All Interviews
Nevermore
Posted on Jul 9, 2005
by Anders
I have never been a big fan of Nevermore, I like their albums, but it is a long way from there and to be a real fan. When I received the advance of Nevermore's upcoming album "The Godless Endeavour" and gave it the first listen, I wasn't all that impressed. Time went and I gave it some more spins, but it didn't really catch me. It was first when I got an interview with guitar maestro extraordinaire Jeff Loomis scheduled, and I had to give the album a lot of listens in a row, it opened up and revealed it self. Quite funny when Jeff during the interview told me, that one of the things the band had aimed to do with the new album. Was to make a more diverse and layered album, that the listener had to use some time on to let it sink in. Besides that we talked about his way of writing music, his influences, the remix of "Enemies Of Reality" and their struggle with Century Media among other things. Nevermore is today consisting of singer Warrel Dane, guitarist Jeff Loomis, guitarist Steve Smyth, bassist Jim Sheppard and drummer Van Williams.
Hey there, will you please start off by telling a bit about yourself and why you play metal?
I've been playing guitar in Nevermore for 10 years now. Before that I played with Warrel Dane and Jim Sheppard in Sanctuary. Though I played in a couple of other bands, when Sanctuary disbanded and Warrel and Jim went on to form Nevermore. Though I soon ended up in Nevermore and have been there since. Hmmm, and I guess I am playing and making music due to it being the only thing I know how to do today.
How did you get into metal and how did it end up with you being where you are today?
I grew up in Wisconsin and got into the metal at a point. One day a friend told me that Sanctuary was auditioning for a new guitarist. I sent them a demo, and got the gig. It was quite a deal back then, I beat 150 other guys, haha. Back in 1991 when the grunge wave really escalated, we in Sanctuary disagreed on how to continue the band's musical style. Some of us wanted to progress the style we played and the rest wanted to jump the grunge wagon, and it ended up with the band splitting up. The rest of the way up to today, is pretty well known history.
How much does Nevermore mean to you?
Everything man, it is what I do. It is very important for me and it is a 24/7 job, so it is always on my mind. Nevermore is really important to all of us in the band.
You're soon ready with your new album "The Godless Endeavour", how has the reactions been to the album so far?
The reactions so far have been very positive. We ourselves think it is the most diverse album we so far has made, we are very proud of the album. It took a lot of time to do, but it was worth it. Besides that Andy Sneap (the producer, ed) did a really good job again, we often refer to him as the 6th member of the band.
How do you feel about the album?
I love it! It is our best work yet, I honestly believe it is an excellent album. That is of course the cliché thing to say, but this time we really hit it. It is a different album compared to some of our other releases, it takes some time to get into. On the prior releases I've been used to write the most of the music, this time we all took part of the writing of the music, and that worked out really well, and created a more diverse and exciting album.
What do you expect from the album?
I don't really know that yet, of course I hope it will sell, haha. We are in Germany right now to do all these interviews for the European press. And it seems that the big magazines down here really like the album, so far "The Godless Endeavor" has been picked as the best album in 3 magazines.
When you started out to write music for the new album, what were your ideas and what did you want to accomplish?
I don't pre-plan what I want to make and write, I have a studio in my basement, where I let it all flow. Pre-planning the ideas will call for a too structured process and I don't like that. I like it when it all comes naturally, I don't like to push things. I make a lot of different riffs, arrangements etc. and then let the process of elimination work its way. When I have made a song, I give [it] to Warrel and after that, [to] the rest of the band.
How do you find inspiration to write music?
I don't really know, I don't think about much either. It can be anything, the weather, the rain. Living here in Seattle, I have enough of rainy days and doomsday atmosphere around all the time, haha. I try not to listen to too much other music. I do listen a bit to old classical music and shredders like Jason Becker and Marty Friedman. When writing the music for "The Godless Endeavor" I can't really pinpoint any direct sources of inspirations, to be honest.
How have you progressed as a guitar player/musician during the years?
Hmmm, when I first started, I was of course practicing technique and speed all the time, but I can't really develop any further on that account. These days I'm working on making good songs, instead of showing off, haha. The good songs are the hardest to learn, you can't force them, as you can force technique and speed, by practicing it all the time. The good songs comes with years of practice and writing.
Do you have anything you would like to tell the world with the album?
Well, I really hope that people are going to like it. It is the most insane thing we so far has made, it needs quite a few listens to settle in. There are elements of practically everything on the album, it really needs some time to soak in. Before you'll get the whole deal.
Do you think you can influence some people or anything else with your music?
Of course, if people do take the time to listen to the albums and grasp it all. We are an honest band, and definitely not the flavour of the month. Give us the chance, listen to our albums and let it all soak in, and then we'll hopefully be able to give some perspectives on life.
