JEFF LOOMIS On NEVERMORE In 2025: “It’s Gonna Be Bigger And Better Than It Ever Was”

Nevermore is currently sorting through a boatload of bassist and vocalist auditions as they plot their comeback. Nevermore is currently guitarist Jeff Loomis and drummer Van Williams alongside whoever they choose for the two aforementioned positions. In an interview with Metal Magnitude, Loomis credited reforming Nevermore as part of the reason why he left Arch Enemy, and assures fans that the band’s next chapter is going to kick ass.

“Yeah, there’s some incredible stuff coming up. I’ve had a tremendous last 10 years with the band Arch Enemy. I’ve been a part of their band, and I left the band about a year ago because I wanted to kind of be behind the driver’s wheel of my own music again. So I’m reforming my old band called Nevermore. And that was a very big part of my life for a long time.

“And as we all know, the singer Warrel Dane passed away about five years ago. So we’re on the search right now for a new vocalist and bass player. And we’re gonna come back, and we’re gonna revamp the band, and it’s gonna be bigger and better than it ever was. So that’s the plans for 2025.”

As for the amount of auditions, Loomis and Williams shared last week that they’ve received over 650 people trying out: “The final tally is in—we’ve received over 650 submissions from bass players and singers around the world! We want to extend a huge thank you to everyone who put in the time and effort to be part of this process. Your passion and dedication mean a lot to us.

“We’re now actively reviewing each submission and giving them the attention they deserve. As we move forward, those selected to continue to the next phase will be notified. Likewise, those who won’t be moving on will also receive a response. We appreciate your patience and respect for the process as we work through this. Stay tuned—more updates to come!”

The decision hasn’t come without its share of controversy. Jim Sheppard, who was instrumental in founding Nevermore alongside Dane in 1991, first publicly expressed criticism of the reunion, calling it “completely disrespectful,” even when at a later point Sheppard sort of gave them his blessing, stating: I’m disappointed no one reached out to me concerning the name Nevermore, a name that means blood, sweat, and tears. With that said, I wish them the best.”