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Nevermore



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Original post

Posted by Unknown user, 17.05.2006 - 10:54
"Seattle's NEVERMORE welcome you to "This Godless Endeavor", a grand overture where musical tapestries are fascinatingly complex while entirely accessible. The band's sixth full-length marks another peak in NEVERMORE's rapid ascend in the Metal scene and falls into line with its highly acclaimed predecessors. The first of which being the self-titled debut album released in 1995, one year after the official foundation of the band by former SANCTUARY members Warrel Dane (vocals), Jeff Loomis (guitar) and Jim Sheppard (bass). By adding drummer Van Williams the nucleus of NEVERMORE was born. Though at that time the world all-to-willingly embraced the Grunge-movement, the band dared to continue their vision for a creative and multi-faceted Metal sound. The internationally reputed producer Neil Kernon (Queensryche, Judas Priest, Flotsam & Jetsam, Yes, Rolling Stones, Journey) believed in the potential of NEVERMORE and recorded their impressive debut at his own risk. It did not take too long until the quartet was signed to Century Media Records and due to the fans' pleasant memories of SANCTUARY, and NEVERMORE's touring activities (Europe with Blind Guardian, US with Death) they could raise a good amount of interest throughout the Metal scene and found a lot of thankful purchasers.

The follow-up "In Memory" EP (1996) and the second album "The Politics Of Ecstasy" (1996) displayed NEVERMORE on their quest for their very own, unmistakable sound. The band experimented with a whole lot of influences from various styles and impressed with a great degree of highly-technical finesse that never endangered the catchiness of the songs. Still, NEVERMORE never wrote songs that easily stuck in your head, even though they're nowhere near as complicated as an Ikea construction manual, resulting in listeners giving their albums four or five runs before the variety of each song becomes obvious.

After "The Politics Of Ecstasy" the band parted ways with their second guitarist Pat O'Brien (now in Cannibal Corpse) and it took them almost a year until they found former Forbidden-member Tim Calvert to fill the vacant spot. With this line-up they recorded the masterly "Dreaming Neon Black" (1999) which showed the perfect balance between all the different components of the NEVERMORE sound. There were small, complex mini-dramas as well as super-tight thrashers and quiet, emotional tunes opposed to angry noise eruptions. NEVERMORE managed to create an album equipped with numerous non-metal trademarks which sound appealing to the usually very sensitively reacting true metal community. Or maybe it was still metal enough that it could not even upset the die-hard purists? Anyway, it is a matter of fact that the career of our five heroes just went straight up. Seemingly endless, but still extremely successful tours followed the release, the US was toured not less than four times, Europe was frequently visited (with LeFay - now Morgana Lefay again -, Sacred Steel, Nocturnal Rites) and they even stopped in Australia for a number of shows. After all, guitarist Tim Calvert decided to leave the band in early 2000 to focus on non-musical activities. The remaining band members decided to carry on as a four-piece and did not hesitate to start recording their fourth album "Dead Heart In A Dead World (2000)". For the first time not Neil Kernon but Andy Sneap (Machine Head, Testament, Skinlab, Napalm Death, Stuck Mojo) worked the knobs and moved especially Loomis "skin-flaying" guitar play to the production's forefront. Again tireless world touring followed and turned songs like "Narcosynthesis" and "Inside Four Walls" into anthemic fan favorites. German Rock Hard magazine stated fittingly: "This is the masterpiece of one of the most talented bands in present time".

2003's Enemies Of Reality received similar praise: "must have album of the year" said Outburn Magazine, Guitar One called NEVERMORE's newest songs "opuses that often reach dark symphonic peaks". With performing at Europe's largest rock festivals including the infamous Dynamo, the prestigious Wacken Open Air and sharing stage with metal's elite including Arch Enemy, Children Of Bodom, Dimmu Borgir, Iced Earth, King Diamond and Opeth throughout their recording career NEVERMORE could manifest the high position they deservedly occupy within the metal scene.