Do you have any details concerning the lyrics? Can you tell a bit about the themes used this time?
This time Warrel has touched different personal topics. Some things that is important for him. Things as the struggle between good and bad, finding yourself as a person etc. All these little issues we all are struggling with in one way or another.
After your last release "Enemies Of Reality" you were without label for a while, but eventually went back to Century Media, what was the reason for that choice?
Well, after we did "Enemies Of Reality", that was the last album, in our previous contract with Century Media. We had a lot of offers for a new deal, also some from some bigger labels, but in the end Century Media offered us the deal of a lifetime, and we couldn't refuse that. We are signed for 3 albums as it is now.
You weren't too happy with the sound on "Enemies Of Reality"... but how did it end up bad in the first place?
The problem was that we were making the album, in the middle of contract negotiations with Century Media, and when we wouldn't agree to their offer, and "Enemies Of Reality" being our last album for the label. They didn't provide us with many money for he recording and production of the album. We did the album with Kelly Grey, who used to play in Queensrÿche. Well, it wasn't a good idea to let him record Nevermore, he didn't really understand the band, I think. It all backlashed so to speak.
You got the album remixed and reissued earlier this year, is the album perfect now?
The remix was well worth the effort. The sound is so much better now, some times it can be hard to believe that it is the same recording. You can hear the drums and guitars perfectly now, it is really good. Don't get me wrong, we liked the original sound on the album, and if it wasn't for the fans complaining about the record sounding band, we would not have got it remixed. Though we are here for the fans, they are the ones who make it possible.
How much do you feel you have accomplished with your life and with Nevermore?
Quite a bit to be honest. I have learned a lot and I have been almost everywhere in the world. I have met a lot of people and have learned a ton of things. Many good things have happened through out the years. If it was without Nevermore, I wouldn't have experienced a lot of the things mentioned above. The band has become a lot better and we have grown stronger. It is hard to put words on what we have accomplished, there are physical things like albums, tours etc. but the I count the mental things higher and I can't really put words on them.
How would you like to be remembered, what should your epitaph say?
Haha, good one... I guess it has to say: Guitargod, creator of killer songs and a good songwriter who was a part of a great band.
You have been placed on the Gigantour, how much exposure will that bring you?
It is killer... on the Gigantour we will hit a whole new audience. Over here in the states, we are normally only playing small clubs, now we will hit many more people and probably a lot who never have heard of Nevermore before. It is pretty awesome and a great opportunity. We are not as big over here, as we are in Europe... We have to work a lot harder to get recognized in the states, but with the Gigantour we have received a good break.
Will you share your 3 all time favourite albums with us?
Iron Maiden - Piece Of Mind
Meshuggah - Destroy Erase Improve
Jason Becker - Perpetual Burn
Thanks a ton for doing this interview... its been great talking to you... do you have anything to add?
We are really looking forward to tour Europe and to see all you fans! With some luck we'll hit Scandinavia, we really hope so.
I've been playing guitar in Nevermore for 10 years now. Before that I played with Warrel Dane and Jim Sheppard in Sanctuary. Though I played in a couple of other bands, when Sanctuary disbanded and Warrel and Jim went on to form Nevermore. Though I soon ended up in Nevermore and have been there since. Hmmm, and I guess I am playing and making music due to it being the only thing I know how to do today.
How did you get into metal and how did it end up with you being where you are today?
I grew up in Wisconsin and got into the metal at a point. One day a friend told me that Sanctuary was auditioning for a new guitarist. I sent them a demo, and got the gig. It was quite a deal back then, I beat 150 other guys, haha. Back in 1991 when the grunge wave really escalated, we in Sanctuary disagreed on how to continue the band's musical style. Some of us wanted to progress the style we played and the rest wanted to jump the grunge wagon, and it ended up with the band splitting up. The rest of the way up to today, is pretty well known history.
How much does Nevermore mean to you?
Everything man, it is what I do. It is very important for me and it is a 24/7 job, so it is always on my mind. Nevermore is really important to all of us in the band.
You're soon ready with your new album "The Godless Endeavour", how has the reactions been to the album so far?
The reactions so far have been very positive. We ourselves think it is the most diverse album we so far has made, we are very proud of the album. It took a lot of time to do, but it was worth it. Besides that Andy Sneap (the producer, ed) did a really good job again, we often refer to him as the 6th member of the band.
How do you feel about the album?
I love it! It is our best work yet, I honestly believe it is an excellent album. That is of course the cliché thing to say, but this time we really hit it. It is a different album compared to some of our other releases, it takes some time to get into. On the prior releases I've been used to write the most of the music, this time we all took part of the writing of the music, and that worked out really well, and created a more diverse and exciting album.
What do you expect from the album?
