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Nevermore: The Obsidian Conspiracy
Nevermore The Obsidian Conspiracy new music review

Nevermore: The Obsidian Conspiracy

Thrash/Heavy Metal
Rating: 5.0/5.0

Century Media
www.myspace.com/nevermorefans
www.nevermore.tv
Review: Miguel Blardony,  04.11.2010

The world is a terrible place and The Termination Proclamation proves a fitting anthem for all the nightmares humans inflict on each other. As its rumbling pace grooves along to Warrel Dane's cryptic utterances, the melody shifts for a chorus whose final declaration could be every nihilists credo: “Prepare for death/Forget will!”On its final stretch of music, a blistering guitar solo erupts and then ... zip.

Such is the auspicious beginning of The Obsidian Conspiracy. Nope, it's not a concept album, but it sure is one bad mother from start to finish. Five long years since the Seattle quintet knocked the world on its ass, it's heartwarming to hear they aren't going about a long overdue follow up the lazy way. Tracks such as Moonrise, Your Poison Throne, Without Morals, and Emptiness Unobstructed are fast-paced affairs armed with razor-sharp riffs from the peerless Jeff Loomis, who can execute memorable guitar fireworks at will—just wait for the glorious climax of Without Morals.

Contrasting its fuzzier moments, And The Maiden Spoke spins a macabre yarn whose underlying menace could render King Diamond's own horror-themed antics obsolete. And The Maiden Spoke is a serious contender for the album's best song; to hear Nevermore weave compelling narrative and furious music together is a wonder to behold. The rest of the album's high points are found among its slower cuts; whether it's the heartrending The Blue Marble And The New Soul or the doom laden The Day You Built The Wall whose lyrical scorn gives extra dramatic effect to its weepy guitar solo.

Nevermore are in impeccable form throughout The Obsidian Conspiracy and to nitpick minor details would be stupid. As a complete package, their newest album is a world-beater. From Warrel Dane's villainous vocals; the machinelike efficiency of Van William's drumming; Jim Sheppard's testicular bass lines (let's not forget Mr. Loomis too); Nevermore have made it harder for everyone else aspiring to their league. Ladies and gentlemen, let it be writ that 'Seattle's Best' is a title no longer reserved for a coffee franchise. The Obsidian Conspiracy is beyond recommended. It's a must! All hail Nevermore!

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In Short

Ladies and gentlemen, let it be writ that 'Seattle's Best' is a title no longer reserved for a coffee franchise. The Obsidian Conspiracy is beyond recommended. It's a must! All hail Nevermore!

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