Fields of the Nephilim

Fields of the Nephilim

Fields of the Nephilim are an English gothic rock band from Stevenage, Hertfordshire, formed in 1984. Their name refers both to the biblical Nephilim and to the idea of magnetic fields around the Earth. The group is associated with gothic rock, post-punk and rock.

Early releases and record labels

In 1985, the band releases the 12-inch EP Burning the Fields on their own Tower Release label. That record is later reissued through Jungle Records, and the material leads to the Returning to Gehenna EP. In 1986, after being managed by a representative of Jungle Records, the band signs to Situation 2, an imprint of Beggars Banquet Records.

On Situation 2, Fields of the Nephilim release the singles Power and Preacher Man, together with their debut album Dawnrazor. The album reaches number one on the UK Independent Albums Chart in 1987.

Chart success and 1980s releases

Blue Water becomes the band’s first UK Singles Chart entry, reaching number 75. It is followed by Moonchild, the lead single from The Nephilim, which reaches number 28. In 1989, the EP Psychonaut reaches number 35 on the UK charts and includes a ten-minute track. It is linked with a move towards a more experimental style.

In 1990, the band releases Elizium, produced by Andy Jackson. The album is preceded by For Her Light, which enters the UK Top 40. Later in 1990, a remixed version of Sumerland (Dreamed) reaches number 37 on the UK Singles Chart.

Break, side project and later work

In 1991, the band performs a final series of concerts at the Town & Country Club in London as part of a two-day event. Releases from this period include the live album Earth Inferno, the video Visionary Heads and the compilation Revelations.

After Carl McCoy leaves in 1991, the remaining members continue as Rubicon with singer Andy Delaney. Under that name, they release What Starts, Ends in 1992 and Room 101 in 1995 before disbanding. McCoy forms a separate project, The Nefilim, in 1991.

The band also plays several concerts in 1993 featuring new material. In 1996, Zoon is released after delays linked to record label disagreements. It has a heavier sound than earlier recordings. In 1998, McCoy and original bassist Tony Pettitt announce renewed collaboration plans involving the Fields of the Nephilim and The Nefilim names, but a full reunion of the original line-up does not take place. In 2000, McCoy and Pettitt release One More Nightmare (Trees Come Down), which includes reworked versions of Trees Come Down and Darkcell from the Burning the Fields EP.

Live activity and later releases

Between June and August 2000, the band performs at European festivals including Woodstage, Eurorock, Roskilde and M'era Luna. In 2002, Fallen is released by Jungle Records and associated labels. It contains recordings from 1997 to 2001, reworked material from 2000 and a previously unreleased demo from The Nefilim. The band says the release is not authorised, and it is not added to the official live repertoire except for From The Fire.

In 2005, McCoy releases Mourning Sun under the Fields of the Nephilim name. The release includes seven original tracks and a cover of Zager and Evans’ In the Year 2525 on early editions. Touring is discussed afterwards but does not take place as planned in 2006.

McCoy performs live under the band name in London in 2007 with a revised line-up. A later run of performances titled Ceromonies takes place at the O2 Shepherd's Bush Empire and other venues, with material spanning the band’s career. A live recording from a 2008 performance includes Last Exit for the Lost and appears on the Ceromonies release. Also in 2008, Live in Düsseldorf 1991 is issued.

In 2012, the box set Ceromonies (Ad Mortem Ad Vitam) is released in several formats, including recordings and footage from 2008 performances. A 2013 box set compiles Dawnrazor, The Nephilim and Elizium, together with Earth Inferno and additional singles and remixes. In 2014, McCoy announces studio activity and new material, and Earthbound and Prophecy are performed live. Prophecy is later released as a single in 2016.

Line-up and activity

The group is active from 1984 to the present. Members associated with the band include Gary Whisker, Carl McCoy, Tony Pettitt, Nod Wright, Paul Wright, Peter Yates and Tom Edwards. In 2017, drummer Lee Newell leaves the band, and guitarist Tom Edwards dies while touring with Adam Ant. In 2023, the band’s planned appearance at the M'era Luna festival is cancelled. Between 2023 and 2025, reissues of The Nephilim, Elizium and Dawnrazor are released in remastered and expanded editions.