Legendary heavy metal band welcomes new members and announces first live show as documentary reveals rehearsal footage and future plans
Legendary heavy metal powerhouse Nevermore have officially returned from hiatus, signing with Reigning Phoenix Music and unveiling a completely revamped lineup that marks a bold new chapter for the influential metal act. The band, led by founding members guitarist Jeff Loomis and drummer Van Williams, welcomes guitarist Jack Cattoi, bassist Semir Özerkan, and new vocalist Berzan Önen. To showcase the new lineup, Nevermore’s first live appearance will take place on April 1, 2026, in Istanbul, Turkey.
The announcement arrives alongside a documentary film directed and produced by Ola Englund that showcases the band’s rehearsals in January at Swans Neck Soundworks in Väderstad, Sweden. Featuring powerful, raw performances of tracks including “The River Dragon Has Come,” “Engines of Hate,” and “The Heart Collector,” the film offers a thrilling insight into the band’s new era and the chemistry developing among the reconstituted lineup. The documentary goes beyond just rehearsal footage, as Loomis and Williams discuss their decision to bring Nevermore back after years apart, introduce the new members, and reveal their thoughts throughout the audition process. Additionally, Loomis and Williams share news of forthcoming festival appearances across 2026 and future plans for Nevermore, providing fans with unprecedented access to the rebirth of one of modern metal’s most distinctive voices.
On signing with Reigning Phoenix Music, Loomis and Williams shared their enthusiasm:
“We are thrilled to announce that Nevermore has officially signed with Reigning Phoenix Music! It was obvious from the start that they were the perfect partner for the new era of Nevermore. Their passion for metal music combined with the extensive industry pedigree of their team made the choice easy. We can’t wait to get back on stage in front of our fans in Istanbul on April 1st, and we are just as excited to finish writing and putting together the new Nevermore album!”
Reigning Phoenix Music co-founder Gerardo Martinez expressed his personal connection to the band:
“There are no words to describe how proud and excited RPM is at the prospect of being part of Nevermore’s next chapter. Having been a fan since 1995 when I saw them on tour with Death, I’ve followed them on their entire musical journey and cannot wait for what is yet to come.”
Martinez’s longstanding appreciation for the band underscores the genuine passion driving this partnership, suggesting that Nevermore have found a label that truly understands their artistic vision and historical significance.
Nevermore enters 2026 with purpose, fire, and a clear sense of who they are. Forged in the aftermath of Sanctuary, the band carved out a sound defined by precision musicianship, fearless songwriting, and emotional intensity. From their self-titled debut in 1995 through landmark releases such as “Dead Heart in a Dead World” and “This Godless Endeavor,” Nevermore built a global following and a reputation as one of modern metal’s most distinctive voices. Now that legacy moves forward under the leadership of Loomis and Williams, joined by Cattoi, Özerkan, and Önen. After years apart, the spark that first ignited the band has returned with renewed focus.
For Van Williams, the timing feels natural and inevitable: “It’s been brewing for quite a while and has just started to manifest itself into the now. So what better time is there to kick things off than now?” New music is already taking shape, and Williams offered tantalizing hints about the material the band has been developing. “If the new music had to be described by one word, that would have to be delicious. Because it’s so good it’s gonna leave you hungry for more.” The writing process is unfolding alongside preparations for the stage, with the band focused equally on honoring the catalog and building what comes next.
The addition of Berzan Önen as vocalist signaled a powerful evolution for the band. Jeff Loomis remembers the first time he saw Berzan’s audition video: “He really stood out strong in so many ways upon a first listen. I could really feel the emotion and passion when I heard him sing for the first time. He wasn’t just going through the motions.” The connection was immediate. “I could tell right away that he was a fan of Warrel’s singing just by the way he delivered and said certain words. I was really blown away at first watch.”
The history of Nevermore includes an extraordinary lineage of musicians who shaped its evolution over more than two decades. Guitarists Pat O’Brien, Tim Calvert, Steve Smyth, and Chris Broderick each left a distinct imprint on the band’s catalog and live presence during their respective tenures. Bassist Jim Sheppard played a central role in shaping the band’s identity during its defining years, contributing to some of the most celebrated albums in the band’s history.
Following Nevermore’s disbandment, both Loomis and Williams remained active and continued to evolve as musicians. Jeff Loomis released the acclaimed solo albums “Zero Order Phase” and “Plains of Oblivion,” co-founded Conquering Dystopia, and spent nearly a decade as a member of Arch Enemy, contributing to releases including “Will to Power” and “Deceivers.” Van Williams remained active through projects such as Ashes of Ares and Ghost Ship Octavius. Warrel Dane continued creating music until his passing in 2017, leaving behind a body of work that continues to inspire musicians and fans worldwide.
Tickets & Info: https://www.bubilet.com.tr/istanbul/etkinlik/nevermore
As Nevermore steps into 2026, the mission is grounded in honesty and intensity. Jeff Loomis captures the heart of it: “Van and I are super passionate about the band. What we deliver and bring back to the audience is us wanting to hear those old tracks again just as much as the fans. We obviously want our old fans there every step of the way, but also look forward to meeting a new generation of fans as well.” That dual focus, honoring the past while embracing the future, defines the spirit of this new chapter. The Istanbul performance on April 1 will serve as the first test of this renewed vision, giving fans their first opportunity to witness how the classic Nevermore catalog sounds filtered through the new lineup’s collective energy and technical prowess.
With new music in development, festival appearances planned throughout 2026, and a label partnership with Reigning Phoenix Music that promises the resources and support to bring their ambitious vision to life, Nevermore are positioning themselves not as a nostalgia act but as a vital, forward-thinking force in heavy metal. The band’s slogan for this new era says it all: Older. Wiser. Still loud.
