Legendary heavy metallers Nevermore have officially signed with Reigning Phoenix Music, launching a bold new era for the band. Alongside the announcement, they’ve unveiled a refreshed lineup featuring:
- Berzan Önen – vocals
- Jack Cattoi – guitar
- Semir Özerkan – bass
Joining founding members Jeff Loomis (guitar) and Van Williams (drums).
To debut this new incarnation, Nevermore will make their first live appearance on April 1st, 2026 in Istanbul, Turkey.
Jeff Loomis and Van Williams shared:
“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… 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!”
RPM co-founder Gerardo Martinez added:
“There are no words to describe how proud and excited RPM is at the prospect of being part of Nevermore’s next chapter… I cannot wait for what is yet to come.”
Documentary Offers First Look at the New Era
Directed by Ola Englund, the band have also released a raw behind-the-scenes documentary filmed during rehearsals at Swans Neck Soundworks in Väderstad, Sweden. The film features powerful performances of classic tracks like “The River Dragon Has Come,” “Engines of Hate,” and “The Heart Collector,” while giving fans an intimate look at auditions, chemistry-building, and the decision to resurrect Nevermore.
Loomis and Williams also confirm that new music is already in progress, alongside festival appearances planned throughout 2026.
Van hints at what’s coming:
“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.”
Formed from the ashes of Sanctuary, Nevermore built their legacy on precision musicianship, emotional intensity, and fearless songwriting. From their 1995 debut through landmark albums like Dead Heart in a Dead World and This Godless Endeavor, the band became one of modern metal’s most distinctive voices.
Following the band’s original run, Loomis released acclaimed solo records (Zero Order Phase, Plains of Oblivion), co-founded Conquering Dystopia, and spent nearly a decade with Arch Enemy. Williams remained active with projects including Ashes of Ares and Ghost Ship Octavius.
Late frontman Warrel Dane passed in 2017, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire fans worldwide.
Now, with renewed focus and fresh blood, Nevermore step into 2026 ready to honor their past while forging forward.
As Loomis puts 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… but also look forward to meeting a new generation of fans as well.”
Older. Wiser. Still loud.