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
Shroud
Fields of the Nephilim Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Malach now
To your father
Now
Cover his face so that he may not see the light
(baby crying - birth)
That's the one
Malach menoodehah*, I return you
You'll shine now
Heaven will shine no more
Solitary without light
Until that day, welcome home
Frozen
Life
Chosen
Life
Chosen
Life
Chosen
Life
Chosen
Life
Chosen
Life
No Angel was Capable To View The Face of Him
(laughter)
*This is a phonetic spelling of the Hebrew, meaning: 'banished angel'. McCoy pronounces it a bit differently.
The song Shroud by Fields of the Nephilim has a mystery to it that leaves many puzzled, but the beauty of it is that it can be interpreted in many ways. The song describes a story of a banished angel, Malach, returning to his father, whose face is covered, so he will not see the light. The cry of a baby is heard, followed by the father's laughter. It's possible that Malach is an angel who left heaven to be born on Earth, but was then banished.
The song includes phrases such as "You'll shine now," which could indicate that Malach will no longer be in disgrace and will now shine or be accepted. The line "Heaven will shine no more" implies the loss of something that is usually bright and glorious, suggesting that Malach's return is a sign that he has the power to take away that which is holy.
The chorus is repeated several times throughout the song, ("Frozen life, chosen life") with life being emphasized, indicating that life is significant, but it may be fleeting or uncertain. The final line of the song, "No Angel was Capable To View The Face of Him," suggests that it is impossible for anyone to truly know or understand something that is so divine.
Line by Line Meaning
Come home
Return to your heavenly home
Malach now
A reference to the banished angel, urging him to come back
To your father
To return to his creator, God
Now
Urging him to come back immediately
Cover his face so that he may not see the light
Cover the face of the banished angel to prevent his seeing the glory of heaven
(baby crying - birth)
Symbolizing new life, the birth and rebirth of the angel
That's the one
Confirming that the angel is the one meant to return
Malach menoodehah*, I return you
The artist, possibly God, calling out to the banished angel to return
(laughter of the father)
The joy of having the angel return
You'll shine now
The returning angel will now shine in the light of God
Heaven will shine no more
The absence of the banished angel has darkened the brightness of heaven
Solitary without light
An image of a lonely, dark heaven without the presence of the banished angel
Until that day, welcome home
An acknowledgement that the angel has yet to return fully but is welcomed for now
Frozen
A metaphor for the state of the angel before returning to God
Life
The promise of life in the presence of God
Chosen
The angel was chosen to return and be in the light of God
No Angel was Capable To View The Face of Him
A reminder that the presence of God is too great for any angel to comprehend fully
(laughter)
A sense of joy and celebration for the return of the banished angel
Contributed by Liam W. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Gary Suarez
This is my favorite new song I have heard in 2020. Lost track of these guys...they have been vastly improving...
Tom Brooks
Great album opener! First listen to this band, ever here. And I'm basically sold!
Karlova VINCSEIZE
the other albums are so great!
Rob McE
Love this song!
Iconfresh
Bliss in audial form.
Costa Margarida
First two minutes masterpiece!!!!!!!!!
James Casady
cover his face so that he may not see the light!
linus strandberg
the men of renown heroes of old
Ossian Wright
Best way 2 started an album
Cristina Mendes
🖤🖤🖤🇵🇹