As anticipation builds around their long-awaited comeback, Nevermore have dropped another piece of the puzzle — a newly released audition video showcasing vocalist Berzan Önen performing “Sentient 6.”
The clip, recorded in January 2025, was originally submitted as part of Önen’s audition for the band. It follows the previously shared performance of “Born” and serves as the second entry in a planned series of five audition videos the group intends to roll out. Together, the footage offers fans a behind-the-scenes look at how the new singer earned his place in the reformed lineup.
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!”
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.”
