R.I.P. Warrel Dane

Warrel Dane died today, and few people probably care. I count myself among the lucky few who was aware of his wonderful career, and listened to his music with joy mingled with the sadness and tragedy of his morbidly stirring lyrics.

Dane is best known as the vocalist and lyricist for the sublime progressive metal band (although good luck putting them in a single genre) Nevermore. From 1995 to 2010, the dynamic duo of Dane and guitar god Jeff Loomis put together one of the most impressive fifteen year runs in metal history, with 8 studio albums and 1 E.P., all of supremely high quality. It's hard to pick highlights from this band, but their best records are probably Dead Heart in a Dead World (2000), This Godless Endeavor (2005), and my personal favorite (despite its rough production values) The Politics of Ecstasy.

Dane was the perfect mix of a vocalist with supreme vocal talent, being trained as an opera singer, excellent lyrical output, and the ability to emote in a wide spectrum with his voice. Whether the songs were good or bad, Dane's vocals were almost always captivating in some way or another. And more of the songs were good than bad, including some of the shining stars of late '90s to 2000s metal.

I saw Dane with Nevermore in 2010, right before their breakup. He did not look well, although considering how poorly he looked, the band sounded excellent. He seemed short of breath repeatedly, having to take an inhaler at several points throughout the show, but managed to put on a great show for the fans. His death of a heart attack is thus saddening to me, but not surprising, given some of the other rumors of his hard living ways. 

We will miss him, but are fortunate to have an enormous back catalogue of his work to enjoy, and I plan to do so over the next few days in mourning of a life artistically well spent. Here are a few highlights from his career, so that you can join me in this joyous mourning. R.I.P. Warrel.


With Nevermore
The Politics of Ecstasy
Dreaming Neon Black
The River Dragon Has Come
Dead Heart in a Dead World 
Seed Awakening 
Born
Final Product
Sell My Heart for Stones
A Future Uncertain
This Godless Endeavor
She Comes in Colors

Solo
Let You Down
Your Chosen Misery
Equilibrium

-TRO