Nevermore
Formed: 1994
From:
Seattle,
WA,
United States
Last Known Status: Active
Background
Seattle, Washington is a city well-known for being the rain-ridden suicide capital of the U.S., but to many others, Seattle is known as the epicenter in a dark abyss of emotion that fuels the creative disposition of Nevermore. Joining a variety of musical sub-genres that were never meant to be mutually exclusive, the band successfully emblazoned themselves with a grey aura of enigma that has become their legacy.
Intelligent men who held no preconceived notions of what they should sound like, NEVERMORE launched themselves in 1994 and have never forsaken the histories of their varied backgrounds. Providing a backbone of resilience are ex-members of Sanctuary: the charismatic vocalist Warrel Dane and steadfast bassist Jim Sheppard, who survived their major label experience by the strength of their integrity when the world all-too-willingly embraced the grunge movement. Lending a modern influence to the band’s blueprint was guitarist Jeff Loomis, whose classically trained background added an unmistakable depth to song composition and whose death metal heritage supplied ample vehemence. Drummer Van Williams solidified the nucleus of the band with his undulating, propulsive rhythms. Drawing inspiration from the darker things in life, it became obvious the strain of their collective creation defied categorization.
Nevermore’s impressive self-titled debut - which began their five-year collaboration with internationally renowned producer Neil Kernon of Judas Priest, Queensÿche, and Dokken fame - surfaced in 1995 and landed them a U.S. tour with Death and a European tour with Blind Guardian. The band soon welcomed ex-Monstrosity guitarist Pat O’Brien into the fold and 1996’s In Memory EP soon proved to critics that volatile melody and aggression could be successfully intermixed. But it was The Politics Of Ecstasy (also released in 1996) when Nevermore came into their own by showcasing the higher degrees of their technical musicianship. When Pat O’Brien left to join Cannibal Corpse, the band quickly recruited ex-Forbidden guitarist and long-time friend Tim Calvert who contributed to the songwriting in 1999’s conceptual masterpiece Dreaming Neon Black, a morosely dark and articulately beautiful exploration of the peaks and valleys of human emotion. Puncturing the underground with its sanctity was the bleak storyline that followed a man’s descent into madness and ultimate suicide after the mysterious death of the only woman he loved. Metal Maniacs hailed it as “a concept album that rivals Queensrÿche in its ambitiousness and perhaps even the mighty Iron Maiden in execution.” A rigorous touring schedule through the U.S. with Mercyful Fate and headlining shows in Europe & Australia led Tim Calvert to re-evaluate his commitment to the band, and ultimately he opted to leave.
Forced to return to their original four-member configuration, the band’s resilience and bold resolve to top themselves kicked in as they headed to the desert with new producer Andy Sneap (Machine Head, Testament, Kreator) and to the haunted Village Studios in Texas. The result of their fevered creativity was the extraordinary, ‘must-have’ record of 2000: Dead Heart In A Dead World. Audiences around the world were phenomenally receptive to this infinitely complex musical maze crowned by the massive sounds of Jeff Loomis’ seven-string guitar, Jim Sheppard’s five-string bass, the maelstrom drum work of Van Williams, and the arresting poetic power of Warrel Dane. Metal Maniacs praised it as “a collection of songs that summons forth a boldness that sounds ‘epic’ while never giving in to pomposity. NEVERMORE’s biggest achievement yet.” Outburn Magazine simply called it “perfect.” Throughout the worldwide press that year, the astute, darkened luminosity of Dead Heart dominated “Best Album” lists, and fans in every country celebrated the amazingly emotional balladry and the unforgiving sonic bludgeoning Nevermore masterfully refined. Live, they became known as “The Chaos Bringers” and held audiences of thousands at the Wacken Open Air, Dynamo, and With Full Force festivals in the palms of their hands. The band was constantly on the road, sharing stages with Arch Enemy, In Flames & Shadows Fall, Opeth & Angel Dust, and had their 2001 tour with Savatage cut drastically short by the events of September 11th.
For two years, Nevermore’s superbly crafted and complicated versatility has been brooding. Thanks to the assistance of Queensrÿche/Dokken producer Kelly Gray, we are once again invited into the band’s dark subconscious with 2003’s Enemies Of Reality. Warrel Dane’s visceral, clarion calls leads the band to more limitless heights armed with the indestructible backbone of drummer Van Williams and bassist Jim Sheppard while venom, foreboding, and poignant despair continue to be born from the hands of Jeff Loomis within the confines of one song. The title track pummels you with its ferocity and cerebral aggression; “Never Purify” is a forlorn lament of the dismal reality we’ve surrounded ourselves in; and the emotionally evocative “Who Decides” exudes the insightfully mature observations through hindsight of a life lived in extremes.
Latest Nevermore News
Below is our complete Nevermore news coverage, including columns and articles pertaining to the band. Some articles listed may be indirectly related, such as side projects of the band members, etc.
Note: We began associating news directly with bands in late 2003. Therefore, earlier band news may not be listed on this page.
