Never coming

Nevermore has cancelled their appearance here (confirmed), so please get your re-funds. If they do, it's without Jeff Loomis so what's the point?

Nevermore @ 50% strength

Nevermore's Jeff Loomis...

... & Van Williams have left the band. More stuff here: CLICK ME

Check this space soon to know if their date here is called off.

Nevermore @ SG

Catch Jeff Loomis in action (yeah!!) this June 23- that's NEVERMORE's date here. Early bird package: $55 ticket + complementary t-shirt, available at:

INOKII

Far East Plaza

#03-30

Nevermore: The Obsidian Conspiracy

The primary reason I listen to Nevermore: Jeff Loomis. This aside, there has to be an appreciation of the music because looking up to Jeff Loomis as one of the most talented guitarist in metaldom could be done independently. But Nevermore's music is as heavy as it gets without treading the boundaries of metal's other sub-genres where extremity is obligatory. The Obsidian Conspiracy is a grabber from the start thanks to Mr. Loomis' commanding fretwork & intricate musicianship involving Warrel Dane, the band's vocalist, as well. Throughout the entire album, the production clarity & precision were impressive & this made the music more enjoyable, especially during the laid back moments when things get sitar-laden & the only thing metal is the band's subliminal presence. My interest in American metal bands is numbered but Nevermore will always be on my watch list. This is heavy metal without the worry of selling out.

Jeff Loomis: Zero Order Phase

Jeff Loomis is very much responsible for the crushing heavy tones of Nevermore but as impressive as the band is, I've largely ignored the US-based metal bands in general for their predictability (not that black metal is very refreshing all the time) & the inclinations to tread the admissible path.

That aside, I am always all ears to guitar technicalities especially of the heavy type since all things heavy tend to be traditional- maybe this is the very reason I embrace black metal more than the rest of metal's sub-genres. I am hereby thankful Jeff Loomis released his solo album as an instrumental release rather than having guest vocalists to fill in the obligations but after listening to selected Nevermore materials, I know Mr. Loomis is of the shredder's ilk & he's very much capable of churning out guitar instrumentals of this nature. The last time I come across a heavy instrumental release was Chris Poland's Return to Metalopolis so Zero Order phase is a treasure.

I find the guitar arrangements & phrasings of Zero Order Phase to be very exciting & quite devoid of predictable melodies. There are moments here invocating the greatness of Jason Becker & the intricacy of Meshuggah. However, I must say that the appearance of bass genius Michael Manring is the the fervid factor to acquire this album- no offence Mr. Loomis sir, but your release is one of the more important ones on my list lately.