Now, in 2005, "This Godless Endeavor" is the title of the band's latest work to date and was recorded at England's Backstage Studios, once again with Andy Sneap (who not only produced "Dead Heart In A Dead World" but also just recently re-worked "Enemies Of Reality"). "This Godless Endeavor" captures "the most ripping guitar work we've recorded", says vocalist Warrel Dane. Marking his NEVERMORE recording debut, guitarist Steve Smyth (ex-Testament/Dragonlord) joins core members Dane, Jeff Loomis, Jim Sheppard and Van Williams. Hugh Syme (Rush, Megadeth) provided stark album artwork, which according to Dane, "incorporates our ongoing theme of everyone wearing a mask." Appearing on the mainstage of Megadeth's Gigantour throughout the summer as well as moving over to Europe for a string of summer festivals and a full club-tour by September, NEVERMORE ask you to venture out, to experience the unfathomable, to join them on This Godless Endeavor. An album determined to become a future classic of the metal movement? "

Nevermore is:
Warrel Dane - vocals
Jeff Loomis - lead, rhythmn and acoustic guitars
Steve Smyth - lead, rhythmn and acoustic guitars
Jim Sheppard - bass
Van Williams - drums

Website: [url]www.nevermore.tv[/url]
16.02.2010 - 19:23
MeloDeathViking
Written by BloodTears on 06.02.2010 at 13:46

Any idea when the new album will come out? They say it's in February but nothing's happened so far, no pre-orders no nothing.

Wikipedia says the release date is April 1st, but I couldn't find anything to back that up. I will say that it sounds like a more plausable release date though.
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16.02.2010 - 23:52
BloodTears
ANA-thema
Elite
Written by MeloDeathViking on 16.02.2010 at 19:23

Written by BloodTears on 06.02.2010 at 13:46

Any idea when the new album will come out? They say it's in February but nothing's happened so far, no pre-orders no nothing.

Wikipedia says the release date is April 1st, but I couldn't find anything to back that up. I will say that it sounds like a more plausable release date though.

Yes, I would believe so. It doesnt seem like it'll happen in February, although that would be good. But I haven't seen any promotion or teaser, not even a quote, so it's kinda strange.
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Written by BloodTears on 19.08.2011 at 18:29

Like you could kiss my ass.

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17.02.2010 - 18:15
Ag Fox
Angel No More
Elite
Listened to "This Godless Endeavour" for the first time the other day. The guitars are absolutely amazing, but it seems like I am having issues with Warrel dane's vocals =/
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17.02.2010 - 19:15
MeloDeathViking
Written by Ag Fox on 17.02.2010 at 18:15

Listened to "This Godless Endeavour" for the first time the other day. The guitars are absolutely amazing, but it seems like I am having issues with Warrel dane's vocals =/

That's actually my least favorite part about Nevermore in general. But the instrumentation more than makes up for it. There is one song where I absolutely love his vocals, and that's "Born"
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"I am not superstitious, but I'm a little 'stitious." - Michael Scott
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17.02.2010 - 19:27
Ag Fox
Angel No More
Elite
Written by MeloDeathViking on 17.02.2010 at 19:15

Written by Ag Fox on 17.02.2010 at 18:15

Listened to "This Godless Endeavour" for the first time the other day. The guitars are absolutely amazing, but it seems like I am having issues with Warrel dane's vocals =/

That's actually my least favorite part about Nevermore in general. But the instrumentation more than makes up for it. There is one song where I absolutely love his vocals, and that's "Born"

yeah, same here... I got the song stuck in my head even though I only listened to it once. I'll give it more tries later in the week or next week
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18.02.2010 - 11:26
BloodTears
ANA-thema
Elite
Oh, that's so surprising to me that people don't like Dane's voice. That was the initial appeal to me but then everything came together, including the guitars of course.

I really like them as a cohesive whole.
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Written by BloodTears on 19.08.2011 at 18:29

Like you could kiss my ass.

