For the Queen song of the same name, see Nevermore (song)
Nevermore is a North American progressive/ thrash Metal band from Seattle, Washington assembled in 1991. Their precise musical style is debated by fans and critics alike. The band incorporates elements from styles such as death, speed, and progressive metal into their songs, and also makes use of acoustic guitars and a wide range of vocal styles.
Nevermore started in the beginning of the 1990s, when the band Sanctuary was pressured by its recording label to change its musical style, switching from heavy metal to grunge, which was obtaining mainstream success at the time due to bands such as Nirvana. Two members of the band — vocalist Warrel Dane and bassist Jim Sheppard — didn't agree with the change, and thus proceeded to create a project of their own — Nevermore.
By the end of 1994, the band assumed a stable line-up, which saw the additions of drummer Van Williams and former Sanctuary touring guitarist Jeff Loomis. In 1995 Nevermore released its first, self-titled, album through Century Media Records. This album received much attention and specialized review, as its release was followed by an European tour with Blind Guardian and a North American tour with Death, both internationally-renowned bands.
Second guitarist Pat O'Brien joined the band prior to the release of the EP — In Memory — and also took part in the recording of the subsequent album Politics of Ecstasy, both from 1996. O'Brien left Nevermore to play in Cannibal Corpse, and guitarist Tim Calvert, who had previously contributed to Nevermore through songwriting, replaced O'Brien as Nevermore's guitarist.