Nevermore Reveals New Lineup, Shares First Footage of 2026 Return
At the beginning of 2025, Jeff Loomis and Van Williams announced they would be reforming Nevermore. Vocalist Warrell Dane passed away in 2017, and original bassist Jim Sheppard is not taking part, so they launched a talent search for a new lead singer and bass player.
Now, the epic metal group has revealed its lineup and given a taste of what’s to come.
The band has signed with Reigning Phoenix, who explain that the new lineup is rounded out by Jack Cattoi on guitar, Semir Özerkan on bass, and new vocalist Berzan Önen. They’ll be making their first appearance on April 1st in Istanbul, Turkey.
“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,” says Loomis. “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.”
Semir Özerkan has been a member of the Texas-based cinematic metal band Oceans of Slumber since 2019. He shared his excitement in joining Nevermore in a Facebook post.
“I would like to officially announce that I am the new bass player for my all time favorite band, mighty Nevermore. When first hearing the news my heart stopped and it couldn’t be real,” he wrote. “I will work to the best of my abilities and beyond to stand alongside with machinery groove master legend Van Williams and my favorite and the best guitar player of all time, almighty Jeff Loomis. Also beside a young, hungry, and insanely talented Jack Cattoi on guitars. Our band melodies and songwriting will be bombastic. Lastly… I can’t put enough pride with saying this mcountryman kardesim Berzan Önen is the new singer for Nevermore. His talent, personality and kindness is untouchable and I can’t express how excited and proud I am. I said this before; once you open your eyes there are talents in every part of the world.”
Ola Englund has documented the band’s return in a new mini documentary including some rehearsal footage and interviews.
Nevermore will be playing European festivals throughout the year. Their first return to the U.S. will be in September at ProgPower USA in Atlanta, Georgia. Visit the Nevermore website for full details.
In his time with No Treble, Kevin has met hundreds of amazing bassists and interviewed icons like Jack Casady, Victor Wooten, Les Claypool, Marcus Miller, and more. He's a gigging bassist performing jazz in Northern Virginia and bluegrass with The Plate Scrapers up and down the East Coast. Kevin appreciates all genres of music, from R&B to metal and everything in between. Connect with Kevin on Facebook and check his performance schedule on his website.
