Rough Edge: Nile CD Reviews

NILE

"Annihilation of the Wicked" (Relapse Records; 2005)

Reviewed by Mike SOS

Nile, that Middle Eastern ideology obsessed death metal troupe, return with yet another installment of technically untouchable, painstakingly meticulous brutality. Tracks like "The Burning Pits of the Duat" and "Lashed to the Slave Stick" may not sound as groundbreaking as previous works by the band a few album's back, yet they still maintain that crushing quality that Nile is renowned for.

For more information visit http://www.nile-catacombs.com.

"In the Beginning" (Relapse Records; 2000)

Reviewed by Christopher J. Kelter

"In The Beginning" is a single CD re-issue of Nile's first two, now long out of print, efforts on Anubis Records: the full-length "Festivals Of Atonement" and the mini-CD "Ramses Bringer Of War."

The "Festivals Of Atonement" section of the CD could be classified as typical death metal that shows obvious influences, but the seductive Egyptian influences, no matter how infrequent, are too hard to miss. "Wrought" brings Egyptian musical influence to the forefront of Nile's unique sound. The last track, "Extinct," after the dirge-like intro, explodes into the blistering intensity that would characterize subsequent releases. Overall, the tracks are much longer and lack the concise brutality that Nile is so famous for now.

With the three-song sampler, "Ramses Bringer Of War," the death metal world was getting just a taste of the higher level of intensity that Nile would bring to "Amongst The Catacombs Of Nephren-Ka." All three of these songs would later would appear on "Amongst The Catacombs Of Nephren-Ka."

True Nile fans simply cannot do without "In The Beginning" in their collections; death metal connoisseurs would be wise to pick this one up as well.

"Festivals Of Atonement" and "Ramses Bringer Of War" were produced by Jimmy Ennis, Earl Sanders, and Nile.

"Festivals Of Atonement" features Karl Sanders on guitar and vocals, Chief Spires on bass and vocals, and Pete Hammoura on drums and vocals. "Ramses Bringer Of War" features the same line-up with the addition of John Ehlers on guitar.

For more information visit http://www.nile-catacombs.com.

"The Black Seeds of Vengeance" (Relapse Records; 2000)

Reviewed by Christopher J. Kelter

I was blown away by Nile's 1998 effort "Amongst The Catacombs Of Nephren-Ka." I've waited more than a year to hear the follow-up. "The Black Seeds Of Vengeance" is a considerable achievement and clearly shows that the band was only scratching the surface of their abilities when "Amongst The Catacombs Of Nephren-Ka" was recorded.

The twelve new songs on "The Black Seeds Of Vengeance" expand Nile's classic Egyptian and Sumerian influenced brutality with an ever expanding array of traditional Egyptian instruments and greater vocal variety. "The Black Seeds Of Vengeance" obliterates what few barriers Nile hadn't already crushed with "Amongst The Catacombs Of Nephren-Ka."

The title track and "Defiling The Gates Of Ishtar" are pummeling tracks with a 'show no mercy' attitude not unlike the violent subject matters of the songs themselves. "Multitude Of Foes" retells a tale of battle, conquest, and eventual peace which almost seems like a pre-cursor to troubles in Israel and Palestine. Also, special note must be made of "To Dream Of Ur" which portrays the death of all things in stunning metaphor.

Any doubts about whether or not Nile is truly a new pinnacle in death metal have been put to rest with "The Black Seeds Of Vengeance." There are no heights that Nile can't achieve - one can only hope Nile's continuing efforts to dominate the metal world don't kill us all in the process.

Nile is Karl Sanders on guitar and vocals; Dallas Toler-Wade on guitars; Chief Spires on bass and vocals; and Pete Hammoura on drums and vocals. Additional drums by Derek Roddy.

For more information, please visit http://www.nile-catacombs.com.

"The Black Seeds of Vengeance" (Relapse Records; 2000)

Reviewed by Kate Smith

You've got to have respect for a band that has a vast knowledge of different cultures. Nile takes you into the world of Egyptian mythology, history and religion with their latest CD "Black Seeds of Vengeance." Nile raises the level of death metal musically and lyrically while still keeping their trademark style from 'Catacombs."

Fusing technical death metal with Middle Eastern tunes is brilliant and shows the capability of diversity. The songs on this album paint a picture of conquest, war and domination with vicious guitar riffs, amazing drums and a three-vocalist onslaught.

Another great album which is definitely worth adding to your collection. Fave tracks: "The Black Flame" and "To Dream of Ur."

Nile is: Karl Sanders (guitar, vocals), Dallas Tocer (guitar), Chief Spires (bass, vocals) and Pete Hammoura (drums vocals).

For more information, please visit http://www.nile-catacombs.com.

"Amongst the Catacombs of the Nephren-Ka" (Relapse Records; 1998)

Reviewed by Christopher J. Kelter

Nile are the purveyors of the new death metal scene. "Amongst The Catacombs Of The Nephren-Ka" is simply one of the most brutal records I've ever heard. There is no denying the ferocity of the music and the vocals.

Parts of this disc are downright difficult to listen to. I'll admit - the first time I listened to the disc I probably had a grimace on my face. However, the second listen yielded a few more clues as to the sophistication and creativity at work in the hands of individuals dedicated to their craft. The third listen actually revealed some subtleties that give the music depth and meaning. In any case, this disc is not for the faint hearted, yet - like most things - beauty is revealed in layer after layer. As a consequence, this disc cannot be treated as casual listening.

However, I get the impression that Nile are convinced that the manner in which their music should be played should suit the moment. Nile grind when it is necessary to convey chaos, destruction, and devastation yet they use atmospheric elements where the need to convey quiet moments is necessary. Nile does not grind for the sake of grinding. It becomes readily apparent that Nile is very deliberate about their music. The pervasive use of Egyptian melodies adds a unique touch to the songs.

Every song contains brutal speed tempos, but the best tunes are those that combine slow tempos amidst the double-kick drums and fast beats. The disc-ending "Beneath Oceans Of Sand" (which also gets my vote for this year's "coolest" title of a song vote) is a prime example of Nile's style. The song captures the vibe and essence of Metallica's claustrophobic "Trapped Under Ice." "Nephren-Ka" has 11 tracks but clocks in at just 33 minutes. The songs are quick, concise, and without long passages that might otherwise lose an uninterested listener.

If you don't listen to grindcore, death metal, black metal (or whatever tag you might want to label it with) this might not be an album to consider for purchase. However, if you are wondering what is out there in this style of music I can firmly recommend that this might be a good place to start.

Nile is: Karl Sanders (guitar/vocals); Chief Spires (bass/vocals); and Pete Hammoura (drums). The band has recently added another guitarist, Dallas Toler-Wade, to make the music even more dense and heavy for live shows. Nile, along with Bob Moore and Earl Sanders, handled the production chores; this appears to be a rare case of a self-produced record that has high production values.

For more information, please visit http://www.nile-catacombs.com.

Rating Guide:

A classic. This record will kick your ass.

Killer. Not a classic but it will rock your world.

So-so. You've heard better.

Pretty bad. Might make a nice coaster.

Self explanatory. Just the sight of the cover makes you wanna hurl.

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