During a recent interview with Poland’s MetalSide, Evergrey vocalist and guitarist Tom S. Englund addressed the recent departure of longtime guitarist Henrik Danhage. He also clarified the lineup responsible for the Swedish metal band’s upcoming fifteenth studio album, Architects Of A New Weave, which is scheduled for release on June 5, 2026, via Napalm Records.
When asked if the former guitarist had contributed to the new record, the frontman confirmed that he had not.
“No, [Henrik] didn’t participate at all, so this album is made by the four of us. When we couldn’t get a communication going with Henrik, we needed to make a decision because we were going into mix, and we didn’t have any solos. That was pretty much the gist of it. I’ve recorded all of the rhythm guitars for the last five albums, basically. And I didn’t wanna call in a super-brilliant guitar player from some other band or some other famous guitar player just because to have a guitar player. So I asked Johan [Niemann, Evergrey bassist], the bass player, if he could play half the solos, and he did. So half of the solos are Johan playing. In a perfect world, we would have had Stephen [Platt, new Evergrey guitarist] come in before, but we didn’t, so… And then we didn’t wanna bring anybody in. We wanted it to be an album by the band Evergrey, and now it really is. So it’s by the four of us: Simen [Sandnes, Evergrey drummer], Johan, Rikard [Zander, Evergrey keyboardist] and me. So, really cool,” he responded (as transcribed by Blabbermouth).
Regarding the specific reasons behind Henrik Danhage‘s exit, Tom S. Englund indicated a breakdown in communication.
“You need to ask him, honestly. He hasn’t told us why he chose to do what he did. But we asked for some changes. We asked him to be participating in a band. Where you split money in five ways, you need to work. And I guess it’s the same — if you have a football team, you need to have five guys, or 11 guys, in a football team, that play for the same team, that wanna do the same thing, that are as eager and as hungry to play for the team as anybody else. And if they’re not, then you probably should do something else. But we don’t know, really. We asked him for some changes, and he didn’t reply,” he explained.
Rather than recruiting high-profile guest musicians like Yngwie Malmsteen or Ola Englund of The Haunted, the band opted to utilize Johan Niemann‘s familiarity with the material.
“I think that’s the best story for us. Instead of, like I said, bringing in Yngwie Malmsteen on guitar or somebody who’s super famous on YouTube, like Ola Englund or somebody… Since Johan and me wrote most of the music anyway, he knows the music. So that would be the difference, coming in knowing the… I mean, I had to produce him a lot, but he’s a brilliant guitar player. And he also plays guitar solos in a way that I like the most. It’s solos that you can sing along to, in the Adrian Smith [Iron Maiden] type of way. So, yeah, I think it worked out perfectly. I don’t think people will miss any soloing, for sure. I think it’s also a lot of guitar solos on this album,” he continued.
Following Henrik Danhage‘s initial hiatus from touring last fall, Stephen Platt stepped in to perform during Evergrey‘s fall 2025 tour with Katatonia. The band officially invited him to join the lineup permanently about a month ago. While Stephen Platt has ties to Scar Symmetry, Tom S. Englund noted that Scar Symmetry‘s Per Nilsson confirmed they are not currently engaged in extensive touring, clearing the way for the new addition.
Henrik Danhage originally joined Evergrey for their highly regarded 2001 progressive album In Search Of Truth. After taking a break from the group in 2008 to explore other projects, he returned in 2014. He served as a primary contributor on several subsequent releases, ranging from Hymns For The Broken up through 2022’s A Heartless Portrait (The Orphean Treatment).
On April 7, Evergrey issued a formal statement across their social media platforms, framing the lineup change as a natural and positive transition for everyone involved.
“Evergrey and Henrik have mutually decided to part ways after working together on and off for 21 years. It is now time for a new chapter for both parties. We wish each other all the best for the future and look forward to new music from both Evergrey and Henrik. Stay tuned,” the official message read.
Evergrey will also join HammerFall on the band’s upcoming “Freedom World Crusade” North American tour.
“Freedom World Crusade North America 2026” Tour Dates:
- Sep. 11 – Atlanta, GA – ProgPower Fest (Festival Appearance)
- Sep. 12 – Raleigh, NC – Chapel of Bones (No Evergrey)
- Sep. 13 – Leesburg, VA – Tally Ho Theater
- Sep. 15 – Manhattan, NY – Skyport Marina
- Sep. 16 – Worcester, MA – Palladium
- Sep. 18 – Derry, NH – Tupelo Music Hall
- Sep. 19 – Ottawa, ON – Overflow Brewing
- Sep. 20 – Montreal, QC – Petit Campus
- Sep. 22 – Toronto, ON – Lee’s Palace
- Sep. 23 – Lakewood, OH – Mercury Music Lounge
- Sep. 24 – Columbus, OH – King of Clubs
- Sep. 25 – Saint Charles, IL – Arcada Theater
- Sep. 26 – Hobart, IN – Hobart Art Theater
- Sep. 27 – Green Bay, WI – Epic Event Center
- Sep. 29 – Denver, CO – Federal Theater
- Oct. 01 – Pomona, CA – Glass House
- Oct. 02 – West Hollywood, CA – Whisky A Go Go
- Oct. 03 – San Juan Capistrano, CA – Coach House
- Oct. 06 – Portland, OR – Dante’s
- Oct. 07 – Vancouver, BC – Rickshaw Theater
- Oct. 08 – Seattle, WA – El Corazon