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18.02.2010 - 23:23
Angelic Storm
Melodious
Strangely enough, the first time I heard Nevermore was hearing their cover of "Love Bites" a few years ago on a Judas Priest tribute cd which I'd bought.

Their first album I got was "Enemies Of Reality", which still contains some of my fave Nevermore tracks! I'm really looking forward to their new album, I'm a massive fan!

I'm a bit sad about Steve Smyth leaving the band. As great as Jeff Loomis is, I really liked the dynamic of him having another lead guitarist to spar with.

As for Warrel Dane's voice, he is definitely one of the things that makes Nevermore so awesome to me. Having a proper singer singing over such brutal riffs definitely helps them to stand out from the crowd. It also helps that he is a great singer, and his haunting voice really fits perfectly with Nevermore's music.
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21.02.2010 - 12:31
Eeric
Account deleted
Dane's vocals are main reason why I like Nevermore
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21.02.2010 - 19:07
Dark Blood
The Avenger
Well, first I got to know Nevermore because of Warrel Dane. I love his powerful voice and the way he uses it. The other reason is Jeff Loomis.. to be honest I think their early albums are a bit repetitive and sometimes a little dull maybe (?), and I tend to get a little bored with it. Don't get me wrong I love them no matter what, but I find their last album a lot more appealing to me maybe because of the guitar works. The riffs on TGE are much more aggressive and versatile, thats what I love about this album. Besides the great lyrics and Warrel's voice, I find the guitar works much more attractive and Im happy they changed this way.
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22.02.2010 - 06:16
Dangerboner
Lactation Cnslt
Written by Angelic Storm on 18.02.2010 at 23:23

I'm a bit sad about Steve Smyth leaving the band. As great as Jeff Loomis is, I really liked the dynamic of him having another lead guitarist to spar with.

Yeah me too. I saw them live twice with Chris Broderick filling in for Steve Smyth, and I was hoping he'd become a permanent member, so I was kinda disappointed when he joined Megadeth instead. I've heard plenty of people say that Nevermore was only decent live with one guitarist, but they blew me away with two.

Jeff Loomis wrote the newest album with Soilwork guitarist Peter Witchers, so I'm worried that it'll be a little placid. Still, five years in between albums should give them plenty of ideas to make some good shit.
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22.02.2010 - 09:40
Angelic Storm
Melodious
Written by Dangerboner on 22.02.2010 at 06:16
Yeah me too. I saw them live twice with Chris Broderick filling in for Steve Smyth, and I was hoping he'd become a permanent member, so I was kinda disappointed when he joined Megadeth instead. I've heard plenty of people say that Nevermore was only decent live with one guitarist, but they blew me away with two.

Jeff Loomis wrote the newest album with Soilwork guitarist Peter Witchers, so I'm worried that it'll be a little placid. Still, five years in between albums should give them plenty of ideas to make some good shit.

When I seen Nevermore on the TGE tour, they were only a 4 piece, and I was wondering where Steve was. This must have obviously been before they got Chris Broderick in the band. I actually think Chris's style is WAAY more suited to Nevermore than it is Megadeth. His style is very flashy, technical, and he is a shredder. Megadeth are suited to more tasteful lead players like Marty Friedman, or Chris Poland. Id rather Chris would have stayed with Nevermore than go to Megadeth. Although I think Steve Smyth's style counters Jeff's better, because it's noticeably different. Chris Broderick plays in a very similar style to Jeff Loomis. Though I can't deny the thought of a Nevermore album featuring Chris's talents alongside Jeff's would excite me! lol

Well, Symphony X had a similar huge gap between albums, and somehow managed to trump ''The Odyssey" with "Paradise Lost". I'll be surprised if the new Nevermore can top "This Godless Endeavor" but I'd love it if they did.
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22.02.2010 - 09:42
Dangerboner
Lactation Cnslt
Well I don't know what a Symphony X is, but seeing two 7 string shredders live was definitely bonertime.

