Each of Nevermore’s albums showcases a unique facet of their sound, often shaped in part by their ever-changing line-up of second guitarists. However, it was Steve Smyth, who also only stayed for one album, who elevated the band to yet unseen artistic heights. There is simply no other band out there who do or have done what Nevermore did, and it’s almost like capturing lightning in a bottle for so much talent to come together in one outfit. To me, This Godless Endeavor, is the absolute pinnacle of their creativity and artistic expression. Every song on this album fits perfectly into the bigger picture; each riff and drum beat is beautifully crafted, and Warrel Dane’s haunting vocals and deeply profound lyrics have never been delivered with more passion, range, or energy.
This is not an album, it’s a painting; a perfectly framed photograph; a poem in which the author is both narrator and observer; a mirror that reflects your soul; an emotional, noir, brutal, sorrowful, and cold experience that you just cannot shake.
I firmly believe that this is one of the best albums ever recorded, including musical styles beyond metal, and I cannot believe it’s been 20 years since I first played it on my iPod in 2005. But I remember that moment like few others in my life because it opened my eyes to the true emotional meaning of music.