Good, but could've been a lot better - 68%
Written by ultramotion on October 6th, 2004
It seems that Nevermore's debut is completely forgotten by many Nevermore fans, because it doesn't sound much like their later albums and is sort of viewed as a black sheep. Generally, Nevermore is mostly known for much-beloved 'Dead Heart In A Dead World' (an extremely overrated album) and 'Politics Of Ecstacy'.
This debut album is good logical follow-up to 'Into The Mirror Black' and Warrel still uses his high vocals and shrieks in different places, but his modern vocal style already begins to shine through. However, it's not that bad
as on the later albums and he actually sounds decent on 90% of the album. It could've been much better, if this debut was released in 1992 or 1993 when
Warrel could still sing on key. The proof can be heard on 1992 Demo and
Nevermore's first show in Seattle in 1992, which I happened to find and
download in its entire bootleg form on Soulseek.
Anyway, the majority of the songs here tend to follow the slow direction of
'Into The Mirror Black' songs like 'The Mirror Black' and 'Communion'. The
highlight among them is definitely 'Garden Of Grey' with good female back-up
vocals, which add a lot to the song and 'The Sanity Assassin' is good too. It's
the first Nevermore ballad, which moves along at an efficient pace and generally comes off much better, unlike ballads 'Heart Collector' and 'Believe
In Nothing' on DHIADW.
There are also 2 uptempo songs: 'C.B.F.' (Chrome Black Future) and 'Godmoney', which are good modernized metal songs with an average vocal performance, but nothing really stands out.
And finally we have a thrashy song 'Sea Of Possibilities'. This is actually a
good attempt for Nevermore at writing thrashy song. It has some nice riffs and is possible to headbang to. But the only thing that is a downside to this song, is the somewhat annoying vocal approach.
There is a smaller percentage of people, who believe that Nevermore would sound much better if they got a better vocalist. I tend to agree with that.
For example, Russ Anderson of Forbidden fame could've been a really great
candidate. And Nevermore actually could've succeeded at modernizing if they replaced Warrel with Russ. For proof, just listen to 'Hypnotized By The Rhythm' from Forbidden's Distortion album.
In Sanctuary, Warrel had a great voice. But as the times went by, he eventually decided to change his vocal style completely on 'Politics Of Ecstacy'. In result, his modern vocal style is very annoying for most part, because of the terrible vocal delivery that at times can be compared to mallcore vocalists like Jonathan Davis from Korn. I always keep hearing about how he is such a phenomenal vocalist in Nevermore, but I just can't understand why. He tries so damn hard to sound like an emotional and tortured man, but ends up falling so utterly short. Mike Howe on 'Hanging In The Balance' he is so NOT!
In short, if you're one of those people who likes the music of pre-DHIADW
Nevermore but not the Warrel's vocals, then gives this one a listen and
moreover, check out 1992 Demo and the first Seattle 1992 Show.
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Power metal Nevermore - 85%
Written by StygianSteel on September 18th, 2003
Overview - Strong shades of Sanctuary are shown on this, Nevermore's first release, and they still plant themselves firmly in the category of power metal. This does have a thicker sound than Sanctuary though and it makes the songs pack a bit more of a punch. Not as ripping and thrashing as Nevermore will become at times in the future, but a nice plodding metal ride. The exception to this rule may be Sea Of Possibilities which points in a direction yet to come.'
The Good News - More solid progression in the sound of the band as it becomes thicker and more punishing. This album comes off as considerably 'heavier' than Into The Mirror Black and the band benefits from this. Warrel is also becoming more comfortable with his style and really lets the emotion flow from his sweet and sour, almost tortured voice. Garden Of Gray is an early Nevermore staple and features a great bass chug feel with an incredibly catchy chorus. The Nevermore ballad is also born here with The Sanity Assassin showing the band's capability in that arena.
The Bad News - I find it hard to say a bad word about Nevermore. All I can say here is that there is more intensity and ripping axe work yet to come. This is probably a little more 'simple' than some of their later works, but enjoyable none the less.