Does anyone know what happened to Steve Smyth? I thought he had cancer or something...
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22.02.2010 - 09:50
Angelic Storm
Melodious
Written by Dangerboner on 22.02.2010 at 09:42

Well I don't know what a Symphony X is, but seeing two 7 string shredders live was definitely bonertime.

Does anyone know what happened to Steve Smyth? I thought he had cancer or something...

Symphony X are a band! Speaking of shredders, Michael Romeo is up there with the best. And he plays with feeling too.

Steve Smyth had kidney failure. Which is why he missed most of the TGE tour with Nevermore. I also wouldnt be surprised if that was one of the reasons he left the band. He had a successful transplant though, and is now in Forbidden. Which Im glad about as I love Forbidden, and I cant wait to hear Steve playing on the new album with the rest of the band!
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22.02.2010 - 09:52
Dangerboner
Lactation Cnslt
Yeah I know, I was just joking because I hate power metal

I'd like to hear more Dragonlord material with Steve... not sure what's up with that :/

But if Steve is healthy, I don't see why he couldn't rejoin Nevermore. I don't want any Soilwork in my Nevermore tbh.
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22.02.2010 - 09:57
Angelic Storm
Melodious
Written by Dangerboner on 22.02.2010 at 09:52

Yeah I know, I was just joking because I hate power metal

I'd like to hear more Dragonlord material with Steve... not sure what's up with that :/

But if Steve is healthy, I don't see why he couldn't rejoin Nevermore. I don't want any Soilwork in my Nevermore tbh.

Oh I see....I was wondering! Now I look foolish....

Dragonlord are the melodic black metal band formed by Eric Peterson isnt it? Yep, Ive really liked what Ive heard by them. As for Steve and Nevermore, I was surprised when I heard he'd gone to Forbidden. As I thought he'd left Nevermore because of his health problems. Why he didnt rejoin Nevermore, I have no idea. And I am disappointed that he didn't. Despite what most people say, I think Nevermore work better, and are more suited to a twin lead guitar set up. *shrugs*
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22.02.2010 - 16:20
BloodTears
ANA-thema
Elite
Why did he write the album with the Soilwork guy?
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Written by BloodTears on 19.08.2011 at 18:29

Like you could kiss my ass.

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22.02.2010 - 16:28
Dangerboner
Lactation Cnslt
I have no idea, but it's the same Soilwork dude who helped write Warrel Dane's album.
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23.02.2010 - 12:26
BloodTears
ANA-thema
Elite
Dane's album is good, I liked it.

So, Dangerboner!, you don't like power metal but you like Nevermore which has a power metal type of vocalist?

Of course Dane has a whole different range, his "angry"/demonic vocals are pretty amazing.
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Written by BloodTears on 19.08.2011 at 18:29

Like you could kiss my ass.

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23.02.2010 - 12:28
Dangerboner
Lactation Cnslt
Surprisingly, I've always preferred clean vocals over harsh ones, as long as they aren't cheesy. I love US power metal, but I haven't really found any European power metal bands that I like. Plus, Nevermore is a local band, so I automatically have to love them

Buuut, that Soilwork dude also co-wrote the really generic Nuclear Blast All-Stars double disc album :x FAIL
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23.02.2010 - 12:41
Angelic Storm
Melodious
I really like Warrel's solo album, but it isn't Nevermore. Which is the whole point. I wouldn't want Nevermore to start sounding like Warrel's solo project. That is a totally seperate thing. I will admit I am a bit apprehensive cos the soilwork guy has worked on ''The Obsidian Conspiracy''....
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25.02.2010 - 15:31
Ag Fox
Angel No More
Elite
I really disliked Dane's solo album... Back to Nevermore, I don't mind harsh / death/ black vocals, but I do hv an issue with the "angry"/demonic vocals in Nevermore. The clean ones are amazing tho
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25.02.2010 - 15:59
Valentin B
Iconoclast
Written by Ag Fox on 25.02.2010 at 15:31

