Jun
11
Album Review: Nevermore-The Obsidian Conspiracy
Nevermore. The name alone evokes tremors of ecstasy. Few bands have left such an indelible imprint on the contemporary metal world than the Seattle quartet, who’ve ventured into realms both extreme and melodic for 2005’s pre-hiatus masterpiece “This Godless Endeavor.” Back then, aside from sending shockwaves among metalheads who couldn’t really decipher which genre Nevermore really belonged to (singer Warrel Dane insists they aren’t power metal), every pair of ears who witnessed that album began entertaining thoughts of how awesome its follow up would be.
Five years since and another godless endeavor titled “The Obsidian Conspiracy” has finally arrived to re-establish Nevermore’s dominion over our very souls. Eager fans who’ve been contemplating this release will fall upon it like ravenous hyenas and be either stumped or electrified by the fist-to-the-throat intensity of opener “The Termination Proclamation.” It’s still the Nevermore of legend alright, loaded with deadly grooves, a menacing pace, Jeff Loomis’ chunky groove-laden riffs, and Dane’s deep vocals. The crucial difference is it starts so abruptly, the anticipation almost falls flat on its face. But do not fear, because it’s hardly an underwhelming tune and neither is “Your Poison Throne” or the testosterone drenched verve of “Moonrise (Through Mirrors of Death)”.
Further excellence reigns on the album’s slower moments, which range from the chilling “And The Maiden Spoke,” the doom metal tinged “The Day You Built The Wall,” and the menacing “She Comes In Colors.” Yet most poignant of all, and perhaps “The Obsidian Conspiracy”’s highwater mark, is the heart rending emotion of “The Blue Marble And The New Soul.” Ever so tender and moving, you might not be able to hold back the tears. On the flipside of such mid tempo fare are the straightforward thrashers like “Moonrise,” the oddly positive message of “Without Morals,” and the title track, which arrives at the bitter end crackling with infernal rhythm.
Speaking of rhythm bassist Jim Sheppard and drummer Van Williams are a flawless pair. It’s the backdrop they provide that allows both Warrel Dane and Jeff Loomis to shine. Shine they do on most of the album, including the extra cover songs after the incendiary title track, and this scribe has no other judgment to pass except to declare “The Obsidian Conspiracy” is worth the wait.
-Miguel