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No one see's what tomorrow knows! - 87%
Written by Demon_of_the_Fall on June 13th, 2003
This is what got the beast unleashed, thats right Nevermore was spawned from the ashes of Sanctuary (Warrels and Jims band). This is a very underated album indeed and is often never mentioned or forgot about completely by their own die hard fans. I personally love every moment of this outstanding album. How can you go wrong with this? It's fucking Nevermore, you all need this release, it's got some of the best songs on here, as well as some genious musicianship by the band. This is what paved the way for what was to come from of Nevermore. From What Tomorrow Know to Godmoney, every track is excellent with cool diverse changes. Although Nevermore has never had a weak release i would recommened new listeners to find Dead Heart or Dreaming Neon Black first as it is easier to get into. Not to say this album isnt catchy or highly enjoyable, on the contrare, this album is full of awesome groves, breakdown and guitar lead breaks. I absolutally love Warrels shrieks on this album which he seems to lack in some of their later works, although he still does it occasionally. The drum work is very tight and clean as well, the guitar work is far above most guitar players these days, also the bass is very groovy and thick. I have not one complaint about this release or anything else that Nevermore has done to be honest. Nevermore seems to do no wrong. What Tomorrow Knows was the first song i heard off this album and it is very infectious thanks to the powerful bass/guitar/drum groove going as, as well as the memorable vocals by Warrel. C.B.F is a faster paced song that should be loved by any true metal head. The Sanity Assassin is almost a ballad of sorts but it is so much more. I can go on an on about this release but, just trust what i say and do yourself a favor and grab this release by one of the best bands of all time. Fucking Hail Nevermore and Drink plenty of Vodka while worshipping!
Best Tracks: All of Them
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nevermore's black sheep - 86%
Written by ironasinmaiden on December 25th, 2002
In discussions about Nevermore, their epynonomous debut is often overlooked. I guess the band has created so many classic albums since, that there's not much room on the shelf for another. This is not to say that the s/t is anything less than brilliance... it captures the roots of what would later become Nevermore's trademark sound and contains many classic tracks.
First and foremost of these is Garden of Gray.. a necessity on any Nevermore mix tape, with it's stomping groove and killer Warrel Dane vocal performance. The overall riffing (especially on Sea of Possibilites) is the most frenetic of Nevermore's career, a good or bad thing depending on your tastes. The Sanity Assassin is the token mellow song, and it's done quite nicely, if I may add. Jeff Loomis is a modern metal guitar hero, and have proven it time and time again.
Standout tracks: garden of gray, timothy leary, what tomorrow knows (check out that groove). Politics of Ecstasy Jr. it may be, but for a Nevermore fan, there is no excuse for not owning this bad boy. Straight.
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Totally underrated - 85%
Written by axman on August 8th, 2002
Nevemore's debut is truly one of the most underrated albums in metal. Great solos and vocals it's a wonder why more people don't mention this. One major difference between it and the rest of the Nevermore catalog is that the s/t is really more Sanctuary styled. Actually sounding like a sequel to Into the Mirror Black. Warrel's vocals are more of the bat-scream then the sombre baritone. Jeff Loomis' solos great excellent as always. Jim and Van quite the rythem section quite tight. One of the catchier songs on the album is What Tomorrow Knows. Other great songs are C.B.F. (Chrome Black Future), the hauntng Garden of Grey, the fast-paced Sea of Possibilities, and Timothy Learhy. The album's high points, though, are the thought-provoking anti-religion Godmoney and the all around godly The Sanity Assassin. Warrel's talent for writing deep thought provoking lyrics are up their with gods like Chuck Schuldiner, Henrik Ohlsson, and Kelly Schaeffer. Jeff Loomis and Van Williams show that they are two the most underrated people on the metal scene. Nevermore fans most own this and Sanctuary fans (is there a difference?) should too.
