NEVERMORE „This Godless Endeavor”

Music: Modern Metal
Country: USA
Website: http://www.nevermore.tv
Duration: 57


Cool Songs: Psalm of Lydia, Acid Words, Bittersweet Feast, This Godless Endeavor, Born, The Final Product

With the production stink of 2003’s ‘Enemies of Reality’ now well and truly faded, you can be sure that Seattle’s Nevermore would be doing their utmost to atone for such an atrocity. Needless to say, Century Media has rightfully thrown the band a bigger budget for ‘This Godless Endeavor’ and most importantly, Kelly Gray hasn’t been invited back. Such was the backlash to ‘EoR’ the ‘Gray factor’ mistake is destined to never be repeated. So who does the band go rushing back to? Yep, you got it, Mr.Andy Sneap. If there is band that Sneap seems to have some sort of sixth sense connection with, it is Nevermore. Quite simply, Sneap & Nevermore go hand in hand. Both parties know it and ‘This Godless Endeavor’ stands as possibly the crowning glory for all.

The return to Sneap’s ‘Backstage Recording Studio is just one of a few important developments in the Nevermore camp since ‘EoR’. Yet, in my view the production that has been afforded this new album is the MAJOR reason why Nevermore are back on track. Sonically, this is possibly Sneap’s most accomplished effort. Christ, the lad has numerous examples of work to highlight, but as far as producing the perfect contemporary metal production in 2005, I can’t find too many that match this. The fact that Sneap understands the Nevermore psyche so intimately helps his cause immensely, but with a mix that is so full and powerful, yet so ‘breathable’ in its clarity, he has achieved a creative peak not met before. This is a seriously awesome sounding metal records folks, heightened even further by the outstanding songwriting capacity of the band itself.

Reconciling with the fact that Nevermore actually sounds like Nevermore again; it is the quality of song craft that also stands out on ‘TGE’. Granted, ‘EoR’ never actually suffered from weak song writing per se, but clearly the band were at pains to ensure that this new set of tracks would erase the dissatisfaction that any punters felt after experiencing ‘EoR’ under less than favourable ‘sound’ conditions. Infused with a more aggressive approach (particularly vocalist Warrel Dane) and hunger to really step up and make a statement, the addition of guitarist Steve Smyth (ex-Testament) to the line up has also provided Jeff Loomis with an added opportunity to shred like never before. As far as development is concerned, ‘TGE’ isn’t exactly a case of painting on a new canvas. This is very much classic sounding Nevermore – the staple characteristics are there as always – mid to fast tempo thrash like riffage, the brutal dark edge offset by those glorious melodic chorus sections, searing lead solos and Warrel Danes dramatic and thoroughly charismatic vocal presence. It’s Nevermore no question – but with a splash more colour and dark aggression. Highlights are impossible to pick, each and every track has its ‘clutch’ moment, but this year you’d do well to find something as captivating as ‘The Psalm of Lydia, My Acid Words, Bittersweet Feast’ and the simply epic title track.

The contribution of Warrel Dane to the Nevermore style should be underestimated either. In fact, as important as Loomis is to the band, as important as Andy Sneap is their overall vision, Dane is their raison d’etre. Dane is Nevermore. Take this guy out of the band and you’d be left with a very thin shell. Sure Loomis has the riffs, but Dane is responsible for filling in the spaces between and on ‘TGE’ his performance both vocally and lyrically stands as his most effective and complete piece of work. Derided in his early days with Sanctuary, Warrel has now found that essential balance between his falsetto and mid range tones allowing a more controlled performance. He’s always been a killer vocalist in my eyes, but with ‘TGE’ he has now become a truly great metal singer.

The definition modern melodically infused metal in 2005 is right here folks. This is all class. Nevermore are back to claim the crown they let slip from their grasp a couple of years back. ‘TGE’ sits easily along side their two notable classics – ‘Dead Heart in a Dead World’ and ‘Dreaming Neon Black’. At some point in the future, it may even usurp them as their best ever.

note: Quote: 9

Tracklist

Born
The Final Product
Bittersweet Feast
Sentient 6
Medicated Nation
The Holocaust of Thought
Sell My Heart For Stones
Psalm of Lydia
A Future Uncertain
This Godless Endeavor