Fields of the Nephilim is a gothic rock band, active throughout the 1980s. … Read Full Bio ↴Fields of the Nephilim is a gothic rock band, active throughout the 1980s. They formed in Stevenage, Hertfordshire, UK in 1984. Carl McCoy, Gary Whisker, Tony Pettit and brothers Paul Wright and Alexander 'Nod' Wright were the starting lineup. Peter Yates joined by the time of their first release, replacing Gary Whisker.

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

Straight to the Light
Fields of the Nephilim Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

I will fly again
I will fly again
All our days are numbers
We bare the face of men
The rain, the skies are changing
But I will fly again
Look up, look down
Look up, look down

Look up, look down
Look up
Look straight into the light
{you and I will fly again}
{you and I again}
Look down
Is it the face we know?
Or something beyond the soul?
We served this world like angels
Been burned both night and day
Now we turn with eyes blazing
Well its time for us to go
Look straight into the light
Look straight into the light
You and I will fly again {you and I will fly again}
You and I again {you and I again}
Look down
The sky is burning
No night can fall
Zero dark
(look out)
I'm of the world
(look out)
The light of truth outshines
(look out)
The light of the sun
Open your eyes
Open your eyes
Look straight into the light
Look straight into the light
Look straight into the light
Watching the world fall away
Gathered most high to the flame
(look straight into the light)
Thousands of suns light the way
(look up)
A myriad of Angels await
(look straight into the light)
(Look up, look down)
I will fly again (nephilim child)
Look up
The light of truth
Always outshines the light of the sun
We are wise to ???

I will fly again
Look up

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of the Fields of the Nephilim's song, "Straight to the Light," can be interpreted as a reflection of the human condition's search for hope amidst chaotic life situations. The lines, "All our days are numbers, we bare the face of men," suggests the fleeting nature of life and how human beings must cope with their daily struggles. The rain and changing skies, on the other hand, are representations of adversity, which leaves one questioning their existence. Despite all these, the singer affirms his faith, "But I will fly again," which implies that he has a hopeful outlook towards life.

In the subsequent lines, the singer encourages listeners to "Look straight into the light," which can be interpreted as a metaphor for self-discovery and acceptance. By looking at oneself without fear or shame, one can embrace their true identity, which might be beyond the physical appearance. The line, "You and I will fly again," further emphasizes the idea of rebirth, where one can emerge from their suffering to a hopeful future that's filled with new possibilities.

Line by Line Meaning

I will fly again
The singer is confident that they will succeed once more

All our days are numbers
Their time is limited and each day is precious

We bare the face of men
Despite being different, they still appear human

The rain, the skies are changing
Nature and the world is evolving

Look up, look down
The artist considers every direction

Look straight into the light
The singer urges the listener to face the truth without hesitation

Is it the face we know?
The singer contemplates the unfamiliar

Or something beyond the soul?
The artist wonders if there is something more than just physical existence

We served this world like angels
They acted benevolently towards this world

Been burned both night and day
They have experienced hardship at all times

Now we turn with eyes blazing
They have a newfound sense of determination and strength