Nevermore rose from the ashes of the Seattle based band, Sanctuary. Formed in 1992 when grunge was the rage, these guys had a different vision. They play heavy and intricate power metal, with Warrel Dane's insane vocal-lines on top. Members can also be found in Forbidden and the mentioned Sanctuary.

NEVERMORE (1994) CENTURY MEDIA

5 years after the demise of Sanctuary, Warrel Dane and Jim Sheppard reappears on CD, now as Nevermore. With them they brought along guitar-wiz Jeff Loomis (ex-Experiment Of Fear), and drummer Van Villiams. The result shows a band that are not afraid to experiment with their music, but still are able to stay rooted in their power metal roots. Their self titled debut sounds stunning, even today, 10 years later. It is one of those CD's that are like wine, they seem to grow and mature on you. The musicianship is stellar. Especially Jeff's guitar-work amazes me. Warrel sounds insane as usual. Neil Kernon's production is outstanding, gluing it all together perfectly. The only problem I always have with this band are some of their lyrics, here represented by "Godmoney". You gotta love a song dedicated to Timothy Leary though!

Killer tracks: What Tomorrow Knows, C.B.F., The Sanity Assassin, The Hurting Words

IN MEMORY (1996) CENTURY MEDIA (EP)

A cool EP that I thought I'd have to give an arm and a leg for. I traded 1 regular CD for it, so that was OK. I can see why this was released, because none of the songs would have fit in on the regular Nevermore albums. "Matricide" is one of the best tunes this band has ever recorded, but it's a bit more melodic than we are used to hear from the guys from Seattle. "Silent Hedges/Double Dare" is a cover of 2 songs from the band Bauhaus. If I'm not mistaken they were an Euro-techno band (??).

THE POLITICS OF ECSTASY (1996) CENTURY MEDIA

I borrowed Nevermore's 2 first albums from a friend. And after hearing their self-titled debut, I wasn't impressed. At first this second one didn't sound much better. But then the track "The Tiananmen Man" reached my ears, and a whole new world opened. The insane vocals, and the excellent playing just stuck in my head. It led to more and more spins, and finally this album was on my want list. It took a couple of years, but then I found a used copy for my collection. By then I had also obtained The next Nevermore album, "Dreaming Neon Black". I must say that after hearing the latter Nevermore discs, this one pales in comparison. But it will always be the one that turned me on to Nevermore.

Killer tracks: The Tiananmen Man

DREAMING NEON BLACK (1999) CENTURY MEDIA

After 3 years, and a change of one guitarist, Nevermore return to the task. And boy are they up to it! The Seattle lads return with an album that is superior to all they had come up with so far. The music is more complex, and much harder to get into. But once you are there, it's a pleasure without comparison. Nevermore has their own style, and Loomis/Dane is a powerful combination. I used to have a cardboard promo, but changed it for a regular release. If you have not yet heard Nevermore, this would be a good place to start. But give it time, 'cause this is "thinking man's music".

Killer tracks: Beyond Within, Dreaming Neon Black, Deconstruction

DEAD HEART IN A DEAD WORLD (2000) CENTURY MEDIA

Nevermore's 4th album is nothing short of a masterpiece. This album shows to the fullest what Nevermore is all about. I sadly do not think the band will ever surpass this, but feel lucky to receive this magnum opus! They are maybe not as hard to get this time, and there are even hints of commercialism (NO, NOT SELL OUT!). I just think they take on a style not too far from Machine Head and Fear Factory. But Nevermore of course wipe the floor with the rest. They sound awesome, and all the musicians are professionals to their finger-tips. Technical and brutal, beautifully ugly, sadly happy. It's hard to describe, but awesome once you have comprehended it. Listen to "Narcosynthesis", "Inside Four Walls" and the title track. If you are not hooked by then, you might not be a metalhead! And YES, "The Sound Of Silence" IS an obscure, but wonderful, cover of the Simon & Garfunkel classic!! This album is a MUST, and one of my all time favorite albums!

Killer tracks: All of them!!!

BELIEVE IN NOTHING (2001) CENTURY MEDIA (EP)

Another cool little EP from Seattle's finest metal band. This time we get a edited version of the awesome ballad "Believe In Nothing". We also get cover versions of "Sound Of Silence" (Simon & Garfunkel) and "Love Bites" (Judas Priest). "All The Cowards Hide" was previously unreleased in the US. I guess my version is from the US. But I've read that the European version includes 2 more tracks. But since not any of those tracks are exclusive, but rather just 2 more songs off of 'Dead Heart In A Dead Word", I don't think I'm missing out on anything.

ENEMIES OF REALITY (2003) CENTURY MEDIA (LIMITED EDITION w/DVD)

It was with great anticipation I put this disc into my CD player. Nevermore have become one of my all time favorite bands. So despite all the negative feedback on the production of this album, I decided not to let anyone else's opinions interfere, and let my own ears be the judge. Yes, the albums production is muddy, and a huge letdown at first. But even the worst producer in the world (read: Kelly Grey, the man who also tried to destroy Dokken and Queensrÿche) cannot ruin what these 4 geniuses play. The title track alone has this infectious chorus-line that will instantly stick to your brain. And when the beautiful "Tomorrow Turned Into Yesterday" hits me as track 4, I no longer pay any notice to the production. This is just stellar music, played with conviction and know-how! Jeff Loomis may be one of the finest lead-guitarists in the metal world today. Every note is thought through, and the solos are pulled off with what seems to be the greatest ease, when in fact it is very neck breaking stuff. And don't get me started on the drums, bass and of course the insane/unique vocals! There is not a bad song in sight on this album. So though it might not be as good as 'Dead Heart In A Dead World', it's easily on par with 'Dreaming Neon Black' and 'The Politics Of Ecstasy'. The bonus DVD that comes with this Limited Edition box set, gives you 3 video-clips (no new ones), and 2 live tracks (not all that great). 'Enemies Of Reality' will be on my top 5 list of 2003-releases, for sure!

