Nevermore guitarist Jeff Loomis and drummer Van Williams lately introduced their plans to resurrect the band in 2025, which drew the ire of founding bassist Jim Sheppard as he claims he was by no means contacted. Now each Loomis and Williams have issued a prolonged assertion clearing up loads of questions in regards to the Nevermore reunion, which I am going to summarize in a couple of bullet factors:
- Williams says he and Loomis by no means contacted Sheppard, as they have not spoken to him “in years”
- Williams notes that the brand new Nevermore “is not going to be a canopy band, or a tribute band, it is going to be the subsequent evolution/chapter of a band decided to choose up the flag and keep on this factor we name Nevermore“
- Whereas Loomis provides up info on how bassists and vocalists can audition to be in Nevermore (scroll approach down), Williams apparently phrases on sentence as “if Jeff and I can discover the correct vocalist and bassist.” So is there an opportunity that Nevermore in 2025 won’t truly occur?
It does appear odd that Loomis and Williams each teased the return of Nevermore in 2025, solely to show round and say “hey, we do not even have a bassist or a vocalist.” However no matter – their course of is their course of. Sheppard has not responded to Loomis and Williams‘ prolonged assertion simply but. The total assertion might be discovered beneath.
“An open letter from Van and Jeff: So, the Nevermore teaser has sparked loads of positivity and a few anticipated negativity. Let me (Van) tackle the unfavorable first. Some individuals suppose it is disrespectful to not contain Jim or inform him of our plans. However those that really feel that approach do not know the historical past of the band or the behind-the-scenes dynamics that led to this choice. Whereas it might not have been probably the most splendid method, the truth is that there hasn’t been communication with Jim in years.
“We felt that generally, for the sake of a recent begin, it is necessary to maneuver on from relationships that will now not be conducive to progress or new beginnings. We made this choice with the intention of honoring the legacy of the band whereas shifting ahead in a approach that felt proper for us on the time. That stated, we want him good well being and he’s free to pursue no matter path he chooses. With out going into an excessive amount of element, I am going to simply say respect goes each methods, and sure issues grew to become irreconcilable over time for us. At this level in my life, I do not really feel the necessity to clarify myself additional on this, so take from that what you’ll.
“As for why I am revisiting Nevermore, it is easy, this band has at all times been my dream. To discover a group of men to be in a band with and journey the world and create music. After auditioning to the second I used to be requested to hitch, it was a whirlwind of music, artwork, creativity, journey, enjoyable and camaraderie. Through the years, we made unimaginable music and wonderful recollections collectively. However as time went on, issues spiraled uncontrolled..belief, respect, and the enjoyment of it began to vanish. I at all times evaluate it to an analogy like having a cake and consuming it too, however in our case, it changed into having a cake lined in shit frosting…You wanna eat it however it’s lined in shit!.. The ultimate breaking level got here over the past leg of our European tour with Symphony X, after which it was clear we could not proceed as we had been. After years of us constructing the very best band we may for ourselves we could not get on the identical web page to repair it. Jeff and I went a method; Warrel and Jim went one other. There was no reconciliation. Warrel went to Brazil, Jim retired to Alaska, and years handed with out contact.
“Throughout this time, my private life took a devastating flip when my spouse was recognized with ovarian most cancers. We did every thing to create a way of normalcy for our little boy and we did our greatest to make her snug. Warrel would sometimes name from Brazil, and whereas we exchanged form phrases throughout these calls, it did not erase the previous and I can inform that sure issues have not modified. Dore handed on in 2020, and her loss crushed me and my boy, we really feel that loss nonetheless to at the present time. I personally really feel like I’m simply beginning to come out of a coma reality be advised and thank God I am lastly seeing the sunshine and grateful for who and what I nonetheless have in my life. I am going to by no means be capable to categorical the gratitude I really feel for my household, shut pals, and followers who helped me and my household by all of the darkish days. Thanks all so very a lot for serving to me get by the hardest instances.
“Via all of it, Jeff remained one among my strongest supporters, and our bond deepened. Over time, we each missed the enjoyment of making and performing collectively. Nevermore was an enormous a part of that pleasure, one thing I am tremendously happy with.
“For these calling this a ‘cash seize’ I’ve to disagree. Most musicians, do not do that for the cash. We have spent numerous hours through the years sweating, rehearsing, performing, and recording just because we adore it. That is what we selected to do in life as a result of we have at all times liked it. That is what drives us, the fervour for music, the reference to followers, and the artistic course of. If cash comes from that, nice however it has by no means been the main focus, however we even have payments to pay such as you.
