Heavy-progressive greats Nevermore have officially outlined their comeback, unveiling details behind their brand-new lineup, a new record deal and their first concert date in more than a decade.
Guitarist Jeff Loomis and drummer Van Williams had been teasing their return in recent months, but formally announced Nevermore’s next phase today (February 12th). The modded lineup now includes IG shredder Jack Cattoi on guitar, Oceans of Slumber bassist Semir Özerkan, and Turkish singer and vocal coach Berzan Önen on the mic.
“It’s been brewing for quite a while and has just started to manifest itself into the now. So what better time is there to kick things off than now,” Williams said of the relaunch in a statement.
A 40-minute band documentary directed and produced by Ola Englund (The Haunted, Solar Guitars) presents Nevermore’s rehearsals this past January at Swans Neck Soundworks in Väderstad, Sweden. The short film features clips of the band ripping-and-running through classic Nevermore cuts “The River Dragon Has Come”, “Engines of Hate” and “The Heart Collector”, and likewise finds Williams and Loomis discussing how their latest era came to be.
With that in mind, those rehearsals are leading up to the group’s first show since 2011, which takes place April 1st at the IF Performance Hall Beşiktaş in Istanbul, Turkey. More dates are expected to be revealed later this year.
Furthermore, the doc also arrives just as the band have announced they’ve signed to Reigning Phoenix Music. Details are pending, but an album is on the way. “If the new music had to be described by one word, that would have to be delicious,” Williams adds, “Because it’s so good it’s gonna leave you hungry for more.” The band’s last full-length statement was 2010’s The Obsidian Conspiracy.
“There are no words to describe how proud and excited RPM is at the prospect of being part of Nevermore’s next chapter,” RPM co-founder Gerado Martinez added in a statement. “Having been a fan since 1995 when I saw them on tour with Death, I’ve followed them on their entire musical journey and cannot wait for what is yet to come.”