An Evening With Nile

Written By Tom Wilke

Formed in 1993 in Greenville, South Carolina, Nile is a pioneering force in the death metal genre.

The band is known for their dedicated lyrical and musical style, which is inspired by Egyptology and Lovecraftian themes.

The band’s lineup features founding members Karl Sanders (guitar, vocals) and George Kollias (drums), alongside Brian Kingsland – Guitar, Vocals
Zach Jeter – Guitar, Vocals
Dan Vadim Von – Bass

Nile’s sound is characterized by complex rhythms, swift guitar work, and lyrics inspired by ancient history and mythology, setting them apart from their peers. Their critically acclaimed albums, including Amongst the Catacombs of Nephren-Ka and Annihilation of the Wicked, have solidified their reputation as one of the most influential bands in extreme metal. With a dedication to their craft and a reputation for electrifying live performances, Nile continues to captivate audiences worldwide, pushing the boundaries of metal music.

Despite a delayed start of 30-40 minutes, the anticipation for Nile’s performance in Brisbane Australia at The Briteside October 17th, 2024 was palpable as fans eagerly awaited their arrival. The venue was packed, and the crowd, feeling the heat and pressure of the tight pit, expressed their impatience with chants of “Nile”, only its sounded like “Nigel” presumable due to the need for a two-syllable cheer.

The local support acts set an impressive tone for the evening. Descent, a tight-knit death metal band with hardcore influences, delivered a compelling performance. Following them, Carnal Viscera, an extreme metal group with grind and slam elements, showcased their unique style. The vocalist injected humor into their set, casually introducing a song with a memorable quip about “my two favorite things, cocaine and cannibalism…with chainsaws and stuff.”

When Nile finally took the stage, the excitement reached a fever pitch. Frontman Karl Sanders commanded the left side of the stage, allowing their charismatic bassist to shine in the spotlight. The band treated the audience to a nice selection with fan favorites “Sacrifice Upon Sebek” and “Defiling the Gates of Ishtar,” instantly igniting the crowd. The energy was perceptible, with mosh pits forming and crowd surfers emerging early on. A brief delay occurred after “Strike With Secret Fang” when drummer George Kollias stepped offstage for a fan, leaving guitarist/vocalist Zach Jeter to engage the audience.

The set seamlessly blended new tracks from The Underworld Awaits Us All with classics, including selections from Vile Nilotic Rites, which had gone unheard in the region. Dan Vadim Von, commanding the stage, and Karl Sanders rounded out the trio of vocalists. The sound quality was impressive for the small venue, with the faster songs occasionally blurring and the atmospheric moments resonating powerfully. Nile delivered a potent performance, closing with “Chapter for Not Being Hung Upside Down on a Stake in the Underworld, Made to Eat Feces by the Four Apes” and the title track from Black Seeds of Vengeance, showcasing some of the best in technical death metal.

The intimate venue buzzed with energy as the crowd celebrated Nile’s arrival, and the pit transformed into a frenzy, complete with crowdsurfers making the most of the moment. George Kollias, known for his elaborate drum setup, was a sight to behold. He powered through the set, though the heat was palpable; at one point, he requested a fan as he visibly struggled with the hot temperature.

Overall, the night was a thrilling experience, filled with exceptional performances and an electric atmosphere.

Metal Lair Rates This Concert A 3.5 Horns Up!