The only
question is how high the bar has been set this time? Nevermore has
throughout their career never failed to deliver at the highest possible level.
And my fascination and admiration began all the way back when Dave Mustain took
Sanctuary under his wings and ignited the spark for them. Warrel Dane and Jeff
Loomis have from that day forth had a predominant role in my musical universe.
"The
Obsidian Conspiracy" is a world-beater and the album to top this year!
Nevermore is in impeccable form throughout "The Obsidian Conspiracy" and
this is the complete package, and you really need to nitpick minor details to
find flaws on this album.
I thought
that their 2005 album "This Godless Endeavor" would catapult them into the
stratosphere, and it surely made them a better known name in the metal
community, but the last step up was never really taken. So what have they done
to take the step with "The Obsidian Conspiracy"? They have simply gone back to
their roots, turned the aggressiveness down a bit and simplified things some.
And the result is a smashing and breathtaking piece of metal that sweeps away
all kind of competition, leaving the rest behind in the dust.
Warrel Dane
picks vocally up where he left us with his solo album and sings and screams his
feelings out like never before, his new lifestyle has surely had a very positive
effect on his vocals. Jeff Loomis is a master on the fret-board and the album is
firmly packed with brilliant riffs and leads. The rhythm section is the unsung
heroes again, delivering the goods almost unnoticed - but they form one of the
best and tightest units around and everything is done to perfection.
Peter
Wichers, who Warrel worked together with on his solo album, has produced the
album and long-time partners Andy Sneap and Travis Smith have taken care of the
mix and cover art respectively and the outcome is impeccable. Small, but
important parts of Nevermore's journey to the pantheon of metal and the
message from them is clear; "Beat this"!
The
challenge is on, and I am pretty confident that Nevermore will be
victorious!
