Nevermore combine elements of power metal, traditional heavy metal, and other metal subgenres while showcasing the high-flying vocal range of singer Warrel Dane. The roots of the Seattle-based band can be traced back to Sanctuary, with whom Nevermore vocalist Dane and bassist Jim Sheppard recorded two albums. After Nevermore inked a worldwide deal with Century Media Records, the band released its punishing eponymous debut album in 1995. The Politics of Ecstasy, their second proper album, was a technical masterpiece that displayed the talents of guitarists Pat O'Brian and Jeff Loomis, and drummer Van Williams in particular. But their next opus, the dark and conceptually driven Dreaming Neon Black, really caught the attention of fans and earned Nevermore the respect of the heavy metal press. ~ Ryan J. Downey