Berzan \u00d6nen<\/strong> (vocals).<\/p>\nTo introduce this new era, Nevermore<\/strong> will make their first live appearance on April 1, 2026, in Istanbul, Turkey, a symbolic and high-profile reemergence for one of modern metal\u2019s most revered names.<\/p>\nReflecting on the signing, Loomis<\/strong> and Williams<\/strong> state: “We are thrilled to announce that Nevermore<\/strong> 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<\/strong>.<\/p>\n“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<\/strong> album!”<\/p>\nReigning Phoenix Music co-founder Gerardo Martinez<\/strong> echoed that enthusiasm: “There are no words to describe how proud and excited RPM is at the prospect of being part of Nevermore<\/strong>‘s next chapter. Having been a fan since 1995 when I saw them on tour with Death<\/strong>, I’ve followed them on their entire musical journey and cannot wait for what is yet to come.”<\/p>\nCoinciding with the announcement, Nevermore<\/strong> have released a documentary film directed and produced by Ola Englund<\/strong>, offering fans an unfiltered look at the band\u2019s January rehearsals at Swans Neck Soundworks in V\u00e4derstad, Sweden. The film features raw performances of classic tracks such as “The River Dragon Has Come,” “Engines Of Hate,” and “The Heart Collector,” while also documenting the audition process and the band\u2019s internal discussions about reviving Nevermore<\/strong>.<\/p>\nIn the film, Loomis<\/strong> and Williams<\/strong> also confirm festival appearances planned throughout 2026 and share insight into their creative direction moving forward.<\/p>\nWith new material already taking shape, Van Williams<\/strong> describes the early results with a grin: “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.”<\/p>\nThe band is currently balancing writing with live preparations, aiming to honor their storied catalog while pushing forward creatively.<\/p>\n
The addition of vocalist Berzan \u00d6nen<\/strong> proved pivotal. Loomis<\/strong> recalls first hearing his audition: “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\u2026 I could tell right away that he was a fan of Warrel’s singing just by the way he delivered and said certain words.”<\/p>\nFormed in the aftermath of Sanctuary<\/strong>, Nevermore<\/strong> built a fiercely loyal global following through landmark releases including Dead Heart In A Dead World<\/em> and This Godless Endeavor<\/em>. The band\u2019s history includes an extraordinary roster of musicians, with Jim Sheppard<\/strong> playing a central role during their defining years, and guitarists such as Pat O\u2019Brien<\/strong>, Tim Calvert<\/strong>, Steve Smyth<\/strong>, and Chris Broderick<\/strong> leaving lasting imprints.<\/p>\nNevermore<\/strong> effectively disbanded in 2011 amid internal tensions. Vocalist Warrel Dane<\/strong> continued creating music until his death in 2017, leaving behind a legacy that remains deeply influential. Loomis<\/strong> has been clear that the band is not attempting to replace him:<\/p>\n“No one can replace Warrel Dane<\/strong>. Bottom line. We aren\u2019t looking for a Warrel Dane<\/strong> clone. We are looking for someone that can carry the older Nevermore<\/strong> tunes in his vocal style, and someone who can add something new and refreshing to the next chapter of the band.”<\/p>\nWilliams<\/strong> has also pushed back against accusations that the reunion is financially motivated: “Most musicians don’t do this for the money\u2026 This is what we chose to do in life because we’ve always loved it. That’s what drives us.”<\/p>\nAs Nevermore<\/strong> enter 2026, the mission is clear as Loomis<\/strong> 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\u2026 and we also look forward to meeting a new generation of fans as well.”<\/p>\n\n