How can band sound same without sounding same? I really do not know, but somehow Nevermore have done it. Everything here is pure Nevermore, but still the band have managed to broaden their horizon. They still sound refreshing, when comparing 'Enemies of Reality' to the band's past discography. Dazzlingly individualistic, even though these guys didn't invent metal.

Nevermore's music is dark, thrashy metal, and this is their heaviest to date. Now, the heaviest and most brutal parts are something close to death metal, while other side of a soundscape is more like proggy jazz metal. Yes, the poles of the music are far from each other, but this is why Nevermore are Nevermore. The music is highly emotional and sounds real. Maybe it's that Nevermore come from Seattle, the capital of grunge. Warrel Dane's vocals are highly individual and for some listeners he might sound overtly theatretical, but for me, he's just so talented. He sounds bloody convincing. Slower pieces sound rarely this real, one perfect example is Bruce Dickinson's 'Tears of the Dragon'. I can list here some thing Nevermore's metal reminds me of: Darkest moments of Forbidden, disharmonics of Voivod and will to explore like Chuck did on latest Death albums. Lyrical theme of the album, from my point of view, might be reality and what it actually is. Reality is force-fed and false. Everything is fabricated. Kind of pagan wisdom, here...

Even the sound is somewhat different from usual metal productions. Rhythm guitar has been tuned lower from the past albums, but this is no nu-"metal". There's way too much leads and soloing here, thanks to prodigal son Jeff Loomis. Even the rhythm guitar truly throbs, it lives. The whole soundscape is alive, one can feel that this album has its own heartbeat. Rhythm duo is also give topnotch performance: One can't escape Jim Sheppard's pounding bass and Van Williams' beats are everywhere, he uses cymbals a lot. Energetic and intense vibe, the sound of flowing sweat can be heard, in a way. Instruments sound organic. I personally was surprised by the dirty sound. Dirty, but still the instruments are audible. Kelly Gray of Quennsrÿche and Dokken fame handled the production. But, there is one HUGE problem, and that's the fact that the production does sound hollow! There's low end, and there's high end. But the middle spectrum; LOST. Score is therefore reduced by one point.

Travis Smith's artwork is good, but not his best, not even close. Well, those who dislike worms might have tough time going through the lyrics, ha. If the album is a tad "short", there's a nice DVD for free. Including older video-clips, plus a couple of live takes. Of which acted 'Believe in Nothing' is easily the best. Picture quality is not very good. Maybe the originals aren't any better or then there's a DVD coming, and with great picture and sound quality?! Lives do not sound very good, either, but I guess dedicated fans enjoy them as hell. Anyways, it is a good extra.

'Enemies of Reality' is one of those extremely rare album, that struck me during the first listening session, still exposing new things after many listenings. Hopefully the band gets the recognition they deserve, even though it took three or so years for them to get this out. For me, these nine songs collectively known as 'Enemies of Reality' is enough, if the album lasts for 41 minutes. At least it is safe to say the album has nothing additional in it, just essential stuff. However, there is a few less perfect moments, like a bit too long 'Noumenon'. The bad sound can't be overlooked, I'm afraid. When forgetting the nitpicking, this is fucking METAL!!! In a very, very fine form.

Rating: 8- (out of 10) ratings explained

Reviewed by Lane
07/30/2003 21:44