“So right here we’re, Jeff and I wish to honor Nevermore‘s legacy by discovering musicians who can respect what Warrel and Jim delivered to the band whereas serving to us construct a brand new chapter. And this is not about changing Warrel, nobody can. However it’s about discovering somebody who can honor his work whereas contributing one thing new. We wish to give followers an opportunity to come back collectively, have fun the music, and sing these unimaginable lyrics once more. And, hopefully, we will create new music that stands alongside the classics.
“I want the state of affairs with Jim had been completely different, however the previous has introduced us right here. I’m personally specializing in positivity and constructive individuals and can refuse to get tangled within the negativity of the previous. If Jeff and I can discover the correct vocalist and bassist—musicians who respect the legacy and wish to transfer ahead with us—then this new chapter might be one thing really particular for all who select to come back together with us. This is not going to be a canopy band, or a tribute band, it is going to be the subsequent evolution/chapter of a band decided to choose up the flag and keep on this factor we name Nevermore. I look ahead to seeing you all once more.
Loomis added: “I could not agree extra with Van‘s assertion. There have clearly been loads of ups and downs with Nevermore‘s previous historical past. I might like to simply bear in mind the great ones, whereas carrying the torch with Van to one more degree of the band.
“My coronary heart has at all times been in it for the music, touring and performing. I’ve had some nice instances enjoying with different musicians these previous 10-11 years, however Nevermore has and can at all times be my private portal to a few of the greatest music I’ve ever performed and created.
“Nobody can exchange Warrel Dane. Backside line. Together with his fascinating melodies and charisma onstage, he was a drive that was an enormous a part of the band each lyrically and spiritually. With that being stated, we aren’t searching for a Warrel Dane clone. We’re searching for somebody that may carry the older Nevermore tunes in his vocal model, and somebody who can add one thing new and refreshing to the subsequent chapter of the band. Clearly, this would possibly not be the simplest factor to do.
“With all this being stated, we’re occurring a WORLD SEARCH looking for two extraordinary musicians. One predominant lead vocalist, and one bass participant to hitch the fold and assist carry our legacy ahead. We’ve since stuffed the place of a second guitarist, however extra on {that a} bit later in one other replace!
“Vocalist auditions: Nevermore is understood for its intense emotional resonance, and clearly this got here by Warrel‘s distinctive vocal dynamics. We’re searching for a vocalist who can ship a variety of tones and feelings with mastery and authenticity.
“Dynamic Vary: Able to singing excessive notes and resonant lows, mixing energy and vulnerability because the tune calls for.
“Expressive Depth: Past technical talent, we’re searching for somebody who can incorporate the uncooked emotion and haunting themes that outline Nevermore‘s music.
“Stage Presence: We’d like somebody who works properly with an viewers and embodies the depth of the music in a stay setting.
“Bassist Audition: We’re searching for a rock-solid participant who understands learn how to create depth and drive in Nevermore‘s preparations. Precision, groove, and the power to lock in tight with Van is a large plus. If you happen to can contribute backing Vocals, that may be nice as properly. Somebody that may hold the rhythm part tight is all we ask.
“What we’re searching for in each roles: Optimistic perspective…We would like people who deliver good power to the band dynamic. We’re looking for individuals who can keep focus, professionalism, and respect for the music. Somebody who’s dependable, ready and has a robust work ethic. You have to be open to in depth worldwide touring with an energetic and present passport. A willingness to work collectively creatively, assist one another, and symbolize Nevermore with Integrity on and off the stage.
“How you can Audition:
“Singers: Submit a video of your self singing the tune ‘Born’ and ‘Sentient 6’ from the This Godless Endeavor Album. Please be happy to sing as a lot of the tune as you need. If you happen to select to not do the entire tune, Please not less than sing a full verse and refrain of every tune. Please additionally embody a quick introduction about your background, influences, and what you possibly can deliver to the band. We encourage you to reveal every thing to the very best of your potential.
“Bassists: Ought to please play the songs ‘Enemies of Actuality’ and ‘Inside 4 Partitions’ whereas standing up specializing in tightness, approach and really feel. Ship us a PRIVATE YouTube hyperlink to your auditions to: [email protected] Together with Van, I am very excited to see and listen to from you. Thanks once more to the followers all around the globe in your kindness and assist. Here is to an unimaginable 2025!”
