2005
Probably the most hyped metal release this year, this is a album where Nevermore try to do something bit different (kinda like they tried in Dead Heart in a Dead World) but mostly stick to their established formula.
Most of the criticism leveled at Nevermore are valid for this one too i.e Warrel Dane's vocals and the embarrasingly cheesy lyrics (watch out for the hellloooooovvvve's in the title track
). Now on to the good stuff...
The singing is probably the best yet for a Nevermore album and WD is especially soulful on the ballads like Sentinent 6. He also tries some death metal screams in the track Born. Apparently they've gotten a new guitarist (from Testament) in addition to Loomis, and simply put the riffs and solos are fucking awesome. The riffs to Psalm of Lydia is an absolute killers. The drumming too is very competent and there are some blazing rolls in A Future Uncertain and the epic title track. They've gotten really proggy and layered in their song structures too.
With nearly an hour packed with killer solos and mostrous riffs, this is one hell of an album. I just realized that I've used a bit too many adjectives for this album, but its hard not to be blown away
Standout tracks: all of em'
Score: 9/10
