Nevermore Reveal New Lineup and Label Deal

Nevermore have signed with Reigning Phoenix Music and confirmed the lineup that will lead the band’s return. Guitarist Jeff Loomis and drummer Van Williams are joined by vocalist Berzan Önen, guitarist Jack Cattoi and bassist Semir Özerkan.

The reactivated group will play its first concert on April 1 in Istanbul. A documentary directed by Ola Englund captures the new lineup rehearsing in Sweden and performing material including “The River Dragon Has Come”, “Engines Of Hate” and “The Heart Collector”. Further festival appearances are planned throughout 2026.

Jeff Loomis and Van Williams are rebuilding Nevermore around the catalogue while writing a new studio album.

Loomis and Williams say work is under way on a new Nevermore album. Loomis selected Önen after hearing the emotional conviction in his audition and noticing a clear understanding of late vocalist Warrel Dane’s phrasing without attempting a direct imitation. The band intends to honour its existing catalogue while giving the new singer space to establish a separate identity.

Nevermore effectively ended in 2011 when Loomis and Williams left amid internal disputes. Dane died in 2017 while recording his solo album “Shadow Work”. Founding bassist Jim Sheppard is not involved in the reunion and has publicly expressed disappointment that he was not consulted, while wishing the musicians well. The new agreement with Reigning Phoenix Music formalises the group’s first sustained activity in 15 years and sets the foundation for its first album since 2010’s “The Obsidian Conspiracy”.