Sometimes you can just sense by the first listen that an album will grow into something really really cool. After intense and lengthily evaluation of
Nevermore's sixth studio album I can conclude that my first prediction was more than correct.
I was first blown away by the sheer level of compact heaviness that presented itself from the first seconds of the blistering
Born, and fortunately this unsettling nerve crawls through the entire album, ready to jump right at you if you don't give it the attention it needs, and let me tell you that this baby needs attention.
The album's eleven songs are in some way closely knitted together with some sort of common aim in sight, as to create an extremely heavy, dark, technical and comprehensive tour de force of music only
Nevermore engages in. Whatever the purpose is, it works, with all songs being strong on their own and leaving a vigorous impression. Aggression and sophistication make up a thrilling harmony here.
It's hard to imagine that the beginning of the album could have been any better;
Born knocks down all sceptics with a massive collection of thunderous riffs, insane drumming, spellbinding guitar soloing and a memorable chorus that fits in perfectly.
Final Product follows in its wake with a straighter but likewise fierce temper. Bombastic drum variations and Jeff's characteristic and impressive lead extravagance lifts this one a level or two. Warrel's fantastic and very empathetic line:
Witnessing a famine of the innocent, did they die for religion or the government, so fittingly sums up
Nevermore's lyrical universe and apart from that also stuck to my head immediately, and still refuses to leave.
Medicated Nation is one of the albums least successful songs due to a structure that seems a bit random and without the same kind of thrills as found elsewhere. Impressively it's still an overall good song with demanding guitar work of world class.
The Psalm Of Lydia shifts from slow, mid and high tempo elements so you better be on your marks, otherwise it will blow you away with its massive force and ungovernable genetics. Hard to believe that this top highlight is only just 4 minutes, compressed is the word I'm looking for.
What starts out very calmly soon turns into a full blown Metal assault as
A Future Uncertain shows its other and more explosive nature; stressing that the balance between aggression and atmosphere is cleverly worked out on this album. The two guitarists complement each other with great success in the exciting mid-section.
At the end of the feast an almost nine minute dessert is severed as the title track presents a progressive and bittersweet tasting delicacy. Raw grooves and fast aggression brings out the best from the technical rhythm section, it's kind of overwhelming in a very clever manner.
My biggest concern with this record is the lack of slower and catchier cuts. They have made some fantastic ballad-type songs before and I just can't stop feeling that I miss one or two of those. The complex
Sentient 6 somewhat makes up for it with its modest tempo, delicate acoustics and warm piano harmonies setting a different mood, giving way for a welcomed breather. The chorus is pretty strong and the active bass fills works amazing well.
The lyrics are critical, sorrowful and meaningful, the production is intense and tight and all band members put out a phenomenal performance, being even more advanced than before, guess we covered that then.
This is one of the heaviest albums of the year so far, the progressive inventions colours an otherwise very bleak mood and the super tight rhythm section is not only doing its job in keeping things together, it's destroying everything in its path and still leaves room for fascination, now that's a sign of quality music.
Written by
Tommy Monday, July 18, 2005
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