Van Williams

Who is Van Williams?

Van Williams is an American drummer, best known as the former drummer of Nevermore. Van Williams hails from New York where he began his music career in various bands, later relocating to Seattle, Washington in 1993. After auditioning for the band Nevermore they were soon signed onto Century Media Records. He currently drums for Nuclear Blast recording artists Ashes of Ares, upcoming band Ghost Ship Octavius and musical project Pure Sweet Hell.

Williams continued to play with the band up until 2011 when he announced along with Jeff Loomis that he was leaving the band. Also a graphic artist/illustrator, Van has created the logos and numerous T-shirt designs for Nevermore and his other band project Pure Sweet Hell which features Van singing main vocals as well as drums. Pure Sweet Hell also features long time friends and fellow musicians Chris Eichhorn and Jim Colson. The new Pure Sweet Hell album will feature guitar solos from a few of heavy metal's top shredders, including Glen Drover Steve Smyth, Chris Amott, Jeff Loomis and Attila Voros. John Winters, also who contributed in the production/engineering of the record. On June 26, 2012, former Iced Earth vocalist Matt Barlow announced on his Facebook page the creation of a new band named Ashes of Ares with former Iced Earth bassist Freddie Vidales and former Nevermore drummer Van Williams, posting on YouTube two one minute teaser videos. The album is expected in late 2013.