I really disliked Dane's solo album... Back to Nevermore, I don't mind harsh / death/ black vocals, but I do hv an issue with the "angry"/demonic vocals in Nevermore. The clean ones are amazing tho

what do you mean? "Born" is one of their best songs ever, and the only one i can name right now which has harsh vocals.
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25.02.2010 - 16:49
Ag Fox
Angel No More
Elite
Written by Valentin B on 25.02.2010 at 15:59

Written by Ag Fox on 25.02.2010 at 15:31

I really disliked Dane's solo album... Back to Nevermore, I don't mind harsh / death/ black vocals, but I do hv an issue with the "angry"/demonic vocals in Nevermore. The clean ones are amazing tho

what do you mean? "Born" is one of their best songs ever, and the only one i can name right now which has harsh vocals.

I agree "Born" is great. I'm trying to say I dislike the clean vocal parts which are meant to be full of anger or emotion. But the melodic chorus bit is cleaner if you know what I mean and it sounds fantastic
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25.02.2010 - 19:16
Angelic Storm
Melodious
Warrel is definitely a singer, rather than a vocalist. Yep, at times he does add harshness to his vocals, but it's hardly ''Corpsegrinder'' Fisher!

I don't think a totally clean singer like Michael Kiske would suit Nevermore. Their music is too dark for that I think...
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25.02.2010 - 20:19
MeTalRea|istiK
No offence.i think warrel dane voice in nevermore so annoying..i prefer sanctuary than this band
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25.02.2010 - 20:22
Valentin B
Iconoclast
Written by Angelic Storm on 25.02.2010 at 19:16

Warrel is definitely a singer, rather than a vocalist. Yep, at times he does add harshness to his vocals, but it's hardly ''Corpsegrinder'' Fisher!

I don't think a totally clean singer like Michael Kiske would suit Nevermore. Their music is too dark for that I think...

wow.. Kiske and Nevermore.. that would be totally fucked up. i think Warrel is pretty much the best-suited vocalist Nevermore can have, he puts so much emotion in his singing you can actually see it. he makes some really funny faces when he goes over the top, my favorite probably being this photo:

http://metalstorm.ee/images/gallery/229/10256.jpg
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25.02.2010 - 20:31
Angelic Storm
Melodious
Written by MeTalRea|istiK on 25.02.2010 at 20:19

No offence.i think warrel dane voice in nevermore so annoying..i prefer sanctuary than this band

Im surprised at how many people seem to dislike Warrel's voice. To me, his voice, even more so than Jeff Loomis' playing, is the thing that makes Nevermore stand out, and makes them so special. Warrel is to Nevermore what Rob Halford is to Priest. They could continue without him, but no way would be as great.

Written by Valentin B on 25.02.2010 at 20:22
wow.. Kiske and Nevermore.. that would be totally fucked up. i think Warrel is pretty much the best-suited vocalist Nevermore can have, he puts so much emotion in his singing you can actually see it. he makes some really funny faces when he goes over the top, my favorite probably being this photo:

http://metalstorm.ee/images/gallery/229/10256.jpg

Yah, it would be!

That photo is awesome! He does look demonic there. Lol He does put so much emotion into his voice, and gives Nevermore's songs a very haunting quality. For such a brutal band, there is beauty in their music also, and one of the main reasons for that is Warrel Dane's vocals. <3
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25.02.2010 - 23:27
Darkside Momo
Retired
Elite
Written by [user id=28338] on 25.02.2010 at 23:19

No Warrel Dane,No Nevermore for me

Just stepping in to say that like you and Angelic Storm, I think that no Warrel Dane, no Nevermore. His voice is so emotional, so unique, just so great...
This does not belittle by any means the fantastic work put up by Jeff Loomis, Jim Sheppard and Van Williams, as they are really fucking good in their fields too!
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26.02.2010 - 13:57
Ag Fox
Angel No More
Elite
I've revised my opinion on Warrel after listening to the album again last night
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09.03.2010 - 09:40
Dangerboner
Lactation Cnslt
Looks like it'll be released in June - link
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