Displaying records 61 - 80 of 259 1 2 3 4 5 6 ... 12 13 Last
Nevermore Announces Greek Tour Dates
Seattle progressive thrash metal band Nevermore has announced the following Greek tour dates:
May 27th - Thessaloniki - Principal Club Theatre
May 28th - Athens - Fuzz Club
Nevermore Reveals New Album Details
Seattle progressive thrash metal band NEVERMORE has announced that their upcoming full-length album, "The Obsidian Conspiracy," will be released on June 8th North American release and May 31st European through Century Media Records.
"The Obsidian Conspiracy" was recorded with renowned producer Peter Wichers (who previously worked with NEVERMORE vocalist Warrel Dane on his solo debut Praises to the War Machine). Longtime friend and collaborator Andy Sneap (Megadeth, Opeth) once again handled mixing duties.
The coverart was created by the great Travis Smith (Amorphis, Opeth) and can be viewed in the album trailer below:
Jeff Loomis To Release Instructional DVD Set
Nevermore guitarist Jeff Loomis has announced he will be releasing a new instructional DVD set entitled "Extreme Lead Guitar: Dissonant Scales and Arpeggios." A teaser trailer for the release, which goes on pre-sale on April 15th, can be viewed below. The 2-DVD set will include interviews and live performances in addition to 40 guitar lessons.
Nevermore Announces Three Shows With Death Angel
Nevermore have announced three upcoming headlining European tour dates in May with special guests Death Angel. The details are as follows:
05.16.2010 (B) VOSSELAAR / Biebob
05.18.2010 (UK) LONDON / O2 Academy Islington
05.19.2010 (NL) UDEN / De Pul
Nevermore's upcoming tour dates are as follows:
5/13 2010 Metalfest Open Air (Germany) Dessau
5/14 2010 Metalfest Open Air (Austria) Mining
5/15 2010 Metalfest Open Air (Switzerland) Pratteln
5/16 2010 7:00PBiebob Vosselaar
5/18 2010 7:00PO2 Academy Islington London
5/19 2010 7:00PDe Pul Uden
5/21 2010 Metalfest Open Air (Hungary) Budapest
5/22 2010 Metalfest Open Air (Czech Republic) Pilsen
5/23 2010 Rock Hard Festival Gelsenkirchen
6/19 2010 Hellfest Clisson
7/4 2010 Unirock Festival Istanbul, Istanbul
7/6 2010 Metalcamp Tolmin
7/17 2010 Bang Your Head Fest Balingen
Line-Up Announced For Metal Fest Open Air Austria
The 2010 edition of the Metal Fest Open Air Austria will take place from May 12th - 15th, 2010 More information on the festival can be found at this location. The currently confirmed line up for the festival is as follows:
Twilight of The Gods
Testament
Bolt Thrower
Behemoth
Sepultura
Six Feet Under
Nevermore
Corvus Corax
Deicide
Epica
Korpiklaani
Saltatio Mortis
Caliban
Legion of the Damned
Parkway Drive
Death Angel
Alestorm More...
Nevermore's Warrel Dane Announces Solo Tour Dates
Warrel Dane, singer of Seattle progressive thrash metal band Nevermore, has announced the following solo tour dates:
3/04/10 - Galaxy Theatre, Santa Ana, CA
3/05/10 - Ramona Mainstage, Ramona, CA
3/06/10 - Cheyenne Saloon, Las Vegas, NV
3/07/10 - Whiskey A Go Go, West Hollywood, CA
3/08/10 - U.B.'s Bar, Mesa, AZ
3/09/10 - The Rock, Tucson, AZ
3/12/10 - Peter's Room, Portland, OR
3/13/10 - Red Room, Vancouver, BC
Sanctuary Reissues Classic Albums On Single CD
Ironbird via Cherry Red Records will reissue SANCTUARY's first two albums, 1987's "Refuge Denied," produced by Dave Mustaine of MEGADETH; and 1990's "Into The Mirror Black," produced by Howard Benson, on a single CD on March 8. Singer Warrel Dane and bassist Jim Sheppard went on to extend SANCTUARY's ambition and songwriting into NEVERMORE.
Warrel Dane Announces Solo Live Debut
Vocalist Warrel Dane of Nevermore has announced he will be making his live solo debut on December 19th, 2009. Dane will be accompanied by Matt Wicklund of God Forbid on guitar. The show will take place at Studio Seven (110 South Horton) in Seattle, WA. Support will come from Sword of Judgment, Torture Box, Headshot, and Asema. The promotional poster for the show can also be found at this location.
Nevermore Guitar Clinic Videos Posted Online
A series of video clips has been posted online from the guitar clinic hosted by Jeff Loomis of Nevermore on October 17 in Lille, France. The video clips can be viewed below.
Nevermore's Jeff Loomis Clinic Dates Revealed
Nevermore guitarist Jeff Loomis has been scheduled for the following October 2009 clinic dates in Europe. Venues TBA.
