From Seattle, Nevermore is an heavy metal band that has made lasting effects on the genre since it formed in 1991. The band's progressive metal music combines acoustic guitars with the power of thrash and neo-classical metal. Vocalist Warrel Dane and bassist Jim Sheppard started Nevermore when their former band, Sanctuary, was receiving pressure from its label to transition from a metal to grunge sound. Dane and Sheppard were joined by their former Sanctuary touring guitarist Jeff Loomis and drummer Van Williams. Nevermore released its debut album In Memory in 1994, which was well received by both fans and critics. Throughout the next decade, the band maintained its high standard for narrative lyrics, particularly on its 1999 album Dreaming Neon Black, but began to receive criticism after its highly produced album, Enemies of Reality in 2003. Nevermore's ability to combine multiple playing techniques from different sub-genres of metal set the band apart as one of the catalysts for the progressive metal genre. Founding members Dane and Sheppard are the only remaining members of the band, though they are joined by guitarists and bassists for live shows.
