Nevermore

After Rain City legends Sanctuary disbanded in 1991, the subject of a bitter dispute with Epic Records for refusing to partake in the fast emerging Seattle grunge scene, Nevermore rose from the resulting ashes. Featuring the virtuoso talents of Warrel Dane (a trained opera singer) and Jeff Loomis (considered by Dave Mustaine to join Megadeth aged just 16) they ditched the power metal soundscapes of their previous band and built up a unique progressive style: a style that has evolved, becoming more refined as the years have passed. Downtuned rifforama and sweeping leads battle against impassioned vocals, dense rhythms and elements of thrash, bringing speed and complexity while the lyrics tackle heavy subject matter (Dreaming Neon Black revolves around the true story of Dane's old girlfriend, who left him to join a religious cult, never to be heard from again: he would later have nightmares of her crying out to him as she drowned). Their career highlight was to come in 2005 with the release of “This Godless Endeavor” an aggressive and versatile tour de force, featuring all that defines Nevermore but with the bonus of former Testament guitarist Steve Smyth pairing with Loomis to create an album bursting at the seams with glorious riffs and mesmerising leads. After almost 20 years together Nevermore are still fighting on the front lines, leading the way for artists like Communic to follow in their footsteps. A band not to be missed.

Recommended Works
This Godless Endeavor (LP): a near perfect masterpiece, riddled with awesome song writing and not a bad song to be found. Among the top 50 metal albums yet recorded in my eyes. An absolute must listen.

Dreaming Neon Black (LP): a rich and dark concept album, ideally enjoyed in one sitting. The creepy narrative makes for some fantastic lyrics.

Enemies of Reality (LP): an altogether thrashier album compared to previous efforts, more focused and aggressive, forgoing some of their progressiveness in favour of raw power. A good starting point to get into the band.

Current Members
Warrel Dane - Vocals
Jeff Loomis - Guitar
Jim Sheppard - Bass
Van Williams - Drums

Former Members
Pat O'Brien, Tim Calvert, Steve Smyth – Guitar
Mark Arrington – Drums


Essential Tracks
This Godless Endeavor
Never Purify
Beyond Within
Sentient 6
Born

Links
Metal Archives
Wikipedia
Last.fm