I don't really know that yet, of course I hope it will sell, haha. We are in Germany right now to do all these interviews for the European press. And it seems that the big magazines down here really like the album, so far "The Godless Endeavor" has been picked as the best album in 3 magazines.
When you started out to write music for the new album, what were your ideas and what did you want to accomplish?
I don't pre-plan what I want to make and write, I have a studio in my basement, where I let it all flow. Pre-planning the ideas will call for a too structured process and I don't like that. I like it when it all comes naturally, I don't like to push things. I make a lot of different riffs, arrangements etc. and then let the process of elimination work its way. When I have made a song, I give [it] to Warrel and after that, [to] the rest of the band.
How do you find inspiration to write music?
I don't really know, I don't think about much either. It can be anything, the weather, the rain. Living here in Seattle, I have enough of rainy days and doomsday atmosphere around all the time, haha. I try not to listen to too much other music. I do listen a bit to old classical music and shredders like Jason Becker and Marty Friedman. When writing the music for "The Godless Endeavor" I can't really pinpoint any direct sources of inspirations, to be honest.
How have you progressed as a guitar player/musician during the years?
Hmmm, when I first started, I was of course practicing technique and speed all the time, but I can't really develop any further on that account. These days I'm working on making good songs, instead of showing off, haha. The good songs are the hardest to learn, you can't force them, as you can force technique and speed, by practicing it all the time. The good songs comes with years of practice and writing.
Do you have anything you would like to tell the world with the album?
Well, I really hope that people are going to like it. It is the most insane thing we so far has made, it needs quite a few listens to settle in. There are elements of practically everything on the album, it really needs some time to soak in. Before you'll get the whole deal.
Do you think you can influence some people or anything else with your music?
Of course, if people do take the time to listen to the albums and grasp it all. We are an honest band, and definitely not the flavour of the month. Give us the chance, listen to our albums and let it all soak in, and then we'll hopefully be able to give some perspectives on life.
Do you have any details concerning the lyrics? Can you tell a bit about the themes used this time?
This time Warrel has touched different personal topics. Some things that is important for him. Things as the struggle between good and bad, finding yourself as a person etc. All these little issues we all are struggling with in one way or another.
After your last release "Enemies Of Reality" you were without label for a while, but eventually went back to Century Media, what was the reason for that choice?
Well, after we did "Enemies Of Reality", that was the last album, in our previous contract with Century Media. We had a lot of offers for a new deal, also some from some bigger labels, but in the end Century Media offered us the deal of a lifetime, and we couldn't refuse that. We are signed for 3 albums as it is now.
You weren't too happy with the sound on "Enemies Of Reality"... but how did it end up bad in the first place?
The problem was that we were making the album, in the middle of contract negotiations with Century Media, and when we wouldn't agree to their offer, and "Enemies Of Reality" being our last album for the label. They didn't provide us with many money for he recording and production of the album. We did the album with Kelly Grey, who used to play in Queensrÿche. Well, it wasn't a good idea to let him record Nevermore, he didn't really understand the band, I think. It all backlashed so to speak.
You got the album remixed and reissued earlier this year, is the album perfect now?
The remix was well worth the effort. The sound is so much better now, some times it can be hard to believe that it is the same recording. You can hear the drums and guitars perfectly now, it is really good. Don't get me wrong, we liked the original sound on the album, and if it wasn't for the fans complaining about the record sounding band, we would not have got it remixed. Though we are here for the fans, they are the ones who make it possible.
How much do you feel you have accomplished with your life and with Nevermore?
Quite a bit to be honest. I have learned a lot and I have been almost everywhere in the world. I have met a lot of people and have learned a ton of things. Many good things have happened through out the years. If it was without Nevermore, I wouldn't have experienced a lot of the things mentioned above. The band has become a lot better and we have grown stronger. It is hard to put words on what we have accomplished, there are physical things like albums, tours etc. but the I count the mental things higher and I can't really put words on them.
How would you like to be remembered, what should your epitaph say?
Haha, good one... I guess it has to say: Guitargod, creator of killer songs and a good songwriter who was a part of a great band.
You have been placed on the Gigantour, how much exposure will that bring you?
It is killer... on the Gigantour we will hit a whole new audience. Over here in the states, we are normally only playing small clubs, now we will hit many more people and probably a lot who never have heard of Nevermore before. It is pretty awesome and a great opportunity. We are not as big over here, as we are in Europe... We have to work a lot harder to get recognized in the states, but with the Gigantour we have received a good break.
Will you share your 3 all time favourite albums with us?
Iron Maiden - Piece Of Mind
Meshuggah - Destroy Erase Improve
Jason Becker - Perpetual Burn
Thanks a ton for doing this interview... its been great talking to you... do you have anything to add?
We are really looking forward to tour Europe and to see all you fans! With some luck we'll hit Scandinavia, we really hope so.
Nevermore website.
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