However as the album progresses the true genius of FotN begins to emerge. The minimal, soulful Celebrate represents the best performance Carl McCoy had given up to that point. The effort becomes even more inspired as the album wraps with Love Under Will and Last Exit for the Lost. There may not be 2 other songs in the entire history of the genre that are more epic than these; this is what Goth was meant to be - beautiful, mysterious, manic, edgy, apocalyptic and truly grand.

The suggestion that FotN was derivative of other Goth bands must end with these 3 final tracks as none were ever so massive in scope and feel before, and none since (other than what Nephilim themselves accomplish later on Elizium).


Wow! More happy memories!   May 13, 2000
 5 out of 5 found this review helpful

Fields of the Nephilim were one of my favourite bands in the late 1980s/early 1990s, along with the later 1996 incarnation NEFILIM. Listening to this band now, wow, what a refreshing change from the underage sex-pop that dominates the charts these days(i.e. Britney, N-sync etc). ENDEMONIADE is a blistering goth-rock epic which begins slowly and speeds up with a driving, disco-rock beat and echoing guitars that made so much impact to me when it first came out. PHOBIA, while being a rip-off of Motorhead's THE ACE OF SPADES just rocks big time! This is a real fast thrasher that will have all you death-metal maniacs out there banging your heads in unison. MOONCHILD was a Top 40 hit in the UK in 1988 and combines great guitar work with a pounding bassline, moving along with a great sense of urgency. In another manic vein, CHORD OF SOULS belts along with all the subtlety of a pramful of china hurtling down the street maiming passers-by. Much of the lyrics on this LP are occult-inspired, and if you play LAST EXIT FOR THE LOST backwards, you can hear vocalist CARL McCOY saying 'He's here, I'm high.' And the rest sounds like Russian being spoken. Anyway, the second segment of the album has the haunting ballad CELEBRATE, where McCoy does not growl, as he does on all the louder numbers, he proves he can actually sing properly, and very well at that too. Never before has apocalyptic goth rock sounded so uplifting! Check it out!


a rediscovered masterpiece   August 1, 2001
 5 out of 5 found this review helpful

along with another reviewer, i found out about this album many moons ago in THRASHER (a skateboarding magazine.) not knowing anything about them--except for what i read in the ad--i purchased a cassette copy, brought it back to my friends house, and sat down for a listen. i was intrigued by the dark, gothic/cowboy-esque opening...and then the vocals came thundering in. i've since decided that it's like a cross between YODA and THE COOKIE MONSTER.... after having a good laugh, i gave the album another listen--without my friend around--and i really got into it. CARL MCCOY's oftentimes demonic growl takes some getting used to; but along with the melodic, atmospheric, instrumental aspect of their music, it's an integral part of what makes their sound so unique. in fact, this album is so original, i'm hard-pressed to find comparisons...although the thrasher ad did mention that the track CELEBRATE is reminiscent of JOY DIVISION--which i would agree with. there are also elements of MOTORHEAD-influenced hard rock, as well as CROWLEY and LOVECRAFTian occult, realized with haunting beauty.

THE NEPHILIM is truly an inspired work of art.

the only reason why i did not give it 5 stars is because i feel that the "bonus" track SHIVA detracts from the album as a whole, and is really NOT a bonus.


Last Exit For The Lost   September 6, 2002
 5 out of 5 found this review helpful

"Nephilim" is one of those rare albums that will forever change you. From the haunting strains of Celebrate to the discordant brilliance of Last Exit For the Lost there are no momnets that will not engage you in a dream like duality of mind and body.

ps...for those of you out there that think FOTN sound like sisters of mercy I suggest you listen again...or at the very least listen...


A Classic   December 23, 2001
 3 out of 3 found this review helpful

I would be hardpressed to choose between this and Elizium as to which is my favorite FOTN cd but this album definitely has some of my favorite FOTN songs. "Celebrate" is a quiet masterpiece. Carl's subdued vocals will pierce your heart and soul. "Last Exit for the Lost" is truly beautiful. I'm always disappointed when the end of the song arrives. I've been known to have this song on "repeat" indefinitely.