Bloodstock Festival Countdown : 24 Bands Not To Miss

Here we go. Our third bloodstock one to watch. This one continues Bloodstock’s heartfelt tradition of presenting us with bands we never thought we would ever see live again.

22. Nevermore - Ronnie James Dio Stage, Saturday late afternoon

The general consensus was that Nevermore died with Warrel Dane. After all the progressive metal trendsetters hasn't actually been active since 2011. They had gone into hiatus when Warrell reinvigorated his previous band Sanctuary. However since Sanctuary has found a way to continue after Warrell sudden and exceedingly premature death there was always a flicker of hope. That hope has now fanned into a full blown reunion. Mainstay members Jeff Loomis and Van Williams back in the tent and the irreplaceable Mr Dane has been replaced by the extraordinary talents of Turk Berzan Önen . Selected from over 650 applicants he manages to capture the passion and versatility of Warrell but simultaneously at his own mark on the project. 

Nevermore were always incredibly special because they never sounded like an American band. Their brand of luscious progressive metal reached over the pond and into the heart of continental Europe. They developed an epic and anthemic sensibility that excited and enraptured the listener. The last played Bloodstock nineteen years ago, fitting exceeding well amongst the ranks of Epica, Dark Tranquillity and Lacuna Coil. So get excited for the unexpected but incredibly welcome return absolutely legendary act that to some of the most exquisite and intricate compositions in our lexicon. Nobody saw this coming but boy are we looking forward to it.