Nevermore - The Obsidian Conspiracy (2010)

Artist: Nevermore
Album: the Obsidian Conspiracy
Date Released: June 8, 2010
Genre: Doom Metal, Progressive

Album Review:

I've never listened to much doom metal, much less anything from Nevermore. Thus, I can't really speak in terms of their older music. However, many references have told me that this album is definitely the crown works of the band. There is such a full and majestic sound that makes even the most foreign visitors to metal smile at the beauty of the music. The riffs from Loomis are unmatched in technicality and beauty, and Warrel Dane's singing fits the music very well.

Don't box yourself into a style. The aggressive, fast-paced anthems with the morose and somber dirges mold into one Obsidian Conspiracy that you don't want to miss!

Rating: 8.5 out of 10

Song-by-song:

Termination Proclamation: This is easily my favorite song off the album. In fact, I was about to discontinue this review on account of keeping this song on replay! The opening riff is so strong and intense that it drives the listener forward, propelling them into the rest of the album.

Your Poison Throne: With the repeated cry to "rise, rise, rise", a haunting feel is added into the mix. It was a nice tie-in from Termination Proclamation.

Moonrise (Through Mirrors of Death): With an intro resembling This Dying Soul by Dream Theater, this song starts out raging and pounding, but by the chorus, things slow down to really focus on the heaviness of the song. There is that haunting feel in the words spoken "is this soliloquy or psychosis, or self-hypnosis?".

And the Maiden Spoke: Once again, the song seems to take you one direction (in this case of a slower, calm melody), but the song explodes into a rampage about some mysterious maiden. I officially love doom metal.

Emptiness Unobstructed: Definitely a slower ballad, and stays that way. There has been some question about whether the band is Christian. I am not completely sure, but lyrics like "within the cold absolute, the cold brutal truth", there are at least Christian ideals represented.

The Blue Marble and the New Soul: This song is slower in sound than Emptiness Unobstructed, but I wouldn't call it the slow song. It seems like a continuation of the previous song. Beautiful.

Without Morals: On a different note, another heavy riff and warning lyrics greet the listener in Without Morals "without morals we wither, we might as well be gone"...

The Day You Built the Wall: As a shout to one who is relentless in destroying themselves, I think this song is very creatively written. Definitely that progressive rock feel to it.

She Comes in Colors: Looking back, perhaps I would prefer one or two more fast-paced songs, but looking back again, I like how melancholy this album is. This song is acoustically-filled, haunting, and then explodes into angry and explosive riffs and cries. A great song.

The Obsidian Conspiracy: I don't like it too much as the ending track, but it is an amazing title track. I first listened to an instrumental version, and that alone blew me away. With the great vocals and words by Dane, this song is another favorite! Well done Nevermore, you've made a fan of me!