I’ve been a huge Nevermore fan since around 2002 or so. Being the dinosaur that I am, I was obviously a bit hesitant to the reunion. Well, it’s been a year or two, the line-up has been revealed, and I have seen the new line-up perform live. So, what do I think about the Nevermore reunion?
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- Stefan Nordström
- Musician, songwriter, content creator, digital freelancer
- Stockholm, Sweden
- Bands: Desolator, Soliloquium, Ending Quest, Ashes of Life, Trees of Daymare, The Ashen Tree
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The reveal
For a long time, my theory was that Nevermore recruited Jon Aldara (Hamferð, Iotunn). The time schedules matched, and he would’ve been an interesting and great choice. That obviously didn’t happen. My underground heart wanted Oddleif Stensland from Communic, but I understood that it would be unlikely, with touring etc.
Anyway, the Ola Englund reveal video hit the internet like a sledgehammer, and I pressed play. I critically listened to the muscular, bearded Turkish man on the screen, and I immediately got the right vibe. Obviously a superb singer with huge charisma and a big love for Nevermore’s music.
The other two members are accomplished enough, and I didn’t worry about that, to be honest. Replacing Warrel in the right way would be the big challenge.
The live show
So, I watched a new live video or two before seeing the Nevermore reunion at Brutal Assault. It definitely seemed like good vibes, tight playing and an overall solid performance. But I had no idea how it would hit me. Goddamn! Everything was in place: super-tight, energetic, good vibes, perfect setlist. My only complaint was that it ended way too soon.
I was already near-on board with Berzan and the other new members. After the concert, I’m more than convinced. It’s a whole new band with a whole new vibe; you can really tell they love to be there. For me, it was obviously a pretty overwhelming experience to see these legendary songs performed again. Best gig on the entire Brutal Assault for me.
Nevermore reunion vs. original Nevermore
Final question: how does the Nevermore reunion line-up compare to the old live shows with Warrel? Well, it’s two different worlds, really. Old Nevermore was chaotic, alcoholic, with on-stage conflicts and unpredictability. It had its charm, and it bled into the magic of those older songs. An album like “Enemies of Reality” is pure pathos, anger and chaos. Something like that can’t be recorded in a state of harmony.
Well, Nevermore in 2026 is a gym-going, well-oiled machine live. The band’s danger is certainly gone, but it has been replaced by joy. Fresh band members who are 100 percent in tune and happy to be around eachother and perform. As I said, it’s really not comparable, and I wouldn’t choose one over the other. My initial doubts are gone though. I got a killer concert filled with nostalgia out of it, and if I got the opportunity to see a headline show I’d buy the tickets immediately.
Progressive metal fan?
You’re here reading about the Nevermore reunion, so I’m assuming you’re a fan of prog metal? How about checking out some progressive death/doom from Sweden? My band Soliloquium is not similar to Nevermore, aside from a guest performance here and there, but maybe you’ll like it anyway. If you dig my content, checking out and buying my music is the best way to support me. Cheers!
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