About.com Rating



Almost Home is the fifth studio album (sixth if you count their 2004 covers CD) from Evergreen Terrace, and second for Metal Blade Records. Since their last release, longtime bassist Josh Smith left the band, and a session bassist was used on this album.

Almost Home kicks off with “Enemy Sex,” a typical metalcore song with plenty of breakdowns. The title track is faster and thrashier, and even has a guitar solo, but also a breakdown.


Evergreen Terrace has two vocalists: Andrew Carey does the harsh vocals and Craig Chaney does the melodic singing. Most songs are pretty balanced between the two, but there are songs where one takes the forefront.

“We’re Always Losing Blood” is a catchy song with predominantly singing vocals with a few background screams. “Mario Speedwagon” is a great title, and packed with intensity and of course the requisite breakdowns. Metalcore can be a very narrow genre, and it’s tough to stand out because it can be so formulaic. Evergreen Terrace follows that formula, and they do it well.

There are some unique parts and brief intros that give Almost Home a bit of diversity, but it would be nice to hear a few more. The production on the album is good, with the band using a proper producer for the first time. It’s a polished and technically sound CD that will fulfill the expectations of Evergreen Terrace’s ‘core audience.

(released September 29, 2009 on Metal Blade Records)