From the scorching heat of the Arabian deserts to the blistering cold of Canada, Nephelium blend old school death metal with Middle Eastern melodies into a perfect musical collaboration. Nephelium‘s co-founder and drummer, Alan Madhavan, talks about the band’s journey and debut album ‘Coils Of Entropy‘
Hails from India, my friend. First things first, congratulations for the official release of Nephelium’s debut album ‘Coils of Entropy’, which is receiving positive reviews from everywhere. How excited are you?
It has been taken a lot of blood, sweat and tears to be able to express our emotions to the world through our music. However, when you have a burning desire to accomplish something and more importantly a childhood dream, nothing can stand in your way! To say we are excited would be an understatement, we are ECSTATIC!!! 🙂
Will you please throw some light on the album? Any specific reason to name it ‘Coils of Entropy’?
In many aspects of life, when something has reached its conclusion (or so we think it has), people stop right there and don’t want to venture into what could be after the end. As individuals, we have all had instances in our lives where something of that nature has happened and felt compelled delve into the subject matter more literally than figuratively. Coils of Entropy is a concept album that essentially depicts what lurks around and still exists in the world after its demise.
The band has been active since 1995. I’m sure you have a lot of history to tell our readers.
Alex and I along with a few other friends, who are now on their own paths, started the band back in the U.A.E. Over there, we were an integral part of the infrastructure of what is a globally recognized metal scene today. Through several line-up changes and hiatuses Alex and I felt that we had reached the pinnacle of what we could do in the U.A.E. but didn’t want to stop this machine we had created and so decided to relocate to Canada. We quickly acquired hard-working band members and started work on this record. We worked diligently, rehearsing four to five times a week and played shows around Ontario to get our name out there. It has been a tumultuous journey across oceans and continents but here we are, happy as ever!
When you shifted to Canada, how difficult was it to complete the line-up again and then getting started. How long did it take?
As mentioned above, it wasn’t too long at all. Alex met Boyan, our ex-vocalist, through mutual friends and our ex-guitarist, Dan through advertising at local shows (he got picked up at a Suffocation show I believe!). Ironically, our old bass player, Jay was introduced to the band through James, our current guitarist – there’s a little soap opera bullshit for ya! 😀 When Boyan, Dan and Jay decided to part ways, Alex and I were stuck for a period looking for new recruits but never stopped playing. We served in Burn to Black (Sam Dunn’s Metal, A Headbanger’s Journey’s band) for quite a while and I played with Toronto based hardcore/thrash band Redeemer for a brief period as well. We’re glad to have been a part of both of those bands as playing different styles always compliments your musicianship. Shortly after Burn to Black broke up, we started being a little more aggressive with our search for new members and quickly solidified the line-up we have today, which is undoubtedly the final and best we’ve ever had. More than just a band, we’re a family.
What were the challenges you faced, including line-up changes, while writing and recording the album?
Line-up changes weren’t an issue at the time. Alike most bands, most of our issues were monetary. We overcame them by working harder at our outside jobs, picking up more shifts and hours to be able to support what we needed to do.
The band had to wait more than 15 years for its debut full-length album. What, according to you, took so long? Are you satisfied with your journey as a band till now?
As stated in previous answers, financial issues along with other smaller more personal dilemmas were amongst the reasons for this album taking as long as it did. When recording, the studio also underwent renovation, which kept us out for a certain period as well. Having said that, I wouldn’t change anything! Everything in life is a learning experience and speaking on behalf of the band, we are all happy with where we are today. Certain circumstances lead to certain consequences and if we were to say that we would’ve changed even the smallest of things, we might have not had what we have or be where we are today.
The band has seen countless line-up changes. Even you’re having an almost entirely different line-up now, than the one that recorded the album. Your take on that?
All the members we’ve had in the past were committed and hard working. Our current members however, are the best we’ve ever had. As I said earlier, aside from being a band, we are a family. We are there for each other in every facet of life and not for this sole reason but being part of a band that has that level of love and respect for one another really reflects in your music, in terms of communication and chemistry.
Your music is a blend of Death metal with old school roots and Arabian melodies. From which bands/musicians do you draw musical influences from?
We all come from different musical backgrounds with a fair amount of formal training, some through teachers and some through ourselves. I grew up listening to a lot of commercial radio friendly music, ballads (my mum and dad’s choice of music…), Indian classical and jazz. I was part of my high school jazz band and a rock/alternative band just after high school before I started getting into metal. Apart from the obvious, all these genres of music play a big role in my writing process. I draw inspiration from anything that stirs something inside me. Some of my favorite bands are Decapitated, Death, Kronos, Aeon, Origin, Slipknot, Blink 182; I could go on for ever…! 😀 As far as drummers are concerned, George Kollias of Nile, John Longstreth of Origin, Vitek (RIP brother) of Decapitated, Gavin Harrison of Porcupine Tree, Dennis Chambers, Dave Weckl and again, the list could go on and on…
How was the experience sharing the same stage with Death metal heavyweights Skinless, and then Deicide?
One I will never forget, especially since the Skinless gig was our first in Canada! That was Nephelium’s first taste of sharing the stage and chilling with a metal band in our lives. Awesome memories for sure!
Which cities have you toured for the promotion of album? What response did you get from the fans?
We haven’t started touring in support of the album just as yet. We are taking care of a few things and tying up some loose ends before we hit the road but do keep up to date on our social networks like Facebook, ReverbNation etc. for up-coming shows in and around your area!
How would you compare the metal scene and the fans of Canada to that of Dubai?
Of late, Dubai’s scene has skyrocketed with international acts gracing their soil. This has definitely allowed for growth in the scene as people are able to appreciate the impact of a live metal show. The fans back home are just as die hard as they are here. Fans are always trying to help bands put on shows, help out where they can with recording etc. It’s nice to know that we were part of a foundation of what is now a strong scene and refreshing to hear that metal is ever growing in Dubai.
Have you heard of any metal bands from India?
The only one I’ve listened to a few years ago too is Demonic Resurrection. I remember being floored by the drummer at the time. JP I think his name was. SIC drummer and SIC band! My parents live in India so it would be great to play over there and perhaps share the stage with them.
From where can I order ‘Coils of Entropy’?
Coils of Entropy is available on i-tunes, Amazon, Bandcamp, CD Baby and Napster among other digital distributors.
Thanks a lot for your time, man. It was a pleasure interacting with you. At last, anything you’d like to say to all your fans and metalheads worldwide?
Thank you brother, the pleasure was all mine! Thank you all for your continued support and being the blood that fuels this machine! We hope to see you in India sometime soon!