Nevermore
This Godless Endeavor

THE REVIEW

"This Godless Endeavor" is the latest endeavor by Nevermore, an American quintet specialized in thrash metal (not TRASH as I have read many times...). Surely the genre is not my favorite, but I must give the proper credit to this band for such a great work.

...and to think that the first track, "Born", doesn't start off well: the beginning leaves a bit to be desired, especially for the starting vocals which I consider horrendous, but also for the excessive aggression used to open the CD! It's fine to be intense, but don't overdo it!! Fortunately, as the minutes pass, the path changes, and I assure you that it's worth hearing the refrain... it is truly commendable. It moves on to "Final Product" which gives an extra edge to the work: splendid both in acoustic and timing with Van Williams unleashed!! Perhaps a bit repetitive but really excellent especially in the sung parts. Another masterpiece follows: "My Acid Words" has the same pace as the previous one but is more melodic, indeed halfway through, the rhythm slows down moving from an aggressive sound to a sweeter and deeper one that gives chills. In the instrumental part, the guitar takes center stage for a great "accompanied" solo. To be savored every second. "Bittersweet Feast" starts more calmly to then return to metal. Same sound and structure as the previous ones, still remains at high levels. The fifth track "Sentient" is a small pause, the piano is added to make it more catchy and light. To not lose the thread, it returns to metal in the finale.

"Medicated Nation" is very similar to the others, both in structure and sound... monotony is not good for anyone, indeed it is from this piece that one might lose concentration. "The Holocaust of Thought", entirely instrumental, creates a calm yet mysterious atmosphere. It is the prelude to the following "Sell My Heart" which right from the start alternates moments of tranquility with more metal ones, without however creating noteworthy cues. After 4 slightly underwhelming tracks, finally with "The Psalm of Lydia" I feel a renewed energy. Now, I'm not an expert on riffs or solos and I'm not even a musician, but the guitar playing (forgive the term that perhaps conveys the idea better...) by Jeff Loomis in the first notes of this song is of impressive beauty!!! If you read this review, I recommend you listen to it. It lasts only 10 seconds but leaves you speechless for its speed and depth. Impressive. "A Future Uncertain" starts slowly then wakes up in the following seconds with Loomis in the foreground, but nothing special, already heard. "This Godless Endeavor" is the title track, let's say right away that it’s an excellent closure, especially the starting minutes provide good cues with "thoughtful" sounds, without exaggerating or getting lost in complicated solos, reaching the end of the CD.

Then, there are still many things to say. This work is very good. In each track, you can find excellent ideas but not followed through to the end. The melodies and sounds of many songs, especially in the choruses, are excellent, but the instrumental parts or the closings are not up to the same standard. Speaking of Nevermore, the drummer is astonishingly talented, incredible both in speed and perfection, even in very difficult passages to play. Warrel Dane lacks a bit of power and depth (sings with a high tone of voice, at least in this CD), but it must also be said that he is extraordinary in the interpretation he gives to every word sung. It gives an extra edge and makes his style unmistakable... it's the characteristic trait that distinguishes Nevermore from other similar metal bands. Finally, the bassist and Jeff Loomis give us in every song that slightly melancholy and decadent sound that makes everything even more beautiful. The only "off note" of the CD is the similarity between the tracks, they all have a familiar sound, but this is a flaw of many singers. Not a masterpiece, but we're close.