By: Anders

Posted: Oct 25, 2005

I'm a late bloomer when it comes to Nevermore, it's merely a year ago or so, since I really got into the band and their display of technical and progressive thrash. As for so many others, it was most likely the voice of Warrel Dane which kept me from getting into their music earlier. But for some unknown reason, it one day caught onto me while I was listening to one of the band's albums, to be honest I can't remember which one, but here I am today enjoying the band and specifically their new effort "This Godless Endeavor".

There have been a widespread hype surrounding this new Nevermore album, and such does get the hope and expectations up high, but from the first blast on this album, it seems like the band knew what they were getting into and is determined to deliver the goods. The riffing is fierce and very direct, the band seems angrier than before and like the have to prove themselves. The guitar duo of Jeff Loomis and newcomer in the Nevermore camp, Steve Smyth (ex-Testament) works really well and dynamic. The compositions are well varied and there isn't a boring moment to find. The technical pieces and breaks are worked well into the songs and shows how good songwriters the members of the band are. The flow is seldom ruined by the breaks and many pace shifts. The drumming is incredible varied and interesting and changing a lot through out the songs. The bass is nice and grande as well, though it could at times have used some more space. But I guess it's hard to mix an album, when all the members are as good on their instruments, as it is the case of Nevermore. The vocal work is great as well, emotional and very heartfelt. Warrel means what he sings and that can be felt, his range is pretty good and his distinct vocal is felt all over.

The album is kind of a hard blow to the listener, it is very pushy and works on all of the body and the mind. The music is aggressive, dark and bleak most of time and is containing all of the band's trademarks and the vocals grip the soul. If you're a hardcore Nevermore fan you'll dig this album and most likely find it amongst the band's best work. If you hated Nevermore before you started reading this review, you'll still hate the band. Nevermore is Nevermore and nothing is going to change that, that is both the force and perhaps the Achilles tendon, but this is one of the best albums I've heard from the band and it is highly recommended. Powerful and technical progressive thrash, not being to complex.

Rating: 9/10

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