Evergreen Terrace Albums (7)
'Sincerity Is an Easy Disguise in This Business'
Release Date 6/20/2005
Tracks 11
Label Century Media
See Album Tracklist and Review
What The Critics Say
Twenty-first century hardcore is a lot like an S&M dungeon -- there is the dominatrix who is totally sadistic (that would be metalcore) and the dominatrix who isn't afraid to crack her whip but offers more nuances and doesn't govern by brute force 100 percent of the time (that would be screamo, also known as post-hardcore or melodic hardcore). Sincerity Is an Easy Disguise in This Business definitely falls into the latter category; Evergreen Terrace is the hardcore equivalent of the dominatrix who makes frequent use of her cat-o-nine-tails (ouch!) but provides some hugs and cuddles as well. Andrew Carey's screaming, tortured lead vocals are the cat-o-nine-tails; guitarist Craig Chaney's clean vocals are the hugs and cuddles. Of course, the bad witch/good witch contrast is hardly unusual for screamo bands; that's what separates screamo from the merciless, bone-crush savagery of metalcore. But some screamo outfits do it better than others -- and while this 2005 release isn't the best that screamo has to offer, it's far from the worst. One of the things Evergreen Terrace has going for them is the fact that more often than not, Chaney's clean vocals don't sound like a mere afterthought -- they are used to provide real hooks. In fact, many of the songs on this album could have been reworked into more mainstream, non-hardcore alternative pop/rock tunes; take out the brutal parts and Carey's agonized screaming, and you're left with the ingredients of songs that a post-grunge or emo band might find useful. Actually, this 27-minute disc concludes with an acoustic, non-hardcore number that lacks the hammer-to-the-skull element and wouldn't be out of place on a Gin Blossoms album. But all of the other tracks are screamo-oriented on this generally decent, if slightly inconsistent, effort. ~ Alex Henderson, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
Jacksonville, FL, metalcore band Evergreen Terrace has been nothing if not prolific during its brief five-year career (four releases and counting), but even the hard-working group is quick to admit in the liner notes of 2004's At Our Worst that the release was motivated by little more than a cash-in opportunity. In summary, when asked by Indianola Records if they'd be interested in releasing some old demos, the members of the five-piece balked at first, but eventually relented so long as the album would also contain some live material along with a never-before-heard composition in the quite explosive "You're Entering a World of Pain." In fact, "explosive" is probably about as useful a word as any to describe these live performances (including a surprisingly suitable reading of the Smashing Pumpkins' "Zero"), which show Evergreen Terrace in the process of lambasting a clearly partisan hometown crowd. As for the four demos, which date from the band's first sessions (in 2000), Evergreen Terrace fans will find them of good enough audio fidelity -- not to mention immeasurable historical value -- to justify their investment. But less well-versed new arrivals may just want to skip this release altogether and focus on one of the band's proper studio albums. ~ Eduardo Rivadavia, All Music Guide
'Evergreen Terrace vs. Xone Fif'
Release Date 5/20/2003
Tracks 9
Label Indianola (Lum500)
See Album Tracklist and Review
'Burned Alive by Time'
Release Date 11/26/2002
Tracks 10
Label Eulogy
See Album Tracklist and Review
'Losing All Hope Is Freedom'
Release Date 7/31/2001
Tracks 11
Label Indianola
See Album Tracklist and Review
What The Critics Say
As far as metalcore bands go, Evergreen Terrace is among the best acts of 2001. One listen to their full-length, Losing All Hope Is Freedom, should readily prove to any reluctant listener that this Jacksonville, FL, quintet is something special. Combining gut-wrenching screams similar to Zao with powerful melodies akin to Poison the Well, Evergreen Terrace blows away any competition. Cleverly incorporated spoken-word samples help to enhance thoroughly invigorating musicianship, for example, on the opening track, "Sweet Nothings Gone Forever." Vocalist Andrew Carey could very well be one of the best lead singers to enter the scene in years, as he has a very powerful voice and quite a commanding presence. Guitarists Craig Chaney and Josh James seemingly mold hardcore brutality with heavy metal ingenuity, and at times even slip into harmonic emotional segues which melt the listener's heart. Evergreen Terrace has made a very memorable impression with Losing All Hope Is Freedom, and they're surely on the right path. Standout songs are surely "In My Dreams I Can Fly," "Look up at the Stars and You're Gone," and "Embrace." This is a band that you hear and wonder how they can possibly be this good, yet it's quite obvious if you ponder it. Flawless musicianship combined with top-notch vocals instantly make Losing All Hope Is Freedom a mainstay in any heavy music fan's collection. ~ Jason D. Taylor, All Music Guide