Killer tracks: Enemies Of Reality, Never Purify, Tomorrow Turned Into Yesterday, I, Voyager

ENEMIES OF REALITY (2005) CENTURY MEDIA (Re-mixed & Re-mastered)

After all the fuss about the bad production on 'Enemies Of Reality', Century Media decided to give it another go. Andy Sneap was brought in to re-mix and re-master the album, and the result is phenomenal! So now we finally get to hear it like it should have been all along (well, as close to it as possible anyway). The sound is way better, as the muddiness is now gone. Additionally they have added 2 enhanced music videos, and a live clip, to this release. The artwork is basically the same as on the original, but all the pictures are now shown like they were negatives of the photos. Century Media also offered the fans who'd already bought the original album, and didn't want to buy the new version at full price, to buy only the CD directly from their website, at a special low price. Way to go! For my thoughts on this album, just check out my original write-up above.

THIS GODLESS ENDEAVOR (2005) CENTURY MEDIA (Ltd. Edition fold-out cover)

Nevermore have become synonymous with quality in my book. And in 2005 they return with yet another inferno of an album. Starting off with the ultra strong "Born" (one of the best songs this band have ever written), 'This Godless Endeavor' show who are the musical kings in Seattle, long after grunge became a term describing music from the past! Talk about getting a song stuck to my brain! Nevermore is the perfect example that metal does not have to become stagnant, but rather can evolve and modernize without loosing it's core. This is 100% metal through and through, yet they are not stuck in reliving the past. They are metal for the new millennium. I can not get enough of Warrel's insane voice, Jeff's ferocious guitars and the steady background provided by Van and Jim. And now the band have also included Steve Smyth (ex-Testament) as a permanent member. He has also contributed in the songwriting process, and seems to be complimenting Jeff perfectly. As said, this album is yet another stellar effort from Nevermore, although maybe not their strongest album to date. But it will still capture a spot on the top 20 list of 2005 releases.

Killer tracks: Born, My Acid Words, Bittersweet Feast, Sentient 6, Sell My Heart For Stone

THE OBSIDIAN CONSPIRACY (2010) CENTURY MEDIA (Ltd. Edition Box Set)

I am not sure why, but as I am growing older it is taking me longer and longer to really get into new albums. This leads to some unfortunate disappointments upon first listens, and it acquires me to give all my new albums several chances before giving them up completely. This Nevermore album had me really torn, as initial spins didn't sit well with me at all. But I put it to rest for awhile, and listened again with fresh ears. This helped 'The Obsidian Conspiracy', the bands 7th studio album, a lot!

First of all, I can't believe that it has been 5 years since 'The Godless Endeavor' already! No wonder I'm growing old! Apparently this long break was a necessity, as internal struggles and illness almost killed this band! In the mean time both Warrel Dane and Jeff Loomis have released their first solo efforts, respectively. With that out of their system, but still struggling with inner demons, Nevermore records their darkest effort to date. Musically they have never been more diverse, and the thrashier tempos that drove most of the song on previous albums are largely held back this time around. Instead we find more gloomy mid-tempo and ballad-like numbers, not unlike some of the songs on Warrel's 'Praises To The War Machine'. And speaking of that album, it was produced by ex-Soilwork axeman, Peter Wichers, and and so is 'The Obsidian Conspiracy'. So there is no wonder the comparison. Peter has not contributed as a songwriter here though, so the changes in Nevermore's music has to come from Warrel and Jeff, who have collaborates in writing all of the original songs on this CD.

'The Obsidian Conspiracy' is a different album from Nevermore. Not only is the tempo slowed down on at least half the record, but it seems that Jeff has toned down the complexity of his trademark playing too. There isn't an alarming difference, mind you, but still enough for me to take notice. Sure, the slower music calls for a different style of playing, and Jeff more than makes up for it with playing with feeling. But I would have hoped for at least 1 or 2 more songs in the vein of the strong opener, "The Termination Proclamation". That song is prime time Nevermore!

I bought the limited deluxe edition box set of this album. This neat package is wrapped in a leather-imitation, cardboard box. Inside you find both the digipak version of 'The Obsidian Conspiracy', with 2 cover songs as bonus tracks (The Tea Party's "Temptations" and The Doors' "Crystal Ship"), a bonus 4 track "Shred Like Loomis" CD in a cardboard CD sleeve, and 12 postcards illustrated my cover art champion, Travis Smith. Only 2 of these cards are actual postcards. The remaining 10 works as illustrations of each song, with the lyrics printed on the back.

Killer tracks: The Termination Proclamation, Your Poison Throne, Moonrise (Through Mirrors Of Death), Emptiness Unobstructed, She Comes In Colors, The Obsidian Conspiracy

Related artists:

Sanctuary, Warrel Dane, Vicious Rumors, Testament, Annihilator