Belfast-based metal force Nihilanth are set to release their new EP Detritus Of Ruin, with the band currently sharing new single ‘Don’t Pray For Me’.
Going through several lineup changes since their debut EP Destroyer Of Worlds, the new group configuration of Aidan Thompson on vocals, Pete Craig on guitar and backing vocals, Lee Park on guitar, Andy Parkinson on drums and Jim Ward on bass believe they have now “found their sound”, comprising a raw and aggressive tone with lots of groove.
“Lyrically the EP has a dark undertone,” Nihilanth said. “We touch on subjects close to home such as self-destruction. But also, observations on the world around us, corruption and prejudice we see and experience in organised religions, hatred towards the ‘other’ because we have been force fed lies and propaganda to serve the interests of the wealthiest one per cent. Creatively we also wanted to step it up this time around, adding bits of synth or strings to add more layers to the songs sonically.”
‘Don’t Pray For Me’ has Nihilanth channelling a death metal intensity. Lyrically, it is one of the most direct songs they’ve made to date. The inspiration stems from a personal experience guitarist Pete Craig had after moving to Belfast, shaping a broader commentary on religious fanaticism and the damage it can inflict across all denominations of faith.
While recognising the right to individual belief, the track challenges the imposition of those beliefs on others, particularly when used to incite fear, hostility or division. ‘Don’t Pray For Me’ reflects on how many global conflicts and societal fractures can be traced back to religion or religious persecution. Growing up in Ireland and Northern Ireland, these themes are far from abstract, giving the track a lived-in authenticity that cuts deeper than rhetoric. The result is a bleak but honest examination of how ideology, when weaponised, can bring out the worst in people.
Detritus Of Ruin features the songs ‘Ruin’, ‘The Emergent Truth’, ‘Fangs’ and ‘Don’t Pray For Me’.
‘Ruin’ was the band’s first single from the EP and features guest vocals from Patrick Scanlon of Belfast hardcore band If It Bleeds. It’s a dark and honest look at your inner self and the struggles with self-destructive behaviours.
Detritus Of Ruin has been described not as a reinvention but a realisation, with the band weathering change and sharpening Nihilanth’s identity.
