Photo credit: Cüneyt Özer
Storming ahead into their next chapter, NEVERMORE has solidified their new line-up with their first live show in over fifteen years. The legendary act performed for a sold out IF Performance Hall Beşiktaş audience on April 1 in Istanbul, Turkey, the home country of their new vocalist Berzan Önen and birthplace of bassist Semir Özerkan. An event eagerly awaited by fans was cemented as a night to remember. While honoring the band’s well-established history, NEVERMORE look to the future with a passionate vigor for the next evolution. Following the success of yesterday’s show, NEVERMORE will join JUDAS PRIEST this September for the final seven shows of their Faithkeepers Tour. Tickets available HERE!
Tour Dates:
Sept 11 — Bern, Switzerland @ Festhalle Bern
Sept 12 — Strasbourg, France @ Zenith
Sept 14 — Lyon, France @ LDLC Arena
Sept 15 — Bordeaux, France @ Arkea Arena
Sept 17 — Paris, France @ Arena Zenith
Sept 18 — Brussels, Belgium @ Forest National
Sept 21 — London, UK @ Eventim Apollo
Over the summer months, ahead of their run with JUDAS PRIEST, NEVERMORE are set to appear at shows and festivals in Latin America and across Europe. Explore dates and purchase tickets here: https://nevermoreofficial.com/tour.
Apr 24th – Santiago, Chile – Teatro Cariola
Apr 26th – São Paulo, Brazil – Bangers Open Air
Apr 28th – São Paulo, Brazil – Carioca Club Pinheiros
Jul 26th – Plovdiv, Bulgaria – Hills of Rock
Jul 28th – Rasnov, Romania – Rockstadt Extreme Festival
Jul 30th – Budapest, Hungary – BARBA NEGRA Blue Stage
Aug 1st – Wacken, Germany – Wacken
Aug 3rd – Pratteln, Switzerland – Z7 Open Air
Aug 5th – Jaromer, Czechia – Brutal Assault
Aug 8th – Derbyshire, United Kingdom – Bloodstock Open Air
Aug 9th – Kortrijk, Belgium – Alcatraz Festival
Aug 11th – Warsaw, Poland – Progresja [with SAVATAGE]
Aug 12th – Leipzig, Germany – Parkbühne [with SAVATAGE]
Aug 13th – Bonn, Germany – KUNST!RASEN [with SAVATAGE]
Aug 15th – Carhaix Plouguer, France – Motocultor Festival
An esteemed powerhouse in heavy metal, NEVERMORE recently unveiled their signing to Reigning Phoenix Music and introduced new members Jack Cattoi on guitar, Semir Özerkan on bass, and vocalist Berzan Önen in a documentary directed and produced by Ola Englund. The film provided an enticing insight in the band’s rehearsals, and open discussion by guitarist Jeff Loomis and drummer Van Williams on their decision to bring NEVERMORE back. Watch here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bhW3rdcyip4.
About NEVERMORE:
NEVERMORE enters 2026 with purpose, fire, and a clear sense of who they are. Forged in the aftermath of Sanctuary, the band carved out a sound defined by precision musicianship, fearless songwriting, and emotional intensity. From their self-titled debut in 1995 through landmark releases such as Dead Heart in a Dead World and This Godless Endeavor, NEVERMORE built a global following and a reputation as one of modern metal’s most distinctive voices.
Now that legacy moves forward under the leadership of guitarist Jeff Loomis and drummer Van Williams, joined by guitarist Jack Cattoi, bassist Semir Özerkan , and vocalist Berzan Önen. After years apart, the spark that first ignited the band has returned with renewed focus. For Van, the timing feels natural. “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?”
New music is already taking shape. Van smiles at the early results. “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.” The writing process is unfolding alongside preparations for the stage, with the band focused equally on honoring the catalog and building what comes next.
The addition of Berzan signaled a powerful evolution. Jeff remembers the first time he saw Berzan’s audition video. “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.” The connection was immediate. “I could tell right away that he was a fan of Warrel’s singing just by the way he delivered and said certain words. I was really blown away at first watch.”
The history of NEVERMORE includes an extraordinary lineage of musicians who shaped its evolution. Guitarists Pat O’Brien, Tim Calvert, Steve Smyth, and Chris Broderick each left a distinct imprint on the band’s catalog and live presence. Bassist Jim Sheppard played a central role in shaping the band’s identity during its defining years.
Following the band’s disbandment, Jeff Loomis released the acclaimed solo albums Zero Order Phase and Plains of Oblivion, co founded CONQUERING DYSTOPIA, and spent nearly a decade as a member of ARCH ENEMY, contributing to releases including Will to Power and Deceivers. Van Williams remained active through projects such as ASHES OF ARES and GHOST SHIP OCTAVIUS. Warrel Dane continued creating until his passing in 2017, leaving behind a body of work that continues to inspire musicians and fans worldwide.
As NEVERMORE steps into 2026, the mission is grounded in honesty and intensity. Jeff captures the heart of 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. 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.
About Reigning Phoenix Music
Founded in 2023, Reigning Phoenix Music is truly the 100% independently owned vision of music industry professional Gerardo Martinez and avionics and tech entrepreneur, Sven Bogner. The blueprint is to continue to help heavy metal, extreme, hard, and heavy music thrive by partnering with an array of well-established acts, new talent, and iconic artists, by offering best services and practices in the industry. But most important is to help the artists amplify their art and talent to a winning formula for success.
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