By far musically, this record from NEVERMORE, that is untimely in review here as it was originally released in 2005 (however as I just got the promo for it, so it must be still “new” in the eyes of publicity at Century Media eh?) is exactly what I have been waiting on NEVERMORE to record and release since I heard Warrel Dane had left SANCTUARY to form his own band back in ’92! Then as history shall attest, three years later they get picked up and release their self-titled debut – the unintentional (?) sequel to “Into The Mirror Black”. That said, exactly ten years after this sad fact NEVERMORE finally get their shit together and get around to writing some of the most memorable, most kick-fucking-ass guitar driven, fuel injected Power Metal / Thrash that you’re ever going to hear. Quite obviously the best NEVERMORE album by far and how could it not be? Recorded by Andy Sneap (SABBAT – U.K.) at Backstage in Derbyshire – no pressure there in having such a virtuoso like Sneap in the studio, eh? Not to mention either a guest solo appearance by the infamous hired-gun, none other than James “Fuck you… Pay me!” Murphy. So it is then that this album, that clocks in at just under an hour, takes the listener on a raucous adventure in prolific Thrash riffs and inspired lead-work so eloquent, so tasteful, that if it doesn’t make you want to pick up your axe and get to business I don’t know what will! Jeff Loomis is the dude. I have heard plenty of tasteful players in my time, yet he consistently just nails it for this style of Metal and congrats to him on some of best work to date. Without him… NEVERMORE might as well call it. Now for the hammer… What kills this album, in my opinion anyhow, and I never thought I’d say this as I actually like SANCTUARY quite a bit… is the fact that NEVERMORE needs a new vocalist. There I said it. Warrel Dane just doesn’t have it in him to lead these guys into greatness or to the next level – to where the rest of NEVERMORE clearly – musically – are aiming their guns toward. And too with Warrel’s ongoing affair of sorrow-filled monotonous drawling that crept up on “Into The Mirror Black” that was dated and out of place back then in 1990 as it was in 1995 as it is now in 2005 + three. For the world, I cannot think of why these guys keep him in this act?! Aside from the fact it is his band, and that a barrister’s contractual agreement I am positive is what keeps his mic services intact. In closing – I would like to suggest a plausible solution to this dilemma with Warrel, and mayhaps this may occur in time. I would like to see the rest of the band buy him out of his contract, keep the name and licensing and the signing to Century Media of course, and look up a gentlemen by the name of Rob Rock at www.robrock.com and no, not the “Bob Rock” who fucked up METALLICA. Rob Rock the singer! Contact: www.nevermore.tv or www.jeffloomis.com or www.centurymedia.com