After 13 years of inactivity, Nevermore are coming back in 2025. Nevermore guitarist Jeff Loomis and drummer Van Williams both posted an Instagram reel early December 27, hinting a possible reunion later this year. The post ended with a simple teaser:
“Resurrecting the Dream. NEVERMORE: A new chapter rises. 2025”
Loomis and Williams released a joint statement late New Year’s Eve on Jeff Loomis’ Facebook page ending all possible fan speculation. The letter highlighted the band’s tumultuous relationship throughout the decades and reaffirmed one burning question: Jim Sheppard will not be a part of the new lineup. The letter also ended with an open audition for a new bassist and vocalist.
“So, the NEVERMORE teaser has sparked a lot of positivity and some expected negativity. Let me (Van) address the negative first. Some people think it’s disrespectful not to involve Jim or inform him of our plans. But those who feel that way don’t know the history of the band or the behind-the-scenes dynamics that led to this decision. While it may not have been the most ideal approach, the reality is that there hasn’t been communication with Jim in years. We felt that sometimes, for the sake of a fresh start, it’s necessary to move on from relationships that may no longer be conducive to growth or new beginnings.”
On December 29, Jim’s wife Priscilla Sheppard took to social media to call the reunion “disrespectful,” claiming Jim had not been in contact about the future of the band.
“James has never been contacted about Van’s plans with Jeff using the Nevermore name. I am sorry you think James is involved. We do not know about their plans, and it is completely disrespectful of them to use the name Nevermore without consulting Jim Sheppard, as he is one of the founders of the band.”
She adds:
“We are waiting for clarification on this alleged project and will proceed from there, whether or not clarification comes from them. No further comment for now. Thank you.”
Nevermore’s 2011 hiatus left fans with more questions than answers. Both Loomis and Williams departed the band after citing personal and creative differences but rarely spoke about exactly what made them split. In an interview with Metal Sucks in 2011, Loomis stated that he “wanted to do different things musically” and further emphasized the band’s deteriorating health: “I would say from as early on as 2005, there were issues we had to deal with, medical-wise.”
Warrel Dane passed away in December 2017 in São Paulo, Brazil at the age of 56 due to a reported heart attack. In an interview with Metal Master Kingdom, Jeff Loomis expressed how difficult continuing Nevermore’s legacy would be without Warrel Dane:
“Honestly, in my vision, it’s important that you move on in your life. I really would like to remember the spirit and the attitude that we had as a band with the music and just move on from there. Because without Warrel, it’s just not feasible in my mind.”
The future of Nevermore’s lineup is certainly divisive, but fans remain excited to see what Nevermore will bring in 2025.
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Photo courtesy of Nevermore
