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By: Al Necro
Nightfell are amongst an elite few, within the scope of only two very good releases. The Living Ever Mourn was almost a unanimous choice of metal critics in end-of-year lists circa 2014. Back so soon after a very short hiatus, Nightfell are poised to disseminate their craft to a wider audience. So, let the stage be their pulpit. Praise what is due praise. Darkness Evermore succeeds where many bands have trodden and failed – follow-up an earth-shattering debut with yet another masterpiece. After the review of Darkness Evermore, it is only fitting that we end speculation by gaining insight into what makes Nightfell the force they have become. Al Necro fired over some questions to find out more.
(((o))): Hails, Nightfell. The turnaround time for the release of Darkness Evermore after having released your debut last year is quite impressive. Did you guys have this material ready shortly after The Living Ever Mourn? There’s a logical progression from the debut to your sophomore effort, without breaking any new barriers. Did you come up with this material right after The Living Ever Mourn was released?
Nightfell: Unfortunately, we both have day/night jobs and can’t dedicate all of our waking moments to Nightfell. Otherwise, we’d be well into our 4th album by now. We have no shortage of inspiration and ideas and are constantly working on new music. Yes, there is relation of the recordings/songs to each other in how and when they were created but more attention was paid to detail and atmosphere on the newest album. Time and the unfortunate necessity to participate in the mundanity of daily life are our only hindrances.
(((o))): Nightfell arrived as a fully-developed ‘great’ band starting out of the gate. How long have you guys known each other? Was it a difficult climb starting out before recording the debut?
Nightfell: We’ve ‘known’ each other for ‘years’. We share a similar creative mindset so everything came rather naturally. No difficulties, outside of the aforementioned hurdles.
(((o))): You guys are involved in other side-projects. Tim Call is a member of several notable bands. Todd Burdette is a member of quite a few as well. Are you guys focusing on Nightfell considering the enthusiastic response from fans and critics alike?
Nightfell: Yes. We are focused, some may say obsessed.
(((o))): Will your next album sound drastically different? Will future efforts have radical changes to your present direction?
Nightfell: Time will tell. We feel no inclinations or affiliations with any directions or dogmatism. We will create what we feel necessary to purge with no concern for expectations or genre definitions.
(((o))): What’s been the worst criticism you’ve heard a journalist say about Nightfell so far? It’s intriguing to know whether you’ve been scrutinized cruelly, considering the critical acclaim the band has received across the board.
Nightfell: The worst criticism is to be lumped into easy genre compartments with bands we have nothing in common with or even respect. But everyone is a critic nowadays, so most criticism or praise is quite empty to us.
(((o))): At what point will you guys decide that Nightfell has reached its creative zenith, leaving nothing more to be proven?
Nightfell: We will stop the moment the creativity has waned. But that’s a horizon hard to espy from here.
(((o))): Which album do you guys like better? I love both almost equally.
Nightfell: Thank you. We do too.
Cover art for ‘Darkness Evermore’.
(((o))): Can you guys expound on the concept behind Darkness Evermore’s cover art? Does it have some relevance to the music? Is there a theme behind Darkness Evermore?
Nightfell: The paintings are renderings of photos I took from an underground fallout bunker. The lyrics, art and music tell a convoluted tale of paranoia, claustrophobia, fear, and the dichotomy/allure of power/subservience.
(((o))): What ground do you guys cover for the lyrics? What are some of the ideas that Darkness Evermore is meant to express?
Nightfell: There is no such thing as science fiction anymore… the future is now. But we remain dedicated fans of Orwell, Bradbury, Lovecraft, McGoohan, Hirschbiegel/Giordano, Golding, etc. We aim only to paint a twisted picture. How the audience perceives it hinges on a plethora of experiences and mindsets that we have no control over.
(((o))): Tell the Echoes and Dust audience what future projects the two of you are working on? Also, will Nightfell go on tour? If so, where do you intend to play shows?
Nightfell: We are currently rehearsing with a full live band and working towards creating the proper live experience. Spring 2016 should give birth to the beast. New material is also in works.
(((o))): Thank you, Nightfell, for offering your insights into what the band has accomplished so far, as well as those for future efforts. More power to the band!
Nightfell: Thanks for the interview and interest. Evermore!
