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
Wail Of Sumer
Fields of the Nephilim Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
We're high here
We're climbing over sumertown
You can kiss the air
We're gliding
Follow me for sumerland
No sound life no essence
We lay estranged in our curious ways
But I'm seeing through an age
Who I am
Through sumerland
Lead me taken from god
Forgivers sent in to the dark to play
From life here I lead them
Taken away from where they layed
Getting old together
To breathe myself free
I'll stay
We're high here
Forever
No tomorrow no today
Through sumerland lead me
The lyrics to Fields of the Nephilim's song Wail of Sumer have a mysterious and cryptic quality to them, as if the words themselves are meant to be interpreted rather than simply listened to. The song seems to be about a journey through a place called "Sumerland," which may be a metaphor for a state of mind or a place of transition between life and death. The opening lines suggest that the singer is looking down at the earth from a high vantage point and that he is embarking on a journey that will take him to Sumerland. The repeated phrase "lead me" implies a sense of guidance or spiritual seeking, as if the singer is searching for something greater than himself.
The lines "we lay estranged in our curious ways," "memories lay beside us," and "I'm seeing through an age" all suggest a sense of detachment or distance from the world or from oneself. The singer seems to be seeking a connection or a sense of purpose, perhaps even a way to escape from the cycle of life and death. The closing lines, "No tomorrow no today / Through Sumerland lead me," again suggest a desire to escape or transcend the boundaries of time and space.
Overall, the lyrics to Wail of Sumer are enigmatic and thought-provoking, inviting the listener to contemplate their meaning and their place in the world.
Line by Line Meaning
You can see the earth
We are at a high altitude and can see the entirety of the earth.
We're high here
We are physically elevated at the moment.
We're climbing over sumertown
We are traveling over a location called 'sumertown' - likely a fictional place.
You can kiss the air
The air around us is so clean and crisp, it feels as if you can 'kiss' it.
We're gliding
We are moving effortlessly through the air.
Follow me for sumerland
Come with me to a place called 'sumerland'.
No sound life no essence
There is no life or essence around us - it is eerily quiet.
We lay estranged in our curious ways
We are separate and distant, possibly due to our unique and unconventional characteristics.
Memories lay beside us
Our memories are present with us now.
But I'm seeing through an age
But I am seeing through an era or period of time.
Who I am
I am questioning or exploring my own identity.
Through sumerland
In the place called 'sumerland'.
Lead me taken from god
Guide me as if I was a divine being.
Forgivers sent in to the dark to play
Forgiving souls are sent to the darkness to battle or have a good time.
From life here I lead them
I am leading them away from their current lives or experiences.
Taken away from where they layed
They are taken away from where they previously existed.
Getting old together
We are growing old alongside each other.
To breathe myself free
I need to take a breath in order to feel free.
I'll stay
I am content with staying here.
We're high here
We are still physically elevated.
Forever
This moment feels like it will last forever.
No tomorrow no today
There is a feeling of timelessness - no tomorrow or today, only this moment.
Through sumerland lead me
Guide me through 'sumerland'.
Contributed by Lillian I. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Neueregel
Lyrics : "You can see the earth, we're high here
Climbing over sumertown
You can kiss the air, we're gliding
Follow me for sumerland.. No sound life, no essence
We lay estranged in our curious ways
Memories lay beside us
I'm seeing through an age, who I am Through sumerland
Lead me
Summer land
Lead me
Taken from God, forgivers
Sent in to the dark to play
From life here I lead them
Taken away from where they laid Through sumerland
Lead me
Summer land
Lead me.. Getting old together
To breathe myself free I'll stay
We're high here forever
No tomorrow and no today !! "
Kyle Craddock
I first heard this album back in 93 and to this day, it never fails to evoke a deep emotional response from me. Such beauty!
Jason H
I miss the days when I so deeply loved music like this that it took me completely away. Incredible production. Wail Of Sumer. ❤
PositiveLastAction
This song conjures something deep and other worldly - a dreamlike realm of existence. It's gorgeous and cathartic.
Neueregel
Lyrics : "You can see the earth, we're high here
Climbing over sumertown
You can kiss the air, we're gliding
Follow me for sumerland.. No sound life, no essence
We lay estranged in our curious ways
Memories lay beside us
I'm seeing through an age, who I am Through sumerland
Lead me
Summer land
Lead me
Taken from God, forgivers
Sent in to the dark to play
From life here I lead them
Taken away from where they laid Through sumerland
Lead me
Summer land
Lead me.. Getting old together
To breathe myself free I'll stay
We're high here forever
No tomorrow and no today !! "
Angelika Maris
Pagan deception in fancy tones !
william northcote
@Angelika Maris Nothing is deceptive. Just views in a different eye.
Patrick Philip
@Angelika Maristrue. I'm a Christian but I do think the music of this song is pretty and atmospheric.
Angelika Maris
@Patrick Philip yes, of course! And live it's even more intense. But i broke away from it. This is pure fallen angels stuff.
Daniel Smith
Wow. The beginning of this song is fantastic. First time I heard this all the hairs on my arms stood on end. It still has that effect on me. There is indeed a place for thy image in a realm ever splendid - at least when I listen to this song.
Patrick Smith
There's nothing more I can add to this except to press play! :-)
Excellent, excellent song - combining mysticism, music and emotion.