At the NAMM convention in Anaheim, California, this past weekend, Nevermore guitarist Jeff Loomis – speaking to Seymour Duncan – revealed some tidbits about the revival of his long-dormant band Nevermore that was first hinted at on December 27, 2024, through a cryptic one-minute teaser video.
Loomis elaborated on the reunion plans: "Not many people may know yet, but Nevermore is coming back in 2025. It's been a long time, but Van Williams and me have decided to bring the band back and find a new bass player and a new vocalist. We already have the new [second] guitar player, but we are in search of a new bass player and a new vocalist. So that's what we are doing right now."
Apparently the search for new members is no small feat. "We have over 350 submissions already," Loomis revealed. "It's a lot to look through. We're taking our time with it. We wanna make sure we're doing it right, and get somebody to honor [late Nevermore singer] Warrel Dane's name, but still somebody that can sing like him, but still give a little bit of their own self, or their own self-worth."
Last December 31, 2024, Loomis and Williams opened auditions for new vocalists and bassists, emphasizing their commitment to revitalizing Nevermore with fresh talent while honoring the band's legacy: "No one can replace Warrel Dane. Bottom line. With his interesting melodies and charisma onstage, he was a force that was a huge part of the band both lyrically and spiritually. With that being said, we aren't looking for a Warrel Dane clone. We are looking for someone that can carry the older Nevermore tunes in his vocal style, and someone who can add something new and refreshing to the next chapter of the band. Obviously, this won't be the easiest thing to do."
The decision hasn't come without its share of controversy. Jim Sheppard, who was instrumental in founding Nevermore alongside Dane in 1991, first publicly expressed criticism of the reunion, calling it "completely disrespectful," even when at a later point Sheppard sort of gave them his blessing, stating: I'm disappointed no one reached out to me concerning the name Nevermore, a name that means blood, sweat, and tears. With that said, I wish them the best."
A bit of drama aside, Loomis and Williams appear focused on moving forward with their vision for this new era of the band, and we can't wait to see what comes next.
