NEVERMORE Rises from the Ashes: A New Era Begins with Berzan Önen
In a recent gut-punching interview with India's Sinusoidal Music, NEVERMORE's drummer Van Williams unveiled the latest chapter in the band's storied saga, showcasing a lineup that made its explosive live debut on April 1 at IF Performance Hall Beşiktaş in Istanbul, Turkey. Alongside guitar virtuoso Jeff Loomis, the reformed lineup features the dynamic Jack Cattoi on guitar, Semir Özerkan on bass, and the charismatic new frontman Berzan Önen, who has already started making waves in the metal community.
When asked about the new material on the horizon, Van assured fans that the band is ready to reclaim their throne, saying, "It's gonna be great, man. I’m not blowing smoke up my own ass, but for those loyal to us through thick and thin—this is a resurrection. Sure, there were skeptics who doubted we could carry on without the original members, and I get it; the emotional stakes are high when you're attached to a band’s legacy. But life throws curveballs, and we’re here to embrace the challenge and evolve our sound in a way that honors our past while forging a new path forward.
He continued, emphasizing the importance of growth and experimentation in their music. "We need to try stuff, just because everybody grows. No one stays in one spot. With Berzan’s exceptional talent and our collective vision, we're poised to unleash a sound that’s both familiar and refreshingly new. If you believe in us, thank you; if not, that's cool too. We're doing this for our happiness, and if we’re happy, you can bet the music will resonate. That’s our mantra going forward. It’s about conquering the challenge together, as a unit.
Reflecting on the late Warrel Dane, whose shadow looms large over the band, Van expressed confidence in Önen's abilities to honor the legacy. He recounted the emotional impact of Berzan's audition, revealing, "When we saw his videos, it touched our hearts. He wasn’t just learning the songs; he was living them. It was a no-brainer for us. He embodies the spirit of NEVERMORE and has already earned his place among the legends. We know this won’t be easy, but we’re ready to give it everything we’ve got.
The response from their first show with the new lineup was nothing short of euphoric. Van described the experience as surreal, especially performing in Berzan’s hometown, where they were met with an overwhelming welcome. Berzan chimed in, exclaiming, "Playing in my hometown with my dream band NEVERMORE—sold out shows and an insane reception! It doesn’t get much better than this!"
Born from the ashes of SANCTUARY, NEVERMORE has always thrived on crafting a sound that marries technical prowess with emotional heft. Their legacy is etched in stone with albums like "Dead Heart In A Dead World" and "This Godless Endeavor," and now, with a fierce new lineup, they’re ready to reclaim their rightful place in the metal pantheon.