Guitarist Steve Smyth Parts Ways With Nevermore

Guitarist Steve Smyth has officially parted ways with Nevermore, citing personal and business differences.

"All things find their end eventually, and at this time I wish to make it clear that this was mutually agreed between the band and myself," Steve said in a statement.

"I will continue on with other aspects of my music career, including the upcoming release of The Esseness Project, an all-instrumental album in the vein of progressive rock that is now finished and being prepared for release."

He continued, "After a year and four months of being out of the touring scene due to ill health and then a kidney transplant, I have finally been given a full health clearance by my doctors to go back on the road, and I am now ready to return to the stage.

"I am proud and extremely honored to have been a guest of Uli Jon Roth at his Sky Academy concert series this past weekend, August 24th and 25th , in L.A. What an awesome experience! To jam with one of the greatest, as well as several other incredible guitarists and musicians who have been big influences on my playing over the years, and to make new friends as well, the whole thing was just incredible. Many thanks to Uli for inviting me, it was truly an honor!

"I am now embarking on a six-week of tour of Europe with my friends from the Danish thrash metal band, SPV recording artists Hatesphere, first supporting Behemoth in Poland, and then joining the Dimmu Borgir tour. I have been a fan of HATESPHERE and friends with the band since 2003, when they opened for Testament at a festival we played together, and absolutely look forward to getting out with them and together, crushing Europe!"

During Smyth's time away from the touring circuit, Nevermore has been utilizing the services of longtime session guitarist Chris Broderick (Jag Panzer).

Nevermore has begun the songwriting process for the follow-up to 2005's "This Godless Endeavor", tentatively due next year via Century Media Records.

Thanks for the info to Blabbermouth.net.

Comments

[zhille]

I am kinda glad Smith left the band...Jeff Loomis / Chris Broderick is one of the greatest seven-string guitarists tandem...can't wait the new album.

[ready2breakdown]

oh i didnt know he wasnt on tour with them... he was a sick guitarist, so I hope he finds his way into another good band.

[mr kipling]

NOOOOO!!!
I liked Smyth.

[Sanctuary]

That is so lame man. I thought Smyth had pretty great chemistry with Jeff Loomis. He was cool with just playing rhythm while Loomis was shredding. Plus you know, Smyth is pretty cool because he uses a Y in his name instead of an I. That's pretty metal.

[Shinozoku]

I loved Steve's songs and solos on TGE Now we've got a guy who can't hit a natural harmonic if his life depended on it....



What, is that one old now? Sorry.

[kurtshapedbox]

well, he uses an 'y' because his name is pronounced. sm-eye-th, not smith. My g fellow axeman in the band found tyhat out through taking internet guitar lessons with him so Im sure that that is accurate.

Anyways, this is depressing, when they took steve off of they bio page I knew this was coming though. It sucks big time though, because they made some of their best work with him in the band.

[Spankey]

I wonder if they will get someone else or just stick with Loomis.

[Sanctuary]

They may has well just get a touring guitarist and just let Loomis write. His stuff is all gold anyway.

[irongoat666]

loomis and broderick work really well together on stage, but as far as i'm aware broderick never featured on an album - it was all smyth.

i wonder if they'll get broderick in full time now?

[buckethead_jr]

Oh noes.
Smyth was awesome, but maybe now we'll get an album with a Broderick/Loomis team.
That would be sick.

[gifted_awakenin]

I liked Smyth but I have to say that I prefer Broderick, he is amazing!

[joe8]

i find that loomis' tone is way superior to both smyth's and broderick's skinny tone. smyth was a better guitarist than broderick though