Fields of the Nephilim

Fields of the Nephilim is a gothic rock band formed in Stevenage, Hertfordshire in 1984. The original line-up consisted of vocalist Carl McCoy, saxophonist Gary Whisker, Tony Pe

Fields of the Nephilim is a gothic rock band formed in Stevenage, Hertfordshire in 1984. The original line-up consisted of vocalist Carl McCoy, saxophonist Gary Whisker, Tony Pettitt on bass, guitarist Paul Wright and drummer Alexander "Nod" Wright. Following the release of the debut EP Burning the Fields, Wisker left the band to be replaced by Peter Yates as second guitarist. The band's name refers to (magnetic) fields and a biblical race of giants or Angel/Human hybrids, known as the Nephilim. Although they never received substantial mainstream success, the band's seminal sound proved highly influential, especially on the genres of gothic rock, gothic metal and doom metal. The band's occult themes and early, raw sound most probably influenced quite a few Black Metal bands as well. Moonspell, Celtic Frost, Tiamat, Katatonia and Paradise Lost are just some bands that cite the Fields as an inspiration.

Fields of the Nephilim's initial sound incorporated elements of hard rock and psychedelic rock, and comprised a bass and guitar driven sound underpinned by McCoy's growly vocals. Lyrically, the band incorporated mystical themes, referencing The Cthulhu Mythos, Sumerian Mythology, Chaos Magic and Aleister Crowley.