Formed in 1984, Fields of the Nephilim is the creation of vocalist and front man Carl McCoy. Highly influential, especially in the world of goth, but also within the metal and electronic genres, their legacy endures to this day. You can hear their influence on bands like Swans, Godspeed! You Black Emperor, Explosions In The Sky, Wolves in The Throne Room, Behemoth and more.
The Nephilim was recorded in a former courthouse in the Somerset countryside where defendants who were sentenced to death were hung. “Moonchild” is the band’s best known song due to it reaching #28 in the UK single charts, and LouderSound called it a classic and said that it “perfectly encapsulates this era of the band: it has some nifty guitar work, great bass lines from Tony Pettitt, Nod’s stellar drumming and McCoy’s distinctive vocals.” The song is named after a novel by Aleister Crowley, and there are several other nods to Crowley throughout The Nephilim.
In a 2013 remembrance of the album, PopMatters said “The band’s sophomore effort, regarded not only as its best work but also as one of the UK goth scene’s masterpieces, is a seamless, hour-long trek into a surreal land populated by chiming guitars, hypnotic bass, found samples, and McCoy’s storytelling.”
A1. Endemoniada
A2. The Watchman
A3. Phobia
A4. Moonchild
B1. Chord of Souls
B2. Shiva
B3. Celebrate
C1. Love Under Will
C2. Last Exit for the Lost *
D1. Celebrate (Second Seal) Full Version *
D2. Psychonaut Lib III *
* = bonus tracks