Nevermore has announced they will be unable to perform at ProgPower USA this year due to work permit delays for their new singer. The announcement was made in a statement shared on Instagram.
The band addressed their US fans directly. They explained the ongoing challenges with securing proper documentation for their vocalist Berzan Önen.
“A message for our US fans: We hear your requests for a US tour loud and clear, and we want it to happen just as much as you do,” the band said. “The reason it hasn’t yet is simple – getting the work permit for our singer is taking much longer than anticipated. We’ll get it done, but unfortunately we aren’t quite there yet.”
The statement continued with an apology to the festival organizers and fans.
“Sadly, it also means that we won’t be able to perform at ProgPower USA this year,” they continued. “Sincere apologies to Glenn, the ProgPower USA crew and our US fans, and thanks for understanding.”
Despite the setback, the band offered reassurance about future plans and new material.
“New music is forthcoming, and we’ll finally be back on stages in the states performing it live in 2027,” they said. “We owe it to all of you and promise we’ll make it worth the wait. In light of all of this, we are actively booking more international shows for later this year. Announcements for those will happen soon.”
The work permit issues represent the latest challenge for the reunited progressive metal band. They are working to establish their new lineup with international audiences.
YouTube reported that Berzan Önen brings experience from his background in projects like Inner Urge to his role as Nevermore’s new vocalist. The band recently shared Önen’s first vocal audition video online, demonstrating his compatibility with the reunited lineup.
The current Nevermore roster features the return of key founding members. Guitarist Jeff Loomis and bassist Van Williams have rejoined the band alongside their new vocalist. This marks a significant reunion for the progressive metal act, which had been on hiatus following previous lineup changes.
Metal Injection noted that the band is specifically having trouble securing a work visa for Önen ahead of their scheduled September festival appearance. The visa complications have created a domino effect, impacting not only their ProgPower USA performance but potentially other planned US dates.
The band expects to return to US stages in 2027 once the work permit issues are resolved. They promise new material will accompany their eventual American return.
