N.I.L Interview

1. Can you update us with what is going on with N.I.L these days?
Right now we're sort of in flux. The vinyl for the first record has been scrapped and we're trying to shop that and our new 3 song ep around. With how peoples situation worldwide with money and the impact it's having on the record industry even down to the underground makes such things pretty difficult. We'll be working on writing new songs fairly soon since my schedule has cleared up enough that time can be properly dedicated to it.

2. What is the meaning behind the band's name?
Absolute nothingness. Lack of the self.

3. What are some of the best shows that you have played so far and how would you describe your stage performance?
Thus far we've only done one show, with Profanatica, Woe, Father Befouled and Witch Tomb plus some other bands in 2008. We did it as a two piece and technically it was a fucking mess. The sound was atrocious and I personally played very badly. We had another show lined up this time as a four piece last year with some experimental and power electronics projects but because of severe weather we couldn't make it. The only memorable thing from the first show was the amount of fights that occurred and some melodramatic asshole at the end of the night. Nil live should be in the right environment and we've taken that into consideration for any future performances.

4. Are there any plans for an extended U.S tour, or European tour?
Marcheski cannot devote time to more than one or two shows due to his job so such things are totally out of the question. It's not impossible that I would play a Nil song during a Krieg show eventually.

5. I remember in 2007 you put out an album on Southern lord Records, which I bought back then, and according to your page you are currently unsigned, what happened with your old label and what kind of label are you looking for these days?
We were signed to Battle Kommand Records with US distribution exclusively through Southern Lord whom, depending on sales, were going to do the album on vinyl as well. Though Greg Anderson is a strong supporter of our music we doubt that he'll be releasing the vinyl. Right now we're looking for a label to release our 3 song mcd and perhaps another full length if that goes well. Our needs aren't very extensive, just some money to help fund the recording and someone to believe in the music enough to promote it properly.

6. When can we expect new material?
Hopefully the mcd will surface by the end of the year. I will be working on sending promos out within the next few weeks. Then we'll either do another full length or perhaps a 7 inch. The material on the mcd is years old as far as writing so I'm curious to see how we'll progress from there since neither of us has stopped learning new things about equipment, sound and such

7. How would you describe the musical progress over the years and what direction do you see the band heading into on future releases?
It went from me working out Strid/Silexater worship riffs in the flat of Krieg's german bassist in 04 and thinking of using a drum machine or session members to a fully thought out expression when we finally recorded. Since we haven't written any new material since late 2008 I don't know what we'll sound like now.

8. How would you describe the lyrical content of the music?
Free flowing stream of consciousness. Metaphors for personal experiences and truths.

9. What was the cause of Twilight and March Inot Sea breaking up, and what is going on with Krieg and Nachtmystium these days, also do you have any other projects going on?
Twilight ceased due to some legal and personal bullshit that's not worth going into. We reformed last year and recorded a new full length which will be released in April on Southern Lord. March disbanded because of cliche reasons and I highly doubt anyone cares. Krieg just recorded our debut for Candlelight Records titled "The Isolationist" and a split with Gravecode Nebula, both will be out in the summer. I'm also invovled in The Royal Arch Blaspheme with John Gelso from Profanatica and our s/t CD/LP will be released in the spring through Hell's Headbangers. I haven't been involved in Nachtmystium in four years or so but they also just finished their new record and it will be a big surprise for many people I think.

10. What are some bands or musical styles that have influenced your music and what are you listening to nowadays?
Lots of different music from black metal to power electronics, old punk,shoegaze, no wave, postpunk, death metal, crust, doom etc. Recently I've been listening to Woe's first album, Beherit's genius comeback "Engram", a lot of Rudimentary Peni and two noise projects that deserve recognition: Dead Times and Sewer Goddess.

11. I know that you have toured Europe with some of the bands you have been in, how would you compare the black metallers out there to the ones in America?
I haven't done a show in Europe in five years so I can't say how it is now but we were almost always treated very well and with few exceptions the crowds were very violent and had great energy. American crowds these days vary from place to place, some great, some boring. As with anywhere you'll still have the fashion show of people going to gigs to show off their new rare shirt or to be a drunken twat. I've met great people from all over the world and at least one asshole in every city.

12. I know you have had some interest in philosophers but have you ever had an interest in Satanism or Occultism?
Only when I was much younger. While I do believe in the dark forces that are in nature and the cosmos I'm more fascinated by the shadows that dwell in man. Though I will say if you are interested in non theatrical Satanism "The Devil's Bible" published by Severed Head Press is worth seeking out as it's author is sincere and passionate.

13. Which philosophers had the most impact on your music or life?
The ones who will never be published or acknowledged. Also Bertrand Russell, Sartre, Camus and a lot of the free thinkers of the early 20th century are providing me with a lot of great perspective though I cannot claim to be extremely well versed with them.

14. How has your music been received so far by black metal fans worldwide?
Varies from band to band, album to album, place to place. Some people either think what I'm doing has significance, others just enjoy the music and a lot of people just think I'm a fat pompous asshole

15. How would you describe the metal scene in New Jersey?
5-10 years ago it was much stronger. Nowadays I don't really go to very many shows. Immolith is probably the only active band from New Jersey I have contact with as far as black metal. Craig Pillard also always has some sort of interesting project going on. Beyond that there's really nothing I can think of.

16. What are some of your interests outside of music?
Reading/writing, film, bourbon, fetishism, and the unhealthy habit of cigarettes. My reading consists of going back and forth between challenging authors and easier to digest books on musical movements. I have a great deal of interest in mental illness and sexual deviance as well.

17. Any final words or thoughts?
Open your mind and escape the self.

https://www.metal-archives.com/bands/N.I.L./87057