Pundits and fans very rarely see eye to eye with the objectivity of the reviewer always being to cold and removed for the fan and likewise the blind allegiance of the fan is never subjective enough for the reviewer. On those rare occasions when both parties do find something to agree upon you know it has to be something special, and that something special in Nevermore’s case was “This Godless Endeavour”. The bands 20XX opus was roundly accepted as the album of the year and a new benchmark to aspire to, but like some many bands following such a well received album often comes with a considerable weight of expectation.

Nevermore made a wise choice in my humble opinion in not trying to create “This Godless Endeavour” part II but have instead offered up a much more stripped down concise album. The bands trademark dark Thrashy melodies are still at the heart of each song so there isn’t too much for the die-hards to concern themselves with but with the majority of songs coming in at under four minutes there is a distinct snappiness to the album.

One of the defining features of “The Obsidian Conspiracy” is the albums balanced song writing, and has as been the case over countless Nevermore releases Jeff Loomis’ ability to construct an album which vies between out and out aggression and soft lamenting melody is a wonder to behold. The eerie mood created by the chilling piano on "The Blue Marble and the New Soul" is but one example of the ying and yang approach Loomis has employed; for every mellow moment there is a direct counter of pure teeth gritted no holds barred Thrash.

Warrel Dane turns in a seller vocal performance full of brooding and menace, with again lyrical themes capable of darkening the mood of even the most jovial; but then again what would you have expected? “The Obsidian Conspiracy” doesn’t quite hit the same heights as "This Godless Endeavour” but rather than conduct an autopsy as to the pros and cons of one album verses another, I’d rather focus on what is a striking addition to an already cram packed catalogue of material that sits alongside "Dreaming Neon Black" with some ease. If ever anyone needed the importance and qualities of Nevermore then look no further, “The Obsidian Conspiracy” is proof positive.