Raziel's Reviews: Nevermore - Dead Heart In A Dead World

Okay, so this album has been out for about two years now. Big deal. I'm reviewing it now.

The longstanding Seattle quartet, Nevermore has done it again. After their first two incredible studio albums, followed by a lackluster EP, came the mind-wrenching concept piece, Dreaming Neon Black. I was under the impression that Nevermore could do no better than that album. It had everything one could hope for. Blistering guitars, a vocalist who could do damn near anything, and a one of the most talented drummers in current music.

But then came Dead Heart In A Dead World, and all of my preconcieved notions about this band's future potency were obliterated. This album is easily their best work to date, and no self-respecting metalhead should be without a copy of it.

"Narcosynthesis" kicks off the disc with a gut-rumbling combination of furious double-bass and doomsday guitar work. Lead vocalist, Warrell Dane enters the fray forcefully yet melodically shouting the words "Hypnotize me, mesmerize me, drain the color from my eyes!" It's almost enough to make a grown man cry.

The second track, "We Disintegrate" is far more melodic than the previous one, but still has the heaviness to sate your hunger for violence.

Track 6, entitled "The Heart Collector" shows off more of Mr. Dane's incredible vocal work as he croons his way through one of the slower-paced and more dramatic pieces found on the album.

For you weirdos, there is a particularly kickass cover of the Simon and Garfunkel tune "The Sound Of Silence".

However, the real gems found on the album are the last two tracks. "Believe in Nothing" is another slower track, featuring one of the most beautiful harmonic arrangements I have ever encountered. The words "Nothing is sacred when no one is saved. Nothing's forever, so count your days. Nothing is final, and no one is real. Pray for tomorrow, and find you're empty still." fill the chorus with soaring meldoy. It's impossible not to sing along. I dare you to try.

The final track, and also the title track, begins slowly and sounds grainy, as though played through an antique phonogrph. Then the mayhem begins as the verse kicks in at blinding speed, featuring some of the most inventive drumwork I've heard in recent days. The album closes with the proclamation "Burn your gods and kill the king. Subjugate your suffering. Dead Heart In A Dead World."

If you've got the balls (literally or figuratively), go out and pick this one up immediately. You won't be disappointed.

Score: ****1/2 (out of 5)

Best tracks: "Narcosynthesis", "Believe In Nothing" and "Dead Heart In A Dead World"