You know that discombobulated feeling you get when someone dumps you out of no where? You just stand there fiddling your lips with your index finger scratching your noggin with your other hand, staring into oblivion. Well this happened to me as I learned the sad news that guitarist Jeff Loomis and drummer Van Williams have announced their departure from Nevermore.
The band released the following 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.”
Everything seemed peachy keen on the 70,000 Tons of Metal cruise when I saw them last. They all seemed to be happy and drunk. I guess everything is not as it appears on the surface. In February, Jim Sheppard underwent surgery to remove a tumor in his brain. The band went on utilizing bassist Dagna Silesia as his replacement for the European tour with Psychotic Waltz and Symphony X. Just a few weeks ago Nevermore fans were shaken at the news that the band dropped off the US version of this tour. While following Warrel Dane's Twitter feed I found it quite peculiar that he tweeted the following on April 20:
Alright already …. I'm working on new Sanctuary and new solo stuff.. the focus at this moment is Sanctuary.
Jeff and Van have not explained their departure but could it be because Warrel has shifted his concentration to Sanctuary and they are not happy about it? Will Jeff stay in Sanctuary or does he want to exclusively work on his own solo project? What is Van's future in music? Someone give me some damn answers already!
