Nevermore

Nevermore is a Seattle heavy metal band that forms in 1992 after vocalist Warrel Dane, bassist Jim Sheppard and guitarist Jeff Loomis leave Sanctuary. It belongs to the progressive metal, thrash metal, groove metal, heavy metal and metal categories, and remains active.

Early line-up and development

The group begins with several drummers before Van Williams joins in 1994. By the end of that year the line-up is settled with Williams and Loomis in place, and the band releases its self-titled debut album, Nevermore, through Century Media Records in 1995. It tours in Europe with Blind Guardian and in North America with Death.

In 1996 Pat O’Brien joins, making Nevermore a five-piece. He plays on the EP In Memory and the album The Politics of Ecstasy before leaving for Cannibal Corpse. Tim Calvert then takes over guitar duties, appearing on Dreaming Neon Black in 1999 before departing the following year.

Albums and touring

Nevermore continues as a four-piece for Dead Heart in a Dead World in 2000 and Enemies of Reality in 2003. The production of Enemies of Reality is heavily criticised, and the album is later remixed by Andy Sneap for a 2005 reissue.

Guitarist Steve Smyth joins in 2004 and appears on This Godless Endeavor, released in 2005. During this period the band tours widely, including appearances on Dave Mustaine’s Gigantour and tours with Disturbed and In Flames. Nevermore also performs at Wacken Open Air in 2006.

Live releases and later work

The group records The Year of the Voyager after a postponed live DVD recording in Bochum, Germany, and releases the live CD/DVD set in 2008. The release includes a documentary and promotional videos. Around the same time Dane releases Praises to the War Machine and Loomis releases Zero Order Phase.

Nevermore begins work on a seventh studio album in 2009 and records The Obsidian Conspiracy with producer Peter Wichers. The album appears in 2010 and is followed by a North American tour with Warbringer, Hatesphere and Blackguard.

Line-up changes and later activity

In 2011 the band cancels a planned tour with Symphony X. Soon afterwards Jeff Loomis and Van Williams leave because of personal and musical differences, and active work effectively stops, although the group does not formally disband. Warrel Dane later says he would consider another album only if Loomis returns.

Warrel Dane dies in 2017, and Tim Calvert dies in 2018. In 2024 Loomis and Williams announce plans to revive Nevermore and search for new members. The band later announces a new line-up including Loomis, Williams, vocalist Berzan Önen, guitarist Jack Cattoi and bassist Semir Özerkan, along with a recording contract with Reigning Phoenix Music.

Recent line-up

The new line-up is set to make its first performance in Istanbul on 1 April 2026. The band is also confirmed for the 2026 editions of Wacken Open Air and Bloodstock Open Air.