Live : Fields of the Nephilim

Fields of the Nephilim is not a gothic rock band – it’s more: institution, godfather of goth, legends… pick any, they’re all appropriate. Of course Fields in the year 2008 has changed significantly compared to the original, mythic line-up. And although only McCoy is the only founding member left, and although the wall-of-fog is gone (gosh), Fields has lost none of its magic. None.

Into the light

Instead of lurking shadows on stage, the awed audience got to see the heroes walk on stage under bright spotlights, clad like always in their dark and dusty cowboy outfit that would put any of the villains in “Once upon a time in the West…” to shame. In the past the band relied heavily on fog on stage to create a gloomy mood with lurking shadows, so performing in bright light was a real big novelty – one that fans and photographers alike did appreciate.

Last exit for the lost

And at the same time, they managed to prove that there is more to Fields of the Nephilim than the image – there’s the music: Older hits like Moonchild and Trees come down and new material from the last album “Mourning Sun” mixed with a few excerpts from McCoy’s project Nefilim, culminating in an absolute highlight during the encore, the 15 minutes rendition of Last exit for the lost – atmospheric music can’t get much better than this. The sound was heavy, bass-laden and at the same time clear and pristine. Fields of the Nephilim were crushing. Really, they were. The goth-rock veterans did prove that they are a force to be reckoned with when it comes down to delivering an atmospheric and intense show.

Line-up
Carl McCoy : vocals
John Carter : bass
Gav King : guitar
Tom Edvards : guitar
Lee Newell : drums

Setlist
Shroud
Straight to the light
Penetration
Trees come down
Dawnrazor
The sequel
From the fire
Moonchild
Psychonaut
Zoon (encore)
Last exit for the lost