The day has finally come. The reformed NEVERMORE performed their first live concert on April 1 in Istanbul, Turkey — the band's first time on stage since their split in 2011. The show marks the official live debut of the band's new lineup, and comes despite the recently announced US visa complications that forced the cancellation of their ProgPower USA XXV appearance in September.
The new NEVERMORE features original members Jeff Loomis (guitar) and Van Williams (drums), alongside Jack Cattoi (second guitar), Semir Özerkan (bass), and new vocalist Berzan Önen. Istanbul was chosen as the first stop specifically because of Önen's Turkish citizenship — the same factor complicating the US work permit process.
NEVERMORE disbanded in 2011 following internal tensions, and the intervening 15 years saw founding members pursue separate projects: Loomis worked with ARCH ENEMY, TESTAMENT, and his own solo material; Williams played with SANCTUARY. The reunion was announced in 2025 with Reigning Phoenix Music as the new label home, and new music is reported to be in development.
Van Williams had previously described the new material as "delicious," and footage from the Istanbul show circulating online suggests the band's signature progressive thrash precision is fully intact under the new lineup.
The band's international tour continues with more European and Asian dates to follow throughout 2026. US shows are targeted for 2027 once the work permit situation is resolved.