Nevermore has confirmed a performance in Brazil with an exclusive show at Bangers Open Air 2026. This will be the band's second visit to the country, following their debut in 2001.
The American band begins a new chapter, led by core members Jeff Loomis , the only original member, and Van Williams . Formed in 1992, when vocalist Warrel Dane , bassist Jim Sheppard , and guitarist Jeff Loomis ended their previous band, Sanctuary , Nevermore gained recognition for its innovative sound and remained active until Dane's death in 2017 – although it had a brief inactive period from 2011 to 2024, after internal disagreements led to the departure of Loomis and Williams in 2011, resulting in the cancellation of scheduled tours.
Without the original vocalist, many fans are wondering what the lineup will be for Bangers Open Air 2026. Check out everything we know so far below:
The new Nevermore lineup
After speculation and tireless waiting from fans, in December 2024 Jeff Loomis announced the long-awaited return through a video titled Resurrecting The Dream , which featured images related to the group and the phrase "A New Chapter Rises". The reunion, however, would not include original bassist Jim Sheppard, who refused to rejoin the group, claiming he had not been consulted about the band's return.
According to Loomis and Van Williams, the new Nevermore lineup is complete and will be announced soon. The restructuring will feature a new vocalist and bassist, chosen through auditions conducted by Loomis and Van Williams, as well as a second guitarist, previously selected. The musicians also commented that they are preparing for "the next chapter of Nevermore" and promised that the wait will be worth it.
Loomis said the new lineup “honors our legacy while forging a new path” and promises the band will be “bigger and better than ever.” Nevermore has been added to the lineup for several festivals, recently being announced for Wacken Open Air 2026 , in addition to Bangers Open Air.
Warrel Dane's hiatus and death
The sudden death of vocalist Warrel Dane occurred on December 12, 2017, at the age of 56, due to a heart attack . The musician was in São Paulo working on his second solo album , Shadow Work , which was later released posthumously.
At the time, Nevermore was already on hiatus, and Dane had stated that the band had not broken up. The late vocalist acknowledged that it would be difficult to continue without guitarist Loomis—insisting that he wouldn't make another Nevermore album without him. With Warrel Dane's death, the band officially ceased operations.
However, in 2024, some members decided to return, generating mixed reactions. Many fans reacted with anticipation regarding the return, however, more dedicated fans wondered who would replace Warrel and questioned the fact that they hadn't consulted another founding member, such as bassist Jim Sheppard.
According to Van Williams, the decision to reform the group without Sheppard was necessary, claiming that there has been no communication between them for years. "There are people who think it's disrespectful not to include him, but those who think that way don't know the band's history and the dynamics behind the scenes," Loomis emphasized.
Returning in 2024 without co-founder and bassist Jim Sheppard
Jim Sheppard claimed he was not consulted about Nevermore's return. This lack of contact is justified by the estrangement between Jim and the other co-founding members Loomis and Van Williams. Some fans considered it disrespectful to use the band's name without consulting one of the founders. Jim Sheppard and his wife, the Brazilian Priscila Sheppard , frequently raised this argument.
On December 29, 2024, two days after the band's return was announced, Priscilla Sheppard posted a statement on her Facebook profile criticizing Loomis and Williams for the "disrespectful" use of the Nevermore name and explaining that Jim was not consulted. "James was never contacted about Van's plans with Jeff using the Nevermore name. I'm sorry you think James is involved. We don't know their plans. It's completely disrespectful of them to use the Nevermore name without consulting Jim Sheppard, since he is one of the band's founders," she wrote [via Antimusic ].
Shortly after, Jim also expressed his dissatisfaction through an official statement sent to the Blabbermouth , stating that he was disappointed for not having been consulted about the comeback plans. Jim also stated that the name Nevermore means "blood, sweat and tears," and wished "the best" for both of them, despite the disappointment.
Retired and living in Alaska, Jim Sheppard also recalled the spirit of the band in its early years. "In my heart, Nevermore will always be Warrel, Jeff, and me living in a one-room apartment, slaves to an eight-track recording machine, writing like crazy without stopping."
Although there is resentment and some criticism, the band will finally return in 2026. It is still unknown who the new members will be, or what Jim Sheppard's final reaction will be. Or if there will be any kind of agreement or special recognition for him.
READ ALSO: Bangers Open Air 2026 announces Nevermore, Onslaught and Crazy Lixx
