Nevermore Return with New Lineup, Reigning Phoenix Music Deal and New Album on the Way

The newly formed Nevermore

The wait is over. More than a decade after their last show in 2011, Nevermore has officially announced their comeback, revealing a brand-new lineup, a fresh record deal and new music in progress. Led by Jeff Loomis and Van Williams, the band steps into 2026 with purpose — and this is far more than a nostalgic reunion.

A New Era After Years of Silence

Following their split in 2011 and the tragic passing of Warrel Dane in 2017, the future of Nevermore seemed uncertain. In recent months, Loomis and Williams had been teasing a return — now it’s official.

The band’s first live appearance since 2011 will take place on April 1, 2026, at IF Performance Hall Beşiktaş in Istanbul, Turkey. More dates are expected to be announced later this year.

New Lineup and Official Mini-Documentary

The revamped Nevermore lineup features:

• Jeff Loomis – guitar

• Van Williams – drums

• Jack Cattoi – guitar

• Semir Özerkan – bass

• Berzan Önen – vocals

To introduce this new chapter, the band released a 40-minute documentary directed and produced by Ola Englund, filmed during rehearsals at Swans Neck Soundworks in Sweden this January. The film captures raw performances of classic Nevermore tracks, including “The River Dragon Has Come,” “Engines of Hate” and “The Heart Collector,” while also documenting the audition process and the decision to bring Önen into the fold.

Loomis has emphasized that the band was not looking to replace Warrel Dane, but to find a vocalist capable of honoring the legacy while bringing something new to the table.

Signed to Reigning Phoenix Music — New Album Confirmed

Nevermore have also signed with Reigning Phoenix Music, solidifying their comeback with a strong industry partner. RPM co-founder Gerardo Martinez expressed his pride in being part of the band’s next chapter, calling himself a longtime fan dating back to the mid-1990s.

While no title or release date has been revealed yet, the band have confirmed that a new album is on the way. Writing is already well underway, and according to Van Williams, the new material can be described in one word: “delicious.”

Nevermore’s last full-length album, The Obsidian Conspiracy, was released in 2010. Now, in 2026, one of progressive metal’s most distinctive voices is officially back — and ready to write its next chapter.

Jose Crespo for The Riff Collective