Nevermore is an underrated band. There is rumour that they will soon tour Australia with the Gigantour that Dave Mustaine is
organizing. If it happens, I’ll be there with bells on, because some of their music is truly amazing stuff. Passion, 
technicality, authenticity and speed – they have it all. “Dead Heart in a Dead World” is their crowning achievement and it is 
the reason I so eagerly awaited this album. After a few mishaps with the last albums production (Enemies of Reality) there
was expectation that this album would make amends.

The first track “Born” kicks the album off in typical Nevermore style. Speedy riffage with intimidating vocals and pounding 
drums bombard listeners right from the get-go. Jeff Loomis proves he still has what it takes to hold his own amongst the best
with technical thunderous riffs embodying melody and intensity. Rich heavily syncopated hooks are reminiscent of songs such 
as “Narcosynthesis” and the solo is absolutely killer (akin to some of Marty Friedman’s solos).

Warrel sounds a little more aggressive on “This Godless Endeavor” than he has on its predecessors. His vocals are strong and
it sounds as if he has worked a little more on his variations and ranges – although there is still that noticeable gap 
between his clean vox and more common abrasive howls. Drumming is a more focal point on as well. Usually they go a little 
more unnoticed than on “This Godless Endeavor”. Triggered double kicks, impatient snare beats and an all round thrashy / 
hastiness give the album a lot more bite.

Overall there is very little change to the Nevermore sound. The same clean disheartened melody is central to the tone of the
album. Time signatures are also much the same, with similarly abrupt changes in direction within each song as on previous 
albums. Politics, disdain, anger, disappointment and sorrow themes consistent through all Nevermore albums, including this 
one.

I was also hoping for a “no wussy slow songs” album. Unfortunately a typically weak track rears its ugly head in 
“Sentient 6”. It’s not bad but I don’t particularly enjoy these slow balladic pieces Nevermore seem to write for all their 
albums, they are redundant on an otherwise thrashy intense album. Although that being said, this one isn’t too bad, it’s a 
more pissed off than other ones they have written.

Standout tracks include “The Psalm of Lydia”, “Final Product” and “A Future Uncertain” (more so, the first two, the third’s 
solo sounding somewhat Steve Vai-esque) which to be honest, are stand outs because of killer solos and riffs. They outright 
rule (*hails Jeff Loomis*). Although I will point out, there is an uncharacteristic short instrumental piece “The Holocaust 
of Thought” which I didn’t quite understand. It wasn’t awful, but it didn’t really serve any purpose. Otherwise, the album 
is a solid effort by the band and a definitely worthwhile listen.

Like I said earlier, Dead Heart, is their crowning achievement, but this goes to show that Nevermore are still a more than 
competent band.