Nevermore are making a comeback, but they need a new voice to lead the charge.
Jeff Loomis and Van Williams have revived the band for 2025, launching a global search for a vocalist and bassist. And it’s not a small search—over 350 submissions have already flooded in.
Loomis knows the weight of the decision. “We need somebody to honor Warrel Dane’s name but bring something of their own,” he said. Dane wasn’t just Nevermore’s frontman—he was the band’s core, with a voice that could shift from operatic to guttural in an instant. Whoever steps in will have to carry that legacy while carving out their own place.
The reunion hasn’t come without drama. Co-founder and bassist Jim Sheppard was left out of the plans and made his disappointment clear. “I’m disappointed no one reached out to me concerning the name Nevermore,” he said, reflecting on the years he poured into the band.
Williams defended the move, explaining that communication with Sheppard had been nonexistent for years. “Sometimes, for the sake of a fresh start, it’s necessary to move on,” he said. “We made this decision with the intention of honoring the legacy while moving forward.”
Nevermore effectively ended in 2011 when Loomis and Williams left due to tensions within the band. Dane later called Nevermore “the greatest band that alcohol ever ruined.” His death in 2017 left the band’s future uncertain—until now.
The search for a new lineup is still underway, with no timeline for when auditions will wrap. Whoever lands the gig will step into one of the toughest roles in metal: filling the shoes of Warrel Dane. I mean, the thought of it alone is enough to make my palms sweat. Nevertheless, the band is moving forward—but whether fans will embrace this new era remains to be seen.
