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
Secrets
Fields of the Nephilim Lyrics
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He acts against the same way in as I run across town with doubt
I forgive you, follow me
I forgive you, follow me
I'll forgive you, I'll forgive you
I've seen the heart of Man fall, I've seen him crawl
The darkened door
I can't hear what she wrote me
I can't see the movements she made
'Cause I can see you, I can see you
I've seen the heart of Man fall, I've seen him crawl
Secrets, I know where no one can find them, behind
The darkened door
The song "Secrets" by Fields of the Nephilim is a haunting portrayal of a man on the brink of self-destruction. The lyrics describe his journey through life, from riding high on success to falling to the lowest depths of despair. The opening lines of the song are particularly poignant as the singer describes himself riding on the crest of the wave, but his hands are now running out. The image suggests that he has lost control of his life and is heading towards the edge. The next lines describe him acting against the same way as he runs across town with doubt, suggesting that he is running aimlessly, without purpose, and full of uncertainty.
The song's chorus echoes the sentiment of forgiveness, suggesting that the singer has been wronged in some way but is willing to forgive those who have hurt him. However, it is unclear who he is forgiving and for what reason. The lyrics also touch on the idea of secrets, which are hidden behind a darkened door where no one can find them. The singer claims to be able to see these secrets, suggesting that he knows more than he is letting on. This adds to the overall sense of mystery and unease that permeates the song.
Overall, "Secrets" is a song that explores the darker side of human nature, the things we keep hidden and the pain that we carry with us. It is a haunting and evocative piece of music that is sure to stay with the listener long after the final notes have faded away.
Line by Line Meaning
He rides on the crest of the wave, his hands now running out
He is at the peak of his success, but it won't be long until it runs out
He acts against the same way in as I run across town with doubt
He goes against the norm, while I doubt my own actions as I navigate through the city
I forgive you, follow me
Despite past sins, come follow my lead as we move forward
I'll forgive you, I'll forgive you
Repeated forgiveness for the same mistakes
I've seen the heart of Man fall, I've seen him crawl
I have witnessed man's lowest moments, where he is helpless and weak
Secrets, I know where no one can find them, behind the darkened door
Hidden secrets safely kept away from everyone, locked behind an ominous door
I can't hear what she wrote me
I don't understand or comprehend the message she left me
I can't see the movements she made
I don't recognize the intentions and actions she took
'Cause I can see you, I can see you
Despite the confusion and chaos, I can still see through everything and see you for who you truly are
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: GUY CHADWICK, JENS KINDERVATER, BERND JOHNEN, MARTIN HENSING, MARKUS BOEHME
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Romko Bomko
This song inspired group Phantasmagoria to create "Nephilim"