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After a five year wait, Nevermore are back with a new album that hearkens back to their sound of the early 90s. Nevermore haven't been considered Thrash for many years, preferring a more progressive sound of late. However, since 2000, their releases have not been as impressive as those issued prior to the new millennium. As they became more technical, the albums became sterile. Nevertheless, many of those same albums have enjoyed critical acclaim. The Obsidian Conspiracy, their latest offering, is the band's first jackpot since Dreaming Neon Black from 1999.

Nevermore has always chosen to follow their emotions to explore the uncharted. This has elevated their material to a higher plain. The focal point of their music is guitarist Jeff Loomis. On The Obsidian Conspiracy, Loomis has produced some amazingly complex riffs, yet this time around it isn't just his massive technical skill that is on display. You can also feel the soul behind the music.

The Obsidian Conspiracy sounds a bit like Dane's solo efforts while also delving deep into Loomis' shredding solo output. Together, they've produced a new kind of Nevermore album, something that will take time to comprehend, yet is always a treat to come back to.

Dane's lyrics have always required repeated listens to fully comprehend. He writes in a style not easy to imitate, and while they haven't always been the best in the past, this time he has really scored. Listen to "Your Poison Throne," "The Day You Built the Wall," "And the Maiden Spoke," "She Comes in Colors," "Moonrise" and "The Termination Proclamation" to see what I mean. That is what brilliance is all about.

Another positive aspect of The Obsidian Conspiracy is the production. Nevermore's past albums were always produced by a quality crew, with the notable exception of the first edition of Enemies of Reality. Peter Wichers, the producer of Dane's solo album, takes the reins while Andy Sneap, a good friend of the band, handles the mixing and mastering. Sneap's mix gives the band and edge and depth that work much better than on their previous albums.

The Obsidian Conspiracy is a solid start in the new decade for Nevermore. It is their best work since 1999 and I would love to see the band continue the musical and lyrical directions going forward. I am already anticipating the next album.