NEVERMORE sign with Reigning Phoenix Music and unveil new lineup + first live show announced

Legendary US heavy metal force Nevermore have officially signed with Reigning Phoenix Music, marking the beginning of a powerful new chapter for the band in 2026.

Founding guitarist Jeff Loomis and drummer Van Williams return at the helm, now joined by:

Jack Cattoi – Guitars
Semir Özerkan – Bass
Berzan Önen – Vocals

To showcase the renewed lineup, NEVERMORE will make their first live appearance on April 1st, 2026 in Istanbul, Turkey.

A New Era Begins

On signing with Reigning Phoenix Music, Loomis and Williams state:

“We are thrilled to announce that Nevermore 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. 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 album!”

RPM Co-Founder Gerado Martinez adds:

“There are no words to describe how proud and excited RPM is at the prospect of being part of Nevermore’s next chapter. 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.”

Documentary Film Released

Directed and produced by Ola Englund, NEVERMORE have also released a documentary-style film capturing rehearsals from January at Swans Neck Soundworks in Väderstad, Sweden.

The film features raw performances of classic tracks including:

“The River Dragon Has Come”

“Engines of Hate”

“The Heart Collector”

It also documents the audition process, the introduction of the new members, and early discussions about upcoming festival appearances and future plans for NEVERMORE.

About NEVERMORE

Formed in the aftermath of Sanctuary, NEVERMORE built a reputation for precision musicianship, emotionally charged songwriting, and a distinctive blend of progressive and power-infused heavy metal.

From their 1995 self-titled debut to landmark releases like “Dead Heart in a Dead World” and “This Godless Endeavor”, the band established a global following and cemented their place among modern metal’s elite.

After the band’s disbandment:

Jeff Loomis pursued a solo career with albums such as “Zero Order Phase” and “Plains of Oblivion”, co-founded Conquering Dystopia, and spent nearly a decade with Arch Enemy.

Van Williams remained active with Ashes of Ares and Ghost Ship Octavius.

Vocalist Warrel Dane continued creating music until his passing in 2017, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire fans worldwide.

Now, under Loomis and Williams’ leadership, NEVERMORE step into 2026 with renewed focus and intensity.

As Van Williams describes the new material:

“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.”

Jeff Loomis adds:

“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. 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.”

Older.
Wiser.
Still loud.