Nevermore has officially given fans their first real look at the band’s new frontman. The reunited metal act just released the audition tape of vocalist Berzan Önen, giving a behind-the-scenes look at how he secured his spot in the legendary group.
The video features Önen tearing through the track “Born“, and according to the band, it is just the first in a series of clips they plan to share:
“‘Born‘ is the first of five Nevermore audition videos from our new vocalist Berzan Önen. This was recorded and submitted in January of 2025.”
For returning core members Jeff Loomis (guitar) and Van Williams (drums), the choice to hire Önen was clear almost immediately. Loomis explained that the singer’s deep respect for the late Warrel Dane’s iconic vocal style is exactly what won them over:
“He really stood out strong in so many ways upon a first listen,” Loomis said. “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.”
With a completed lineup that now includes Jack Cattoi on guitar and Semir Özerkan on bass, Nevermore is fully back in action. To cement their return, the band announced they have signed a new record deal with Reigning Phoenix Music (RPM).
Loomis and Williams released a joint statement expressing their excitement about the partnership and their upcoming live debut:
“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 is equally thrilled to have the band on the roster, adding:
“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.”
To give fans an even closer look at their current dynamic, Nevermore also released a short documentary film directed by Ola Englund. Shot this past January at Swans Neck Soundworks in Sweden, the film captures the band rehearsing classic tracks like “The River Dragon Has Come“, “Engines Of Hate“, and “The Heart Collector“. The documentary also features the members discussing the audition process and their festival plans for 2026.
As for why the reunion is happening right now, Van Williams noted that the pieces simply fell into place:
“It’s been brewing for quite a while and has just started to manifest itself into the now,” Van said. “So what better time is there to kick things off than now?”
He also teased that the writing process for their next album is well underway, offering a brief but highly promising update:
“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.”
Nevermore originally disbanded in 2011 after Loomis and Williams departed due to personal conflicts with bassist Jim Sheppard and vocalist Warrel Dane. Dane, who sadly passed away in 2017, once bluntly referred to the group as “the greatest band that alcohol ever ruined.”
Before their split, the Seattle band carved out a massive legacy with precision songwriting and emotional intensity, releasing landmark albums like Dead Heart In A Dead World and This Godless Endeavor. Over the years, the group featured an impressive roster of guitarists, including Pat O’Brien, Tim Calvert, Steve Smyth, and Chris Broderick.
Following the breakup, the members stayed busy. Loomis released solo records like Zero Order Phase and Plains Of Oblivion, co-founded Conquering Dystopia, and spent nearly a decade playing on albums like Will To Power and Deceivers with Arch Enemy. Meanwhile, Williams played with Ashes Of Ares and Ghost Ship Octavius.
Now, stepping into 2026, Loomis says the reunited band is driven by pure passion and a desire to honor their history:
“Van and I are super passionate about the band,” he says. “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.”
