Jeff Loomis (born September 14, 1971) is an American musician, best known for his role as lead guitarist in the progressive metal band Nevermore during its existence from 1991 to 2011, as well as brief tenures in its precursor, Sanctuary.

After they played a few songs together, Dave Mustaine, the band's frontman and other lead guitarist, thanked Loomis and told him that one day he would become a great guitar player but because of his age he was not right for the position.

In 2005, Loomis would then share the stage with Megadeth as the lead guitarist for Nevermore as part of Mustaine's Gigantour festival.

He was able to take his place at this time; however, because of a dispute caused by guitarist Lenny Rutledge wanting to make grunge oriented music, Sanctuary broke up four months afterwards.

Loomis played an important role in developing the sound that Nevermore has today, using 7-string guitars and techniques such as sweep picking.

On April 21, 2011, he and drummer Van Williams left Nevermore, citing personal and musical differences with Warrel Dane.

On April 1, 2008, Loomis said that all 10 songs which had been written had had the drum parts recorded (done by Mark Arrington pretty much overnight)[citation needed] and they would soon begin tracking the rhythm guitar.

During this time Dave Mustaine of Megadeth invited Loomis to join as the lead guitarist, but he declined the offer to work on his solo record.

In 2010, he played a guest guitar solo on Keith Merrow's album Awaken the Stone King, released on January 1, 2011.

In summer 2012, Loomis embarked on a North American tour with The Contortionist, Chimp Spanner, and 7 Horns 7 Eyes.

[9] On November 17, 2014, Loomis was announced as the new guitarist of melodic death metal band Arch Enemy, replacing Nick Cordle.

On December 30, 2023, Arch Enemy made a post on their Instagram account, stating that they had amicably parted ways with Loomis.

[11] Loomis had a monthly column[citation needed] in Guitar World magazine titled "Merchant of Menace", where he explained how to play the riffs and solos of Nevermore.

Guitarists whose style influenced Loomis are Yngwie Malmsteen, Ritchie Blackmore, Marty Friedman, Jason Becker, Tony Iommi and Brian May.

As of March 2018 Loomis has left Schecter stating more freedom to play other guitars in his collection, notably Les Pauls and Strats.