I saw Nevermore (for the 6th time) this past Saturday night in Philly. I'd have to say, that while they sounded good (especially Warrell's vocals) they lacked energy. It was easily their worst performance of the six.
Warrell spent a large part of the evening walking from one side of the stage to the other. His energy level was down a great deal from the "Dead Heart" tour, and a good deal from their BW & BK appearance. Jim's energy level was also noticeably lower.
I have to wonder if maybe they are a little frustrated by their current situation. I have to believe that they hoped that Enemies would launch them to the next level. Unfortunately, due to the production issues, Enemies has most likely had the opposite effect. Add into this equation that they would probably prefer to be headlining, and that they are dealing with the stresses of negotiating a new record contract, and I think its effecting their live performance. Obviously, this is just conjecture.
Maybe my expectations of what a Nevermore show should be are too high. However, I think they made serious error in judgment in not asking Curran to be a permanent member of the band. Both his energy, and the way he presents his energy, are superior to any of Nevermore's permanent members. Replacing Curran with Steve Smyth, who offers little in the way of energy or presence, only exacerbates the problem.
I'm sure some will disagree. Its just my $0.02.
GZ
Warrell spent a large part of the evening walking from one side of the stage to the other. His energy level was down a great deal from the "Dead Heart" tour, and a good deal from their BW & BK appearance. Jim's energy level was also noticeably lower.
I have to wonder if maybe they are a little frustrated by their current situation. I have to believe that they hoped that Enemies would launch them to the next level. Unfortunately, due to the production issues, Enemies has most likely had the opposite effect. Add into this equation that they would probably prefer to be headlining, and that they are dealing with the stresses of negotiating a new record contract, and I think its effecting their live performance. Obviously, this is just conjecture.
Maybe my expectations of what a Nevermore show should be are too high. However, I think they made serious error in judgment in not asking Curran to be a permanent member of the band. Both his energy, and the way he presents his energy, are superior to any of Nevermore's permanent members. Replacing Curran with Steve Smyth, who offers little in the way of energy or presence, only exacerbates the problem.
I'm sure some will disagree. Its just my $0.02.
GZ
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