A force to be reckoned with in death metal, the American band Nile is currently led by founder Karl Sanders (vocals and guitar), alongside Brian Kingsland (guitar and vocals), Zach Jeter (guitar and vocals), Dan Vadim Von (bass and vocals), and the relentless George Kollias (drums). The band is now unleashing their tenth studio album, The Underworld Awaits Us All (2024).
Formed by Sanders in 1993—when most death metal bands were all about gore and carnage—Nile set themselves apart with a unique theme centered on ancient Egyptian culture. Even their name was inspired by the Nile River. Their brand of extreme, brutal death metal is steeped in lyrics about ancient Egyptian inscriptions, temple engravings, papyrus texts, hieroglyphs, and tomb paintings depicting epic battles, rituals, and religious ceremonies. This vision took shape with their crushing debut, Amongst The Catacombs Of Nephren-Ka (1998), followed by Black Seeds of Vengeance (2000) and In Their Darkened Shrines (2002). But Nile never stagnated albums like Annihilation of the Wicked (2005), Ithyphallic (2007), and Those Whom The Gods Detest (2009) showcased different dimensions of their relentless sound.
While At the Gate of Sethu (2012) took a hyper-polished, technical approach, What Should Not Be Unearthed (2015) stripped things back for a more direct and punishing sound. Then came Vile Nilotic Rites (2019), which drummer George Kollias described as a special album that embodies the band’s tight-knit chemistry—something that, according to him, translates directly to their live performances.
Nile has always been well-received by Brazilian fans since their first visit in 2010, certainly they will get the same warm welcome at Bangers Open Air 2025.
Sunday, May 4
NILE
Respected institution in death metal, the American band Nile currently led by founder Karl Sanders (vocals and guitar), Brian Kingsland (guitar and vocals), Zach Jeter (guitar and vocals), Dan Vadim Von (bass and vocals), and George Kollias (drums). These guys are now gearing up to unleash their tenth studio album, The Underworld Awaits Us All (2024).
Formed by Sanders in 1993—an era when most bands in the genre focused on blood and mutilated bodies—Nile stood out with a unique thematic approach, using Egyptian culture as its primary reference. Even the band’s name was inspired by the Nile River. Brutal and extreme death metal infused with themes of ancient Egyptian inscriptions, temple engravings, papyrus texts, hieroglyphs, and tomb paintings depicting battles, rituals, and religious ceremonies. This concept was fully embraced in their debut album, Amongst the Catacombs of Nephren-Ka (1998).
With Black Seeds of Vengeance (2000) and In Their Darkened Shrines (2002), this new formula of extreme death metal—combining its brutal essence with Middle Eastern melodies—was solidified among fans. Annihilation of the Wicked (2005) further raised the bar with its technical death metal approach, though it stripped away the Middle Eastern elements. Ithyphallic (2007) found a balance between brutality and haunting passages, incorporating themes inspired by H. P. Lovecraft.
Those Whom the Gods Detest (2009) showcased yet another side of Nile, incorporating Iranian and Hindu influences mixed with bizarre tempo and torturous vocals that evoke imagery straight out of the Middle East. While At the Gate of Sethu (2012) was marked by its ultra-clean production and technical details, What Should Not Be Unearthed (2015) took a more direct approach. Vile Nilotic Rites (2019) was described by drummer George Kollias as a special album: “I feel it represents the spirit of teamwork that Nile has today, and that energy is also reflected on stage.”
Nile has always been well-received by Brazilian fans since their first visit in 2010, and they are set to receive the same warm welcome at Bangers Open Air 2025.
