• Nevermore
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[img]http://i55.tinypic.com/2vcvqs1.png[/img] [b]Nevermore[/b] is a heavy metal band originating from Seattle, Washington. Formed in 1991 by singer Warrel Dane, bassist Jim Sheppard and guitarist Jeff Loomis, after the breakup of their previous band, Sanctuary, due to conflicts within the band about the musical direction of the band. Nevermore are known to be "hard to classify" due to the incorporation of many elements of different subgenres, including thrash metal, progressive metal, neo-classical metal, death metal and arguably power metal(to quote Dane: "I don't think wer'e power metal"). [h2]History:[/h2] [b]1991-1994[/b] A year after their formation(1992), the band released it's first demo [i]Utopia[/i] idependently, which included many songs that would be used later in the same way they were recorded, or have riffs and lyrics used in different songs. Although rare, this album still acquirable, and songs off it are present as bonus tracks on later releases. In 1994 the band released it's second demo, simply entitled [i]Demo 1994[i]. Nothing is really known about it apart from it's title and year of release. In the same year the band established it's first (and constant until 2011) lineup: [b]-Warrel Dane - Vocals -Jim Sheppard - Bass Guitar -Jeff Loomis - Rhythm/Lead Guitar -Van Williams - Drums This is considered the band's classic line up[/b] [b]1995[/b] A year later, in 1995 the band saw the release of it's first studio album. Although credited for all of the songs, drummer Van Williams only played on half of them, the other half being played by it's previous and original drummer Mark Arrington. The self titled album received much attention as it's release was support by a European tour with Blind Guardian and a North American tour with Death. It was much praised for it's vocal work, lyrics and guitar work which was claimed by reviewers to be much influenced by band Queensrÿche. The album includes 8 tracks, and 13 in it's 2006 rerelease, it was produced by Neil Kernon. [b]1996-1997[/b] Sometime between 1995-1996 the band welcomed it's first secondary guitarist - Pat O'Brien (Of Cannibal Corpse fame), and with him the band released it's first EP, titled [i]In Memory[/i] in 1996. The album included 5 original tracks and a cover track, a medley of Bauhaus' Silent Hedges and Double Dare(Respectively titled Silent Hedges/Double Dare). In 2006 it was rereleased with 5 more tracks, all of them demos of songs from their next album. The album includes 5 tracks, and 10 in it's 2006 rerelease, it was produced by Neil Kernon. In 1996 the band also released it's second studio album, entitled [i]The Politics Of Ecstasy[/i], after a book by psychologist and writer Timothy Leary, with the same name. The opening track of the album, The Seven Tongues Of God was also the first chapter of the same-titled book. The album was very well received by critics, and is considered the bands most musically progressive effort until today. The album includes 10 tracks and 11 tracks in it's 2006 reissue, it was produced by Neil Kernon. In 1997 Pat O'Brien left Nevermore to join Cannibal Corpse, and was replaced by guitarist Curran Murphy, and shortly after that by Tim Calvert. [b]1999-2001[/b] The next studio album spawned 3 years after their last release. [i]Dreaming Neon Black[/i] was mostly a slower album aiming for a more depressive feeling, it follows the story of a man slowly descending into madness, due to the death of his only ever loved woman. Warrel Dane said he had put much effort into vocal work, to properly interpret the lyrics and emit the right feel to the listener. The lyrics and concept are partially true, due to the events Dane underwent after the vanishing of his longtime girlfriend.(Supposedly she joined a religious group and was never heard from again). This is also the bands longest album, clocking at 65 minutes and 59 seconds. It includes 13 tracks and was produced by Neil Kernon. In 2000 the band released it's next album, [i]Dead Heart In A Dead World[/i]. This album is notable for being the first album in which guitarist Jeff Loomis utilized a seven-string guitar (A setup which lasts throughout the rest of their albums from this album and on), and is considered by many fans as Nevermore's best effort. The style of the album was often compared to a heavier, darker version of Queensrÿche. This album includes a cover version of Simon & Garfunkel's 'The Sound Of Silence', and in it's limited edition also a cover of Judas Priest's Love Bites (Which was originally recorded for a tribute compilation). The album has a total of 11 songs, and 2 additional ones in a limited edition version. In 2001 Tim Calvert left Nevermore to pursue a piloting career, and later briefly reunite with his former band Forbidden. Due to his departure, the band decided not to seek for a 2nd guitarist, and instead continuing as a 4 piece band, only having guitarists to fill in during live shows. [b]2003-2008[/b] The bands fifth studio album,[i]Enemies Of Reality[/i] was originally released in 2003 after remaining over a year in production. However the original mixing and mastering of the album faced much criticism by reviewers and fans, stating the poor production doesn't do justice