Few bands today have the unique distinction of being at their respective genre’s pinnacle. However, it is quite worrisome that such bands often slide into mediocrity much faster than they took reaching the top. In the years following the towering success of “This Godless Endeavour,” which was that rare album whose broad appeal united metalheads in common cause—a non-Nevermore fan is an odd creature indeed—the Nevermore legend has grown to titanic proportions. Now the Gods themselves have returned to feed us mortals a fresh serving of tunes meant to gratify our every want. Despite the absolute certainty of its greatness, “The Obsidian Conspiracy” still needs a quick perusal. Besides, there are people out there who didn’t like this album much and had good reason to. Such reasons will be discussed below.

As is Nevermore’s wont, the ride begins without the benefit of a useless intro, the music cranking at full blast as the murderous grooves come tumbling out your speakers for the acidic diatribe that’s “The Termination Proclamation.” Rather terse at a mere three minutes, the album’s opening salvo terminates itself at the behest of a screaming lead from Jeff Loomis, who has long arrived as a guitar shredder of the highest distinction. He shines ever brighter on the album’s heftier cuts, notably during the token ‘ballad’ “The Blue Marble And The New Soul” and the title track that explodes at the very end. In between these gems are further examples of Nevermore’s exceptional acumen for songs whose near-perfection renders whoever else is in the same game as them obsolete.

Alas, despite the massive amount of praise it has garnered so far, “the Obsidian Conspiracy” does have its faults. First, the album never really delivers on its promise for a new and exciting twist to the Nevermore sound. There’s no sign of it here, just your usual collection of hefty thrashers and far gloomier fare. The meaner critics even pointed out that Nevermore are going through the motions on this album. Second, it’s rather short  coming from a band who’ve been away for so long. The final judgement? A solid release no doubt, but also frighteningly forgetful compared to the band’s past work.

8/10

• Genre: Progressive Thrash Metal
• Label: Century Media
• Origin: USA
• Link: http://www.myspace.com/nevermorefans
• Year: 2010