Guitarist, Jeff Loomis and drummer Van Williams are quitting Nevermore. Yeah, I know. According to Blabbermouth, the two released this joint statement:
"In a mutual decision, Jeff Loomis and Van Williams have decided to leave NEVERMORE. The time has come to pursue our own paths from the group. Due to internal struggles and ongoing issues within the band, we feel it is our time to move on. We would like to thank all of our fans around the world for their years of love, support and enthusiasm. This was not an easy decision but a very necessary one at this point, may we all meet again someday, somewhere in time."
First K.K Downing won't stick it out for one more tour with Priest, and now this. What a shitty week. Why is it so hard for metal band mates to maintain a friendly, professional relationship with one another? Yeah, I never was fiercely in love with any of my coworkers, but we managed to see each other through our days of answering angry customer phone calls, or whatever I would pretend to do for 8 hours. I assume writing awesome metal music would be at least a little more fun than that. Probably.
I mean, as a Nevermore fan, I can't just disregard the fact that Loomis and Williams were with Nevermore since their self-titled debut back in '95. These two guys practically are Nevermore. Loomis especially, that crazy-fingered albino. As far as I'm concerned, this band is all but finished. I wish both of these guys the best of luck with whatever they do, and I'll definitely be following any new projects they have planned.
What do you guys think? Should Nevermore just call it quits after this, or replace Loomis and Williams and move forward?
No, they're done. Who is left in the band worth mention? Warrell Dane?
ReplyDeleteYep, they're done with. Loomis was really the only reason to listen to Nevermore since...always.
Yeah I think this band should just end it. Those of us that were big fans were wondering if they were ever going to come back after TGE and then when they finally do it's a tepid by Nevermore standards release in The Obsidian Conspiracy. Loomis and Warrel's solo albums were actually better. And with Jim's surgery adding to it I think the fates are saying time to pack it in.
ReplyDeleteEnd it - Whats the point.
ReplyDeleteI think it's silly when bands continue on playing without their most important members, without the people who ARE the band (i.e. post-Cavalera bros. Sepultura...or the Temptations without David Ruffin haha)
ReplyDeletei definitely don't think they should call it quits. there are thousands of guitarists equal to, and better than jeff (although, they sure as fuck will be hard to find). i think they should stick it out for at least one more album with new members, to see how it goes. never know, might be even sicker than ever (not that i expect that very much).
ReplyDeleteIt's not about being a better guitarist, musicians like Jeff develop their own unique sound which no one can replicate and that's what he took with him when he left. So now Nevermore is essentially Sanctuary #2.
ReplyDeleteJust thought about this, and they should just call it quits and start something new. It's really not a horrible thing. Better they end Nevermore on a high note and move on to something different (that we'll probably like because at least it's not like Nevemore sucks now, it's just a different project), than try and continue on WITHOUT LOOMIS. Come on guys, just change the name of the current lineup so you don't have to worry about how Nevermore will sound without Jeff.
ReplyDeleteI'm personally more of a fan of Warrel Dane than I am of Loomis, although Loomis is admittedly godly. I was really disappointed to find out about Loomis leaving Nevermore, but ultimately, I will agree with Xan: they should just change their band name and continue doing what they've been doing.
ReplyDeleteOn a side note, however, I must say that I thoroughly look forward to hearing the new Sanctuary album. The one thing I always thought nevermore needed was for Dane to utilize his high end like the old days. I know he still has it, he still does it live, but he should've used it on the albums more.