to the band's material, and therefore was remixed and remastered by Andy Sneap, and rereleased in 2005, which was much much more favorable by fans and critics. The album is notable for a lot of neo-classical influenced guitar solos by guitarist Jeff Loomis. Supporting the album, the band was joined by touring guitarist Steve Smyth which would quickly become a permanent member of the band as a 2nd guitarist and appear on their next album. The album included a total of 9 tracks in all of it's versions. In 2005 the band releases it's next studio effort, [i]This Godless Endeavor[/i]. The album was critically acclaimed, described by a review as a "nearly flawless album, with the 4th track being one track too much", and "a yet another chapter in what has become one of the more impressive album streaks in recent metal history." The album style ranged from fast death metal influenced songs to somewhat slower, more progressive songs, and the song "A Future Uncertain" included lyrics from their 1992 demo song "World Unborn". The album holds a total of 12 songs, and was produced by Andy Sneap. The year 2006 held somewhat bad luck for the band, with bassist Jim Sheppard undergoing a procedure for Crohn's Disease from which he had suffered for 15 years, Warrel Dane had developed a type 2 diabetes and due to an unspecified illness of his the band had to cancel one of it's shows. Guitarist Steve Smyth suffered from a kidney failure requiring a kidney transplant, due to which he was hospitalized and replaced by touring guitarist Chris Broderick(Which previously toured with the band in 2001 and 2003). The band planned to film it's first DVD in September in Zeche Club, Bochum, Germany. However on the day of the show, Dane fell ill with what he said was a teeth infection, and despite his best efforts to try and perform, he had to see a doctor, which insisted that he will not perform on that date. The DVD shooting was later rescheduled for October the same year. The DVD was released in 2008, entitled [i]The Year Of The Voyager[/i] and is the only band's release to include Chris Broderick. In 2007 it was announced that Steve Smyth is no longer a member in the band, citing musical and business differences as the reason to his departure. In 2008, the band was on a somewhat break, after their intense touring supporting This Godless Endeavor from 2005 to 2007. In this year guitarist Jeff Loomis released his first ever solo album entitled [i]Zero Order Phase[/i] an all instrumental album featuring the band's original drummer Mark Arrington and produced by the band's first producer Neil Kernon, with whom Jeff expressed a wish to work furthermore after the band had chosen a different producer. Singer Warrel Dane also saw the release of his first solo record in that year, entitled [i]Praises To The War Machine[/i], featuring lyrics somewhat similar to his Nevermore effort, although in a different instrumental style. This album featured a guest solo by fellow guitarist Jeff Loomis, and was produced by Peter Witchers, whom would also produce the band's next and latest record. [b]2009[/b] During 2009 the band was still on it's break for the most part, apart from occasional shows in various places, and guitarist Jeff Loomis performing in many guitar clinics, promoting the Schecter Hellraiser guitar he is using(And was using it's different variations since 2000). [b]2010-2011[/b] In mid 2010 the band released it's latest studio effort, entitled [i]The Obsidian Conspiracy[/i]. The album was generally praised by critics but received mixed opinions among fans. Some claimed it was a solid effort similar to the band's previous releases, although in a different style, others saying that it was a relatively bad effort with only a few songs standing out and remaining "Nevermore-esque". The album's difference could be explained by what Jeff Loomis stated in an interview about producer Witchers' involvement in the song structure of the album. (Shortening the songs, making them more catchy) The band was touring since the release of the album with new touring guitarist Attila Vörös, and later temporary Dagna Silesia(Due to bassist Jim Sheppard undergoing a treatment to remove a brain tumor, and recovering from it) until 2011, when it was announced that long time and founding members Jeff Loomis and Van Williams are no longer in the band, citing conflicts within the band and differences with Warrel Dane the reason to their departure. The Obsidian Conspiracy has 10 tracks and 12 in it's limited edition, including a cover version of The Door's Crystal Ship. It was produced by Peter Witchers. The band is now apparently on hiatus. [h2]Extra Info:[/h2] Sanctuary's first record was [i]Refugee Denied[/i] was produced by Dave Mustaine. Jeff Loomis originally went to the auditions to join Megadeth, but was turned down by Dave because he was only 16 years old at the time. However, impressed with his skill, Dave recommended Jeff to Sanctuary. Jeff joined Sanctuary shortly before their break up, and formed Nevermore along with Warrel and Jim. According to Jeff, after being turned down by Dave, he saw Marty Friedman play in a show prior to joining Megadeth, and after the show told him about Megadeth auditioning for a guitarist. In 2008, after the departure of Glen