Musicians - Nevermore

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	Musicians - Nevermore

:For the poem by Edgar Allen Poe, see The Raven

Nevermore is a North American progressive/thrash Metal band from Seattle, Washington assembled in 1991. Their precise musical style is debated by fans and critics alike. The band incorporates elements from styles such as death, speed, and progressive metal into their songs, and also makes use of acoustic guitars and a wide range of vocal styles.

Biography

Nevermore started in the beginning of the 1990s, when the band Sanctuary was pressured by its recording label to change its musical style, switching from heavy metal to grunge, which was obtaining mainstream success at the time due to bands such as Nirvana. Two members of the band — vocalist Warrel Dane and bassist Jim Sheppard — didn't agree with the change, and thus proceeded to create a project of their own — Nevermore.

By the end of 1994, the band assumed a stable line-up, which saw the additions of drummer Van Williams and former Sanctuary touring guitarist Jeff Loomis. In 1995 Nevermore released its first, self-titled, album through Century Media Records. This album received much attention and specialized review, as its release was followed by an European tour with Blind Guardian and a North American tour with Death, both internationally-renowned bands.

Second guitarist Pat O'Brien joined the band prior to the release of the EP — In Memory — and also took part in the recording of the subsequent album Politics of Ecstasy, both from 1996. O'Brien left Nevermore to play in Cannibal Corpse, and guitarist Tim Calvert, who had previously contributed to Nevermore through songwriting, replaced O'Brien as Nevermore's guitarist.

Three years without releases followed, and in 1999 the album Dreaming Neon Black was released. Highly acclaimed, the album narrates the story of a man's slow decline into madness, subsequent to the death of the only woman he ever loved. The tracks of this albums are varied in style, ranging from slow and melodic to aggressive and progressive. Warrel Dane put much effort in interpretation, emitting varied emotions from his vocals. The album's lyrics are a partially true retelling of the events Dane underwent after the vanishing of his long-time girlfriend.

A long tour with several concerts followed, and Nevermore played together with bands such as Mercyful Fate, Arch Enemy and Iced Earth. After the end of the tour, in 2000, guitarist Tim Calvert announced his departure from the band, subsequent to his marriage. Instead of finding a replacement, the band decided to continue as a quartet.

Nevermore proceeded to record Dead Heart in a Dead World, which was followed by tours with several bands, most notably with Savatage in 2001.

Their fifth album — Enemies of Reality — remained in production for over a year, and was released in 2003. This album faced much criticism for its production and was re-released in 2005, after being remixed by Andy Sneap. On tour, the band was joined by second lead guitarist Steve Smyth.

A sixth album, This Godless Endeavor, was released in July of 2005. Nevermore then toured on Dave Mustaine's Gigantour during the summer of 2005. In 2006 they are scheduled to tour with Disturbed.

Line-up

Current

Warrel Dane
- Vocals (1991-)
Jeff Loomis
- Guitar (1991-)
Steve Smyth
- Guitar (2004-)
Jim Sheppard - Bass (1991-)
Van Williams
- Drums (1994-)

Former members

Pat O'Brien - Guitar (1994-1996)
Tim Calvert - Guitar (1997-2000)
Mark Arrington - Drums (1991-1994)

Discography

Nevermore (1995)
In Memory (EP, 1996)
Politics of Ecstasy (1996)
Dreaming Neon Black (1999)
Dead Heart in a Dead World (2000)
Enemies of Reality (2003, remixed in 2004)
This Godless Endeavor (2005)

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