Nevermore

Although they’re not technically rock operas, Nevermore‘s albums appropriate the dramatic elements of that form, especially the expository lyrics. Warrel Dane’s theatrical delivery differentiates the ominous growls of the pain inflictors, the tortured wails of the victims and the resilient bellows of the heroes. The Seattle band’s sixth album, This Godless Endeavor, revels in futuristic settings, but it’s no fey fantasy, as its fast-thrashing opening sequence immediately establishes. Prog-metal can be groove-deficient and instrumentally excessive, but Nevermore creates rhythm-driven, hardcore-style breakdowns and soaring choruses while keeping most tracks to five minutes or less.