The band's name refers to magnetic fields and the biblical Nephilim race. Their sound was innovative in the gothic scene, incorporating heavy metal elements to make a hard, bass and guitar driven sound underneath McCoy's growled vocals. Lyrically, they incorporated mystical themes, especially relating to Sumerian Mythology, Hebrew Mysticism, and Aleister Crowley.
Their debut release the "Burning the fields EP" was released in 1985 showing the raw power and melody that began to earn them a big underground following. They signed to Beggars Banquet in 1986 to release "Power" and "Preacher Man". Both singles were alternative rock hits, and "Dawnrazor", their debut album did similarly well. "Dawnrazor" was a powerful, albeit standard gothic rock collection of modern horror-film themed songs, standout songs were "Dust" (a live favourite), "Vet for the Insane" a quieter melodic showcase for Yates' guitar and McCoy's gruff, dramatic vocals, and the powerful ten minute title-track.
The single "Blue Water" was subsequently released reaching the main UK charts for the first time, and making a big impact on the Independent chart listings for their label Situation Two. The following year the single "Moonchild" was released followed by their assured second album "The Nephilim". Displaying a more confident and polished sound, the band cemented their status as one of the biggest underground acts on the circuit. The standout tracks were "The Watchman" (later released as a single), "Phobia" (a live favourite), "Love under will" and the anthemic "Last exit for the lost". The following live dates with the more sophisticated light show and effects, and of course the larger venues, highlighted their inexorable rise in popularity and confidence.
"Psychonaut" was released in 1989; this ten minute track indicated a slight shift for the band toward a more experimental and intense sound. This single/EP was a candle-bearer for the polished and highly produced "Elizium" album. Produced for the first time by ex-Pink Floyd producer Andy Jackson (taking over from previous band producer Bill Buchanan), the opus represented the band at the zenith of their creativity and powers. The album was preceded by the single "For Her Light" which again followed the bands custom of charting highly one week courtesy of their army of followers, then dipping out of the chart listings the next.
To the shock of their following, Carl McCoy left the band in 1991, and in a subsequent interview uttered the immortal words "I am the Nephilim...". The remaining band members formed Rubicon, while McCoy began a new group called Nefilim. "Zoon" was released in 1996, an album that largely disappointed followers of his former band. The collection of mostly hard metal and speed-metal tracks pointed in a new direction, but one that ultimately still awaits a follow-up.
The band reformed in 1998, and a collection of out-takes and assorted unreleased recordings, "Fallen" was released in 2002 exciting many of the followers who had grown used to reading about imminent new material, but then disappointed as the tracks were definitely not new material. The album has been disowned by the band who insist that the album was released by their old record label without their wishes or permission.
Live dates penciled in were canceled in 2003 as the band insist they will only tour with new material, refusing to join the other bands of their generation touring to old audiences playing old material. The anticipation amongst their following - The Watchmen, grew awaiting new material, taking their individual and intense sound and lyrics to new spaces and dimensions.
A new album "Mourning Sun" was released in Europe on November 28, 2005, with the North American release scheduled February, 2006. The hitherto hinted at reformed line-up hadn't materialized, and the Carl McCoy led and penned collection of new material received mixed reviews.
In 2007 FotN had gigs in London and at Ville Valo's Helldone Festival in Finland. In 2008 they've played in Warsow and Athens and headlined the Wave Gotik Treffen Festival in Leipzig, Germany. They also performed at M'era Luna 2008 in Germany. At all gigs Carl McCoy was the only member of the original line-up.
The Wright brothers have released two albums and an EP under the name Last Rites playing an ambient sounding dark rock. A third album is currently planned. Tony Pettit is currently a member of the goth rock/metal outfit NFD, also with two released albums. Peter Yates is featured on both NFD-albums as a guest musician.
In 2009 Tony Petitt under the name The Eden House released a collaborative album "Smoke and Mirrors" featuring former members of Fields of the Nephilim Nod Wright, Peter Yates and Paul Wright as well as former producer Andy Jackson.
Official site: http://www.fields-of-the-nephilim.com
Power
Fields of the Nephilim Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I can give everlasting power
Flower, the world opens, you need a simple flower
A feeling, a feeling all so sound
Draining me, now drain me from power
Draining me, now drain me from power
I can't give, but I receive for hours
Draining me, now drain me from power
Draining me, now drain me from power
Draining static from the attic, attic wall
A power so schismatic
See the heart is burning, I call it static
I need static, so charismatic
You're so tragic, my love's so manic
I have the power, use it frantic
Your body's turned, I'm sex fanatic
So even my touch makes you cower
Drain me off my bleeding hour
Attic walls
The lyrics of the song "Power" by Fields of the Nephilim seem to speak of an intense, almost obsessive relationship in which one partner has a dominating power over the other. The first two lines suggest that power is the key to the relationship, as it feeds the long loving hours. The second verse speaks of a flower, a simple symbol of beauty and fragility, as something needed by the partner. The power dynamic, however, is not a healthy one, as the partner is described as draining the singer from power.
The chorus repeats the phrase "drain me from power" twice, reinforcing the idea that the partner is dependent on the singer's power. The bridge introduces a new element, the "draining static from the attic, attic wall", which could be interpreted as a metaphor for getting rid of unwanted or negative thoughts. The singer then describes his power as "schismatic", which means divided or discordant, suggesting that the relationship is not harmonious or balanced. The final lines again emphasize the partner's dependence and the singer's obsession, with the mention of his "sex fanatic" tendencies.
Overall, the song "Power" by Fields of the Nephilim appears to be a dark exploration of a dysfunctional, perhaps even abusive relationship built on a power imbalance. The repeated phrase "drain me from power" and the references to obsession, dependence, and negativity all create a moody, intense atmosphere that mirrors the unsettling nature of the relationship.
Line by Line Meaning
Power, power feeds your long loving hours
The feeling of power is what keeps you going for long hours
I can give everlasting power
I can provide you with power that lasts forever
Flower, the world opens, you need a simple flower
A simple thing like a flower can make the world seem brighter
A feeling, a feeling all so sound
It's all about the feeling, a strong and powerful one
Draining me, now drain me from power
My power is being sapped away from me
Draining me, now drain me from power
My power is being taken away from me
Oh, the wide open stench, you're all so sour
The atmosphere is unpleasant and you are not helping
I can't give, but I receive for hours
I can only receive, not give, and it goes on for hours
Draining me, now drain me from power
Taking my power away from me
Draining me, now drain me from power
Continuing to take my power away
Draining static from the attic, attic wall
Removing the static noise from the attic wall
A power so schismatic
A divisive and controversial power
See the heart is burning, I call it static
The intense feeling, the heartburn, is like a static charge
I need static, so charismatic
I crave that intense feeling, so captivating and alluring
You're so tragic, my love's so manic
Your situation is sad and hopeless, but my love is intense and frenzied
I have the power, use it frantic
I possess the power and I'm using it frantically
Your body's turned, I'm sex fanatic
Your body is responding, and I am obsessed with sex
So even my touch makes you cower
You are so afraid of me that even my touch makes you flinch
Drain me off my bleeding hour
Take away my precious time, draining the life out of me
Attic walls
The walls of the attic
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: LESTER RANDAL BULLOCK, CARL MCCOY, TONY PETTITT, CARL WISKER, NOD WRIGHT, PAUL WRIGHT
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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