NEVERMORE have withdrawn from ProgPower USA XXV, the long-running Atlanta progressive metal festival scheduled for September 9–12, citing work permit delays for their new vocalist.
The reunited lineup — which retains guitarist Jeff Loomis and drummer Van Williams from the classic era, alongside new members Jack Cattoi on bass, Semir Özerkan on guitar, and vocalist Berzan Önen — announced the withdrawal via social media, explaining that Önen's US work permit had not been processed in time for the September festival appearance.
"We are devastated to have to step back from ProgPower USA," the band wrote. "Our entire team has worked to resolve this and it simply isn't going to arrive in time. We remain committed to bringing NEVERMORE back to North America and US dates are being rescheduled for 2027."
The reformation of NEVERMORE has been one of the most anticipated returns in progressive/power metal. The original band, known for albums including The Politics of Ecstasy, Dead Heart in a Dead World, and This Godless Endeavor, dissolved in 2011 following tensions between Loomis and founding vocalist Warrel Dane, who died in December 2017. The new lineup acknowledges Dane's absence and has been working with Önen — a Turkish vocalist whose range and power have drawn early comparisons to Dane's legacy.
NEVERMORE's international tour begins April 1 in Istanbul, and European dates will proceed as scheduled throughout spring and summer.