Oh boy, where do I even start with this drama-filled news? NEVERMORE, the legendary metal band, has decided to reunite without their founding bassist Jim Sheppard, because apparently, they wanted to “move on from the negativity” and “start fresh with a new mindset”. You know, the usual – let’s just kick out the guy who’s been with us since the beginning and bring in some new blood. No big deal, right? 🙄
According to an interview with Italy’s TrueMetal.it, guitarist Jeff Loomis and drummer Van Williams explained their decision to exclude Sheppard from the band’s reformed lineup. Loomis said, “It’s just we haven’t spoken to Jim in, like, so long… We decided just to move on from the negativity. We wanted people on our same level of thinking and people on our same page.” Wow, that sounds like a super healthy and not-at-all- passive-aggressive way to handle a band member. 🙃
Van Williams chimed in, “Fortunately, Jeff and I kept in touch since the band broke up. We were always really good pals on the road, and we all were, actually, at one point, and then the separation happened, it seemed.” Yeah, because nothing says “good pals” like not talking to someone for years and then deciding to reform the band without them. 🤷♂️
The New Lineup: Because You Can’t Have Too Many Guitarists, Right?
Joining Loomis and Williams in NEVERMORE’s current incarnation are the band’s latest additions, Jack Cattoi on guitar, Semir Özerkan on bass, and new vocalist Berzan Önen. Because, you know, the key to a successful metal band is definitely having multiple guitarists. I mean, who needs a decent bassist when you can have another guitarist to make the sound even more convoluted? 🤯
The new lineup made its live debut on April 1 at IF Performance Hall Beşiktaş in Istanbul, Turkey. I’m sure it was a totally not-awkward experience for everyone involved, especially considering the circumstances surrounding the reunion.
A Brief History of NEVERMORE’s Drama-Filled Past
For those who may not be familiar, NEVERMORE effectively split up in 2011 when Loomis and Williams announced their departure from the band due to personal differences with Sheppard and singer Warrel Dane. Dane later described NEVERMORE as “the greatest band that alcohol ever ruined.” Wow, that’s quite a legacy to leave behind. 🍺
Dane sadly passed away in December 2017 while recording his posthumously released solo studio album, “Shadow Work”. The musician reportedly had a heart attack during the night and could not be revived. RIP, Warrel – you will be missed. 😔
When Loomis and Williams revealed their plan to launch a “world search” for a vocalist and bassist for the reformed version of the band, Van addressed Jim’s absence from the reunion, saying, “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.” Yeah, because the history of the band is definitely not complicated or drama-filled at all. 🙄
Loomis defended the decision to reactivate NEVERMORE with new musicians, writing, “No one can replace Warrel Dane. Bottom line. With his interesting melodies and charisma onstage, he was a force that was a huge part of the band both lyrically and spiritually. With that being said, we aren’t looking for a Warrel Dane clone. We are looking for someone that can carry the older NEVERMORE tunes in his vocal style, and someone who can add something new and refreshing to the next chapter of the band.” Yeah, good luck with that – I’m sure it’s not like you’re trying to replace a legend or anything. 🙃
And finally, Sheppard addressed NEVERMORE’s return in a statement, saying, “In my heart, NEVERMORE will always be Warrel, Jeff, and I living in a one-room apartment, slaves to an eight-track recording machine, non-stop songwriting insanity. We were driven, we were hungry… To quote Dave Mustaine, we were ready to ‘smile, eat shit and ask for more!'” Ah, the good old days – when the band was actually good and not just a shell of its former self. 🙏
In conclusion, NEVERMORE’s reunion is a total mess, and I’m not sure what’s more surprising – the fact that they’re reforming without Jim Sheppard or the fact that they think they can just replace him with some new guy and expect everything to be okay. 🤷♂️ Well, I guess only time will tell if this reunion will be a success or a total disaster. Stay tuned, folks! 🎸👀
Chord F. Discord, the Beethoven of Buffoonery, is a self-taught expert in music who once claimed he could “play the kazoo in four languages.”
Born in Crescendo, Indiana, Chord’s first brush with fame came when he accidentally entered a yodeling contest thinking it was a pie-eating competition—and won both categories.
Chord F. Discord: proving that laughter, much like a poorly tuned ukulele, is truly universal.
