The golden rule of music journalism is to remember that no matter who the act is and no matter how lowly the circumstances that you are covering them in, for someone somewhere they are their favourite band ever. Evergrey svengali Tom Englund is the first to admit that tonight’s showing is rather disappointing. “Next time we come you bring your wives, your girlfriends, your boyfriends, your drug dealers, your lawyers, bring anyone” he deadpans during the set. However, despite the attendance being at a level where everybody needs to keep their coats on (including a fellow with a remarkably multicoloured jacket that captures Tom's eyes), the atmosphere is exceptionally buoyant and scintillatingly succulent. This is because for those who have made it out to central Manchester on a cold Monday night, Evergrey are either their favourite band or at the very least making great swipes at holding that accolade.

Read More