New NEVERMORE Members Speak Out: The Response From Fans Has Been ‘Overwhelming’
Three new members of reformed metal band Nevermore have described the response from fans to their addition to the lineup as "overwhelming," speaking on Germany's Thicker Than Blood podcast. Vocalist Berzan Önen, guitarist Jack Cattoi and bassist Semir Özerkan discussed stepping into a band long associated with its late singer Warrel Dane, who died in 2017, acknowledging the emotional weight fans place on the group and expressing gratitude for being embraced so quickly. The comments matter to metal fans because Nevermore's reformation, announced in 2025 alongside guitarist Jeff Loomis and drummer Van Williams, marks a significant return for a band widely regarded as influential and irreplaceable by its devoted following.
Berzan explained that while Dane's singing and lyrical style heavily shaped his own approach, he is not trying to imitate him and will bring his own voice to a forthcoming new Nevermore album. Cattoi said he was moved by messages of support from guitarists he admires, while Özerkan spoke emotionally about growing up in Turkey idolising Nevermore alongside bands like Slayer and Metallica, and being devastated both by the band's earlier breakup and by Dane's death. All three said they consider themselves lifelong fans first, which they believe helped fans accept them into roles they admitted would otherwise have been extremely difficult to fill.
In short
- New Nevermore members say fan reaction to reunited lineup has been overwhelming
- Vocalist Berzan Önen says he honours, not imitates, late singer Warrel Dane
- Band includes Jeff Loomis and Van Williams; new album reportedly in the works
Explained simply
Nevermore are an American metal band known for technical songs and the distinctive voice and lyrics of singer Warrel Dane. The band split up in 2011, and Dane died in 2017; guitarist Jeff Loomis and drummer Van Williams announced a reformation with a new line-up in 2025.
The new members are singer Berzan Önen, guitarist Jack Cattoi and bassist Semir Özerkan. They have spoken about joining a band with a devoted following and the challenge of carrying on its music while Dane’s work remains closely associated with Nevermore.
The return matters to fans because Nevermore are widely regarded as an influential band, and the new line-up is expected to make new music. Önen has said he will bring his own voice to the role rather than try to imitate Dane.