Nevermore recently unveiled their 2026 reunion lineup, which includes new vocalist Berzan Önen. The guy is a powerhouse, but don't take my word for it – check out his audition for the band via his cover of "Born" above. It's pretty easy to see why the guy got the job. The lineup features founding members Jeff Loomis (guitar) and Van Williams (drums) alongside Jack Cattoi (guitar), Semir Özerkan (bass), and Önen.
Nevermore recently signed with Reigning Phoenix Music, which Loomis and Williams say was an obvious choice for supporting Nevermore's next era. "We are thrilled to announce that Nevermore has officially signed with Reigning Phoenix Music! Their passion for metal music combined with the extensive industry pedigree of their team made the choice easy," the duo stated.
To introduce the new lineup, Nevermore will make their first live appearance on April 1, 2026, in Istanbul, Turkey, signaling a high-profile return.
Coinciding with the announcement, Nevermore released a documentary directed by Ola Englund, offering an inside look at the band's January rehearsals in Sweden. The film features performances of classic tracks like "The River Dragon Has Come", "Engines Of Hate", and "The Heart Collector".
"He really stood out strong in so many ways upon a first listen," Loomis recalls about Berzan Önen. "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… I could tell right away that he was a fan of Warrel's singing just by the way he delivered and said certain words."
Nevermore, formed in the aftermath of Sanctuary, built a global following through albums like Dead Heart In A Dead World and This Godless Endeavor. After disbanding in 2011 and the passing of vocalist Warrel Dane in 2017, Loomis emphasizes that the band is not trying to replace Dane, but instead aims to honor the older material while introducing fresh elements for the next chapter.
"No one can replace Warrel Dane. Bottom line. We aren't looking for a Warrel Dane clone. We are looking for someone that can carry the older Nevermore tunes in his vocal style, and someone who can add something new and refreshing to the next chapter of the band."
The band is currently balancing writing new material with live preparations, planning festival appearances in 2026, and shaping the sound of their upcoming album. Van Williams adds: "Most musicians don't do this for the money… This is what we chose to do in life because we've always loved it. That's what drives us."
Loomis concludes on the band's mission for 2026: "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… and we also look forward to meeting a new generation of fans as well."
