EVERMORE – Mournbraid (2026) *HQ*
320_1 /// 320_2 /// HQ 1 /// HQ 2
We have heard some really good metal / hard rock albums already this 2026, but surprisingly, it’s been a somewhat quiet year for power metal up to this point, with no clear album of the year contenders released just yet. Well, “Mournbraid“, the upcoming third full-length release from Swedish traditional power metal band EVERMORE, does the trick.
“Mournbraid” delivers the trademark sound from the genre made of aggressive yet polished guitar riffs, soaring epic vocals and strong hooks – all amplified by a massive neat production. Master of ardour and melody perfectly blended together, the Scandinavian trio further refined its pretty unique songwriting and lyrical touch.
Musically, think of a mix between Avantasia, Helloween, Stratovarius, meets Edguy and Judas Priest. “Mournbraid” is thunderous, uplifting power metal. I don’t know if the term apply for this genre, but this should be ‘feel-good’ metal.
It’s a brand of explosive, heavy yet melodic and catchy power metal, now with more polished production and somehow even stronger songwriting than on the band’s previous work.
The line-up remains the same as the previous album, with Johan Karlsson performing all instruments besides drums, which are performed by Andreas Viklands, and both musicians do an excellent job. Karlsson’s guitar work in particular remains the main driving force of the band, as he delivers plenty of heavy riffs alongside melodic guitar work, as well as some highly technical solos. The drums are also excellent, often explosive and intense, though there are times where Viklands has to rein it in a bit, and he does a great job of that alongside his more explosive work.
Vocalist Johan Haraldsson is also in top form, sometimes sounding more animated and intense than ever, while other times he dials it back just a bit to deliver emotional vocals. His performance is excellent throughout the album, and while he does get a bit carried away at times, always does an amazing job at nailing choruses. His more explosive moments are quite intense and powerful, and never irritating.
Production seems stronger and more polished this time around. Obviously, the guitars still have plenty of bite, if not even more so than on the previous album, but now everything sounds clearer and less muffled, which only makes the music even more enjoyable.
01 – The Void
02 – Underdark
03 – Nightstar Odyssey
04 – Titans
05 – Oath Of Apathy
06 – The Illusionist (Raise The Curtain)
07 – Armored Will
08 – Ravens At The Gates
09 – Mournbraid
10 – Old Man’s Tale (Bonus Track)
Johan Haraldsson – Vocals
Johan Karlsson – Guitars, Bass, Keyboards, Orchestrations
Andreas Viklands – Drums
Pre order:
shop.season-of-mist.com/evermore-mournbraid-lp
