Review Summary: In short, this album has a few very good songs on it, but is not the masterpiece that should have been. There is much in here that needed to be worked on or just tossed out all together, half the songs on here are far beneath this band's capabilities.
The Termination Proclamation:
Being a Nevermore fan for about 4 years leading up to this album, and it being released on my birthday, my hopes were high. Upon hitting the play button I am greeted with a confusing barrage of instruments. With Loomis playing at nearly incomprehensible speeds [not a bad thing], if he could ever call a Nevermore song his own, it would certainly be this one. It's almost difficult to pay attention to anything other than the guitar. My only gripe with this song is it's feeling of in-completion. Beginning a bit inappropriately and ending only a bit over the 3 min mark.
Your Poison Throne / Moonrise:
As much as I REALLY hate to say, these two songs are some seriously obvious fillers. They offer little in challenging the standard Nevermore have set for themselves. It also sounds as if Warrel is mocking his own style of lyrics, being quite elementary compared to the poetic genius he's shown himself to be. "Burn to the right, turn to the left, if society won't accept you, you scream into the grave" What? Really?? On to the next song...
And The Maiden Spoke:
Beginning with a little drumroll, as soon as the guitar hits, you know this is something special. With an intricate, enveloping ambiance, appropriately cryptic lyrics describe a maiden's decent into lunacy. Being attributed to what one might perceive as a white light religion, or perhaps Warrel's own girlfriend who completely vanished after succumbing to the influence of a religious cult. Wonderful variety in song structure and two guitar solo's, this is Nevermore at their best.
Emptiness Unobstructed:
This is an average song. Warrel taking the song and offering an emotional plea for, basically, a life offering more than what this one has offered him. Not much variety in instrumentals however.
The Blue Marble and the New Soul:
This quite honestly, may be one of Nevermore's most unique offerings. I love this song. Beginning on a softer note, this song is progressive yet ends upon peaking, keeping it from being a classic. Warrel offers beautiful lyrics directed towards his own child. They are sung compassionately yet with assertion, describing the reality of the life he/she has been born into, both good and bad. A reality lullaby.
Without Morals:
The song is a bit catchy, but can't exactly be noted as anything standout at this point in Nevermore's career, having songs that sound nearly identical. This album have far too many similar sounds on it in general. If it isn't one of the great songs on this album, it's a sound being recycled from earlier work.
The Day You Built the Wall:
Nothing great, but does offer some interesting acoustic ambiance combined with Warrel's deep vocals. This comes off genuinely eerie at times, but I feel that that is the most that can be noted of this song.
She Comes in Colors:
This song is great. It surprises you and grips you. Beginning with beautiful singing and acoustic guitar, perhaps being one their best intro's of all time, this song explodes into something seriously catchy. Despite it's incredibly dark tone, this song is actually very uplifting. "Until tomorrow, follow the sun" Sang with force, such a basic yet beautifully powerful lyric.
The Obsidian Conspiracy:
Their album title track being saved for last, in textbook fashion, Nevermore end on a high note. This song has everything that makes a song an epic experience. Thoroughly fleshed out song structure keeps it from being predictable Warrel gives his absolute best effort in ranging emotions. It's good to hear the band at it's technical best as well. Their is nothing bad to say about this song. As I write this review, Nevermore has broken up. Is it mere coincidence that the last lyrics of the last song on their last album end in "These are my last words?" Just an interesting side note...