Oct. 06 Manchester, UK
Oct. 07 Glasgow, UK
Oct. 09 Stockholm, SE
Oct. 10 Gothenburg, SE
Oct. 12 Moscow, RU
Oct. 13 St. Petersburg, RU
Oct. 14 Florence, IT
Oct. 15 Bologna, IT
Oct. 16 Montebelluna, IT
Oct. 17 Lille, FR
Oct. 19 Madrid, ES
Oct. 20 San Sebastian, ES
Nevermore Posts New Album Preview Online
Vocalist Warrel Dane of Seattle progressive thrash metal band Nevermore, has issued an audio studio update and preview of the song "And the Maiden Spoke." Listen to the mobile phone update at this location.
Nevermore Issues Recording Update
Nevermore has issued the following update about recording new material:
"All of Van's drum tracks have been completed in Seattle. Check out some studio photos courtesy of Van Williams.
"Warrel, Jeff and Jim have set up shop in North Carolina with Peter Wichers to work on vocals, guitars and bass. More updates coming!"
Nevermore To Cover The Doors' "The Crystal Ship"
Warrel Dane, singer of the Seattle metal band, Nevermore, has issued the following studio updates via twitter:
“FYI we are recording two cover songs for this session ‘The Crystal Ship’ by The Doors and 'Transmission' by The Tea Party.” Warrel Dane had previously stated, “god this chorus is fucking huge… and I’m pulling out some old sanctuary screams”
Video Footage Of Nevermore Performance Available
Video clips have been posted online of Nevermore performing at the Zwarte Cross Festival on 25th July in Lichtenvoorde, Holland. The clips can be viewed below.
More...
Nevermore To Enter The Studio This Summer
Seattle based metal outfit Nevermore will be entering the studio at the end of August to record their brand new studio album, "The Obsidian Conspiracy." The record is expecting an early 2010 release date through Century Media Records.
Vocalist Warrel Dane states: "These songs are full of newfound rage, lyrically and musically. Jeff Loomis has come up with some amazing new riffs that will no doubt please old and new fans alike. Also, I think the combination of Peter and Andy will result in something very, very special"
Nevermore Announces New Album Details
Nevermore has announced that their upcoming album will be titled "The Obsidian Conspiracy." Vocalist Warrel Dane has also issued the following short statement about the name of one of the tracks:
"Spent the day at the beach working on lyrics and melodies... sweet...this song I've been working on, 'Emptiness Unobstructed' has a MASSIVE chorus.."
Forbidden Begins Writing New Material
Guitarist Craig Locicero of the thrash metal band, Forbidden, has issued the following update about his experiences writing new material with new guitarist Steve Smyth (Nevermore, Testament, Dragonlord):
"First off, we've been crazed busy offer the last couple of months! Multiple levels of work and play going on around here. Getting ready for our California dates that start tomorrow at the Key Club in Hollywood and end with a home show Blow-out in San Jose at the Voodoo Lounge. That has turned into the priority for now. Obviously first and foremost Steve Smyth being the 'New Dude' and getting up to speed was important. He and I had been working on Skype a few days a week for the last few months before he finally arrived here from London last week. That prepared Steve to walk in and play the older songs with conviction and purpose." More...
Switchblade Annouces Australian Tour Dates
Sydney metalers SWITCHBLADE will be releasing their new album "INVICTUS INFINITUM" in April 2009 and to celebrate will be playing select shows around the country.
"INVICTUS INFINITUM" was recorded by Darren "jENK" Jenkins (Cryogenic, Mortality) and mixed by Grammy Award winning producer Neil Kernon (Nevermore, Nile, Cannibal Corpse) in Chicago, USA. The album will also feature special guest lead guitarist JEFF LOOMIS (Nevermore) on the track "Reflective Curse."
You can check out a new song on the band's MySpace player.
The complete tracklisting for "Invictus Infinitum" is as follows:
1. II
2. Revelation
3. Coil Of The Serpent
4. The Cancer Benign
5. Solitary Existence
6. Reflective Curse
7. This Impure Design
8. Lacerate
9. As The Sun Dies…
Here are the latest Switchblade tour dates: More...
Nevermore Announces Show In Israel
Seattle, Washington based metal group Nevermore has announced a special show in Israel. The band will perform at the Theatre Club in Tel Aviv on July 28th. Support is expected to come from local bands and the show is to help warm them up for the Wacken Open Air Festival which takes place a few days later.
Tim "Ripper" Owens To Release Solo Album In May
Former Judas Priest and Iced Earth frontman, Tim "Ripper" Owens will be releasing his first solo album this May, entitled "Play My Game." The album boasts a large number of guest musicians including Jeff Loomis of Nevermore, Vinny Appiece of Heaven And Hell, Megadeth's James Lomenzo, Whitesnake guitarist Doug Aldrich, former Megadeth/current F5 bassist David Ellefson, Michael Wilton of Queensryche and many more.
Says Owens: "I’ve gotten better as a songwriter. And I also write songs that the fans can really get into and get their fist pounding in the air. I’ve always been a great fan of the Black Sabbath line-up featuring Ronnie James Dio, and I love Judas Priest. Both bands delivered records that are straight forward and go directly to the bloodstream – which also happens to be my compositional approach."
The release dates for "Play My Game" are as follows:
Germany / Austria / Switzerland: May 15th
UK / rest of Europe: May 18th
USA / Canada: May 19th
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