Nephelium Interview

Questions answered by Florian Ravet - Bass

The True Bringer Of Death Zine - Questions:

1. Can you give us an update on what is going on with the band these days?

Well, in addition to the promotion for the release of our album on February 7^th, 2012, we are also actively working on new material, both musically and lyrically.

2. How would you describe the musical sound of the new release and how it differs from previous releases?

First off, the overall quality and engineering is the best we have had so far. We really wanted to make sure we polished up everything to achieve the sound we wanted. We are really satisfied with the outcome (especially the drums). All in all, the recording and engineering quality is top notch and was well worth the time and effort.

3. What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects the band explores with the music?

&

4. What is the meaning and inspiration behind the bands name?

We cover various myths and beliefs, blending science and religion, which gravitate around the topic of the Nephelium – hence our band name. In the bible the Nephelium are referred to as “giants”, that would have been the result of a cross breed between fallen angels and females on earth. We believe that they carried a superior genetic structure that resulted over time in what we are as humans today. Many religions mention visitors from the skies, so we definitely don’t restrict our views to one religion. On top of that, by looking scientifically at all these ancient records, one can easily speculate that visitors from another planet were once on earth with ulterior motives, one of which included altering our DNA to create the human species. Our theme covers all facets and questions raised by this intriguing topic, always in relation to the world we live in and its history through different eras and perspectives. "Coils of Entropy" is only the beginning.

5. What are some of the best shows that the band has played so far and how would you describe your stage performance?

The Metal Bar in Toronto was a memorable show. We shared the stage with filmmaker, Sam Dunn’s (Metal, a Headbanger’s journey) band, Burn to Black, which Alex and Alan were members of for a period. When on stage, for the lack of a better word, we are in a trance; a melange of adrenaline, power and conviction. We always do our very best to make the audience part of us to really relate what we feel. The Peterborough, Ontario show we played a few years ago was a lot of fun too. It was a small venue with some true love for metal. That was definitely a show we appreciated and felt appreciated at.

6. Do you have any touring plans for the new release?

We do. We’re in the process of tying up some loose ends and are looking forward to hitting the road to promote our album!

7. Currently you are unsigned, are you looking for a label and if so what kind of label do you feel that would be a perfect fit for the music?

We are currently looking for a label; however we want to make sure we find a match between what a label can offer us and what we want. There are so many out there, of many sizes and all with their pros and cons, so we will find the one that fits us best.

We are still looking into details so we can’t really say for sure, however if we had to name the one that appeals the most to us, a first guess would be Seasons of Mist.

8. You are originally from United Arab Emirates but now live in Canada, how would you compare the metal scenes of both countries?

When we started in Dubai, Nephelium was really the very first extreme metal band to make it out there. We helped forge the scene and propel it to the new heights it is known for today - a growing scene somewhat in its infancy but with very eager and dedicated fans. That was aeons ago! We’d love to go back and cause havoc on home soil as we’ve heard nothing but awesome stuff about what the scene has become. In Canada, there is definitely a contrast. You have your big bands coming in at regular intervals, big venues, retail and everything being more accessible (again, this is in comparison with Dubai when we started in the late 90s). Canada is interesting as you have the big hot spots such as Montreal, but we’re always surprised at the dedication of metal heads all over the country when we go out to play a show. Specifically, Toronto is not receiving the credit it deserves as far as metal is concerned but worry not, Nephelium is about to change all that! ;)

9. On a worldwide level how has your music been received by death metal fans?

Better than we have ever hoped actually! We know the album kicks ass but looking at it from the inside you always foreign criticism to see what the deal really is. We were really pleased with all the reviews and comments some small and large zines and prominent figures in the industry gave us. I personally found myself hunting for more negative reviews or more blunt ones to pinpoint areas where we could improve and a couple of reviews brought that positive criticism, while staying very good overall.

Seriously, it’s awesome; fans dig our shit because they like what we like: death metal! \m/

10. Are there any other projects besides this band or is this a full time line-up?

We’re all at 100.666 % into it and are devote ourselves to Nephelium completely.

11. What direction do you see your music heading into on future releases?

More of the same but better. With some of the new compositions we have worked on so far, in the traditional Nephelium vein, they are more technical and brutal than ever. It will be new but old and a lot sicker!

12. What are some bands or musical styles that have influenced your music and also what are you listening to nowadays?

Our main “Death Metal” influences are Death, Decapitated, (the older) Morbid Angel and Suffocation, but we also draw inspiration from more progressive acts such as Dream Theater, as well as any kinds of music that really talks to our psyches as musicians, may it be Jazz or Arabian inspired melodies. We listen to a bit of everything, Kronos, Aeon, Blotted Science to name a few, but there’s definitely a lot of different things we dig our ears into.

13. Does Occultism play any role in the music?

It can be, but not necessarily, unless it relates to Nephelium’s general theme and goes in accordance with the narrative.

14. Outside of music what are some of your interests?

We all like different things, not all of us like the same stuff but if we were to combine them, our interests are strongman, mixed martial arts, video games, the occult (here it is!), the supernatural, horror movies, porn and overall funny shit (movies, internet, etc…).

Like anyone else, no?

15. Any final words or thoughts before we wrap up this interview?

Some say the world will end in 2012 and Nephelium might be to blame because this is gonna be our year, and WE’RE COMING TO MERCILESSLY ANNIHILATE EVERYTHING, DEATH METAL STYLE BITCHES!