Nevermore – The Obsidian Conspiracy (2010 Box Set) Review | Modern Progressive Thrash Powerhouse

⛤ Progressive Metal, Thrash Metal, Groove Metal | 17.30 € (Near Mint)
⛤ Pulse Rating: 8.50 / 10

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After going through a tough time filled with personal struggles and creative ups and downs, Nevermore made their comeback in 2010 with The Obsidian Conspiracy.
This album isn’t just a continuation of their legacy; it’s a fresh take on it.
The years leading up to this release were rough for the band, with burnout, pressure from their label, and the stress of constant touring taking their toll.
Warrel Dane was dealing with serious personal issues like addiction and exhaustion that affected his performance and writing.
At the same time, Jeff Loomis was feeling creatively blocked, trying to push himself beyond his already impressive skills. They ended up writing separately more than before, and the hiatus after This Godless Endeavor was really about the band needing space to figure things out.

When they came back together, the Seattle legends sounded sharper and more emotionally grounded.
With producer Peter Wichers in charge, the record shifted from the raw intensity of their previous work to a more melodic and accessible sound, while still keeping the intricate layers that Nevermore is known for.
Compared to their earlier albums, The Obsidian Conspiracy focuses less on apocalyptic themes and dives deeper into personal struggles and emotional fatigue. It’s still definitely Nevermore, but the vibe is different — slower, more controlled, and often a bit sadder.

Musically, the album strikes a balance between the grand melodies of Dead Heart in a Dead World and the raw urgency found in Enemies of Reality.
Tracks like "The Termination Proclamation" and "Moonrise (Through Mirrors of Death)" hit hard while "Emptiness Unobstructed" and "The Blue Marble and the New Soul" showcase a cleaner style, highlighting how the band mixes melancholy with aggression seamlessly. Jeff Loomis’ guitar work shines here; it’s less about showiness and more about adding texture and emotion. Warrel Dane’s vocals are a mix of vulnerability and defiance, reflective of musicians moving past chaos into something more refined.

A big part of this change is thanks to Peter Wichers’ production style.
Instead of the cold, harsh sounds of their earlier albums, he brought a polished yet heavy vibe that’s more inviting to listeners. His approach made the choruses clearer and emphasized the vocal hooks, making the guitar riffs easier to digest without losing their edge. This polished sound opened the album up to new fans, even if some longtime supporters missed the darker atmospheres of their earlier music. Still, Wichers helped the band channel their growth and emotional depth into a clear, focused sound that stands out in their lineup.

Lyrically, The Obsidian Conspiracy reflects endurance, with Dane’s introspective lyrics highlighting themes of loss and societal disillusionment.
The album features shorter songs with tighter choruses that don’t take away from Nevermore’s essence; in fact, they highlight the band’s darker side in a more deliberate manner. Even with the polished production, there’s still that underlying spiritual unrest that marked their best work.

Overall, Wichers’ skillful production emphasizes the band's maturity.
The tight rhythm section creates space for Loomis to play complex harmonies while Dane carries the emotional weight of the album.
While some fans might miss the heavier themes of their earlier albums, the strength of this record lies in its restraint — it's not just a battle cry but more of a reflection on what’s come before.

Tracklist:
01-01. The Termination Proclamation - 3:08
01-02. Your Poison Throne - 3:51
01-03. Moonrise (Through Mirrors Of Death) - 4:01
01-04. And The Maiden Spoke - 4:59
01-05. Emptiness Unobstructed - 4:37
01-06. The Blue Marble And The New Soul - 4:37
01-07. Without Morals - 4:17
01-08. The Day You Built The Wall - 4:22
01-09. She Comes In Colors - 5:31
01-10. The Obsidian Conspiracy - 5:16

Bonus Songs
01-11. Temptation - 3:25
01-12. Crystal Ship - 2:49

Shred Like Loomis
02-01. Your Poison Throne (Without Guitar) - 3:54
02-02. Your Poison Throne (Guitar Only) - 3:52
02-03. The Obsidian Conspiracy (Without Guitar) - 5:18
02-04. The Obsidian Conspiracy (Guitar Only) - 5:13
Video 01. Your Poison Throne - 3:54
Video 02. The Obsidian Conspiracy - 5:13

Credits:
Jim Sheppard - Bass
Warrel Dane (R.I.P. 2017) - Vocals
Jeff Loomis - Guitars
Van Williams - Drums

Stephanie Cabral - Photography
Mattias Nilsson - Engineering (assistant)
Layne McKay - Engineering (assistant)
Andy Gibson - Additional bass and vocals producer
Bob Wayne - Additional bass and vocals producer
John Winters - Additional bass and vocals producer (tracks 6, 10)
Travis Smith - Artwork, Layout
Peter Wichers - Producer, Engineering
Andy Sneap - Mixing, Mastering

Links:
Facebook * Instagram * Homepage * Youtube

🔥 For fans of: Control Denied * Soilwork * Communic * Sanctuary * Iced Earth
💀 Label: Century Media


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