Nevermore
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Nevermore_(band).jpg
Nevermore is a North American thrash metal band from Seattle, Washington assembled in 1991. Their precise musical style is debated by fans critics alike. The band incorporates elements from styles such as death and speed metal into their songs, and also makes use of acoustic guitars and a wide range of vocal styles.
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Biography
Nevermore started in the beginning of the 1990s, when the band Sanctuary was pressured by its recording label to change its musical style, switching from heavy metal to grunge, which was obtaining mainstream success at the time due to bands such as Nirvana. Two members of the band - vocalist Warrel Dane and bassist Jim Sheppard - didn't agree with the change, and thus proceeded to create a project of their own - Nevermore.
By the end of 1994, the band assumed a stable line-up, which saw the additions of drummer Van Williams and former Sanctuary touring guitarist Jeff Loomis. In 1995 Nevermore released its first, self-titled, album through Century Media Records. This album received much attention and specialized review, as its release was followed by an European tour with Blind Guardian and a North American tour with Death, both internationally renown bands.
Second guitarist Pat O'Brien (now in Cannibal Corpse) joined the band prior to the release of the EP - In Memory - and also took part in the recording of the subsequent album Politics of Ecstasy, both from 1996. O'Brien left Nevermore, and guitarist Tim Calvert - who had previously contributed to songwriting - joined replaced him.
Three years without releases followed, and in 1999 the album Dreaming Neon Black was released. Highly acclaimed, the album narrates the story of a man's slows decline into madness after losing the only woman he ever loved due to unknown circunstances. The tracks of this albums are consistently varied, and range from slow and melodic to agressive and destructive. Warrel Dane put much effort in interpretation, emitting emotion from his vocals, which at times border the insane.
A long tour with many concerts followed, and Nevermore played together with band such as Mercyful Fate, Arch Enemy and Iced Earth. After the end of the tour, in 2000, guitarist Tim Calvert announced his departure from the band. Instead of finding a replacement, the band decided to continue as a quartet.
Nevermore proceeded to record Dead Heart in a Dead World, which was followed by tours with bands of much expression, most notably with Savatage in 2001.
Their fifth album - Enemies of Reality - remained in production for over a year, and was released in 2003. This album faced much criticism for its production and was re-released in 2005, after being remixed by the renown Andy Sneap.
Currently, a sixth album, This Godless Endeavor, is currently set on being released on July 25th, 2005. Being released, along with the summer tour, Gigantour, Nevermore will embark on during the summer of 2005.
Current line-up
- Warrel Dane - Vocals (1991-)
- Jeff Loomis - Guitar (1991-)
- Steve Smyth - Guitar (2004-)
- Jim Sheppard - Bass (1991-)
- Van Williams - Drums (1994-)
Former members
- Pat O'Brien - Guitar (1994-1996)
- Tim Calvert - Guitar (1999)
- Mark Arrington - Drums (1991-1994)
Discography
- Nevermore (1995)
- In Memory (EP, 1996)
- Politics of Ecstasy (1996)
- Dreaming Neon Black (1999)
- Dead Heart in a Dead World (2000)
- Enemies of Reality (2003, remixed in 2005)
- This Godless Endeavor (2005)
External links
- Nevermore's official website (http://www.nevermore.tv)
- Century Media's page on Nevermore (http://www.centurymedia.com/bands/Current/Nevermore.htm)
- http://www.neondreamers.org