrey notable?

This album debuted at number 16 on the Swedish Albums Chart, affirming Evergrey's sustained relevance in the metal scene. It received positive reviews from various critics, highlighting its intricate compositions and emotional depth, particularly noting how it resonates with listeners facing personal struggles. Hymns for the Broken marked Evergrey's ninth studio album, following their previous release, Glorious Collision, in 2014. At this point in their career, the band was solidifying their reputation within the progressive metal genre after experiencing lineup changes and a brief hiatus. The album reflects a matured sound as they continued to explore darker lyrical themes.

Who is Hymns for the Broken for?

Hymns for the Broken works well if you're into melancholic exploration of resilience, dynamic journey with emotional highs and haunting melodies for reflection.

How many songs are on Hymns for the Broken?

Hymns for the Broken has 15 tracks, running approximately 74 minutes.

Hymns for the Broken

Evergrey · 2014

74 min · 15 tracks · progressive metal

Melodic riffs intertwine with haunting vocals, creating a somber atmosphere that navigates themes of despair and resilience.

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Top tracks — play these first

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The Awakening — This short instrumental track sets an atmospheric tone for the album, introducing listeners to its overarching themes of introspection and emotional turmoil.
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King of Errors — The song features powerful vocals layered over complex arrangements, encapsulating the struggle against inner demons and self-doubt central to the album's narrative.
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Hymns for the Broken — Serving as the title track, it embodies the album's essence with its poignant lyrics and melodic structure, emphasizing themes of vulnerability and hope amidst despair.
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Black Undertow — This track showcases dynamic contrasts between heavy instrumentation and haunting melodies, illustrating the emotional weight carried throughout the album.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

58 /100

Treeline

Higher than 49% of albums we've rated

The album combines intricate compositions with emotional themes, though its cohesion is affected by bonus tracks.

What we noticed

The first half of the album features tracks that build in intensity, culminating in a climactic peak at 'The Fire' before shifting to more reflective pieces.
The album closes with two tracks that revisit themes from earlier songs, creating a sense of circularity and resolution.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

melancholic exploration of resilience
dynamic journey with emotional highs
haunting melodies for reflection
wave-like pacing with intensity
cathartic release through heavy riffs

Maybe skip if you

seekers of instant gratification
prefer standalone upbeat tracks

Where this album fits

Career context: Hymns for the Broken marked Evergrey's ninth studio album, following their previous release, Glorious Collision, in 2014. At this point in their career, the band was solidifying their reputation within the progressive metal genre after experiencing lineup changes and a brief hiatus. The album reflects a matured sound as they continued to explore darker lyrical themes.
Stylistic neighbors: Dark Tranquillity· Pain of Salvation· Katatonia