Drover from Megadeth, according to Jeff, Dave called him up and asked if he's interested in doing some solo work for what would become Endgame. Jeff turned the option down because he was busy with his solo record at the time, however he suggested Chris Broderick with whom he was touring before. So at least according to those interviews, both Marty Friedman and Chris Broderick joined Megadeth thanks to some of Loomis' input. The band overall had long relations with Megadeth, and in 2005 performed on Mustaine's Gigantour. [h2]Full Releases List[/h2] -Utopia(Demo, 1992) -Demo 1994(Demo, 1994:downs:) -[url=http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nevermore_%28album%29]Nevermore(1995)[/url] -[url=http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/In_Memory]In Memory(EP, 1996)[/url] -[url=http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Politics_of_Ecstasy_%28album%29]The Politics Of Ecstasy(1996)[/url] -[url=http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dreaming_Neon_Black]Dreaming Neon Black(1999)[/url] -[url=http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dead_Heart_in_a_Dead_World]Dead Heart In A Dead World[/url] -[url=http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Enemies_of_Reality]Enemies Of Reality(2003/2005)[/url] -[url=http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/This_Godless_Endeavor]This Godless Endeavor(2005)[/url] -[url=http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Year_of_the_Voyager]The Year Of The Voyager(DVD, 2008)[/url] -[url=http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manifesto_of_Nevermore]Manifesto Of Nevermore(Compilation, 2009)[/url] -[url=http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Obsidian_Conspiracy]The Obsidian Conspiracy(2010)[/url] [h2]Pictures:[/h2] [img]http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/28390_113263672045202_112431282128441_82023_4038364_n.jpg[/img] (From Left To Right:Jeff Loomis, Van Williams, Warrel Dane, Jim Sheppard) [quote][img]http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5139/5519006393_d181c0ed01.jpg[/img][/quote][quote][img]http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_xwlC23KQJzY/S-s5ODMSTVI/AAAAAAAACPU/X0A4qgXRBfw/s1600/Nevermore+Live+Jim.jpg[/img][/quote] [quote][img]http://www.metal-invader.com/gigs/Nevermore_2010_05_28/photos/Nevermore_band.jpg[/img][/quote] [h2]Videos:[/h2] [highlight]These are the official music videos of their songs, ordered chronologically[/highlight] [b]What Tomorrow Knows:[/b] [media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WKZk1XowOFM[/media] [b]Next In Line:[/b] [media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qKBYOy38Sk4[/media] [b]Believe In Nothing:[/b] [media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mT_oPFNJwEM[/media] [b]I, Voyager:[/b] [media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NomBovF5gPk[/media] [b]Enemies Of Reality[/b] [media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aK2i5Ap5Ovo[/media] [b]Born:[/b] [media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=impRqn44OCA[/media] [b]Final Product:[/b] [media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Te7FKPFqn74[/media] [b]Emptiness Unobstructed:[/b] [media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vjQ63uB__OA[/media] [highlight]Extra videos and songs worthy of sharing here[/highlight] [b]This Godless Endeavor:[/b] Not a video, but my personal all time favorite song. [media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a90HLwl6IfA[/media] [b]The Psalm Of Lydia:[/b] Again, not a video, but it was the very first song by them I heard and immediately fell in love with them. [media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_MO0oo3cHT8[/media] [b]Final Product - Live at Wacken Open Air 2006:[/b](With Chris Broderick) [media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H5105iANZNI[/media] [b]The Heart Collector - The Year Of The Voyager:[/b](With Chris Broderick) [media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SnGNCFFPJvQ[/media] [h2]Final Note[/h2] Nevermore had been my favorite band ever since I heard them in 2005, it was the band that got me into listening to actual metal.(Not saying there's "fake metal", but considering the first metal band I got into was Breaking Benjamin - they're barely metal.) I based some of my stuff here on Wiki, however I felt like just quoting it misses the whole point of making a thread about it, since I could just link people to the Wiki page then. Discuss! P.S if you feel like the OP misses something do say, I will add.
this band is good
Quoth the raven
This band was my first foray into metal [media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=majXSmcEgoQ[/media] [media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KWERBa6JIQo[/media]
[QUOTE=Jo The Shmo;30144751]Quoth the raven[/QUOTE] They should compose a song for that poem
Great band, I used to listen to them a lot. I think This Godless Endevour would be my favourite album.
I really want to have any announcement from them at all. Much as I'd like to have them alive, I don't think it's a brilliant idea to keep on going with the person that defined the way they sound is out of the band.
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