1. On behalf of the website let me start by congratulating Nile on the induction of their album "Amongst the Catacombs of Nephren-Ka" into Decibel Magazine Hall of Fame! Care to comment?

Actually I had no idea that the album was listed in there. Good to hear!

2. In the Decibel website I read something interesting concerning the induction of your album and I quote “the honor comes from our admiration of an album that challenged the rulebook while abiding by it" In your opinion, how did you guys manage to "challenge the rulebook".



Although I was not part of Nile when that album was released, I believe Karl challenged the rule book by combining ‘Death Metal’ and Egyptian themed lyrics and music but in a Death Metal context. Which at the time was a utterly genius and unique. We continue to write music that we believe is original and fresh.

3. According to recent polls, your upcoming release is one of the most expected albums of 2009, will the name and release date be announced anytime soon? And could you disclose them to your Lebanese fans through Metalje.com? Who will be handling the mastering duties?

Well the album will be called “Those Whom the Gods Detest “and the album should be released around October.

4. Will this new album contain the same technical brutal Nile we're all used to or will there be any new elements?

All I can say is that the new album will be Nile. There are plenty of surprises but I can’t say anything about it sorry.

5. Karl has commented about George’s pre-production habit of draining himself out of health through 8-9 hours a day of practice for weeks and a starvation-like die. Is this the secret that drives this pounding and hammering beast? Any words for the Lebanese drummers that love your artillery?

I believe that drumming should feel intense and if you are playing Death Metal and you’re not sweating you should seriously reconsider your technique because you are probably playing way beneath your capabilities.

6. The release of your latest album "Ithyphallic" conjured both cons and pros. Some said that this album was almost as good as Annihilation of the Wicked; while others said that it was lifeless and unoriginal… How do you address this vast variation in opinions?

All I can say is that I feel that album was fresh and original. Everyone is allowed their opinions no matter what.

7. How does it stand out from “Annihilation of the Wicked” and from the next album?

We try to make each Nile album different so that when you listen to them you know that they are different. No two albums are the same.

8. I am always amazed by the technicality you put into your albums. How have Nile always been able to challenge themselves to top what they’ve done from a technical point of view?

Nile’s writing process is very different from other bands, we believe a good piece of music must not be rushed and needs to be worked on as long as possible. Our music is quite progressive in the fact that we don’t use mainstream song structures.

9. There is no doubt that Nile is one of the most influential bands in death metal but is there a band you guys consider yourselves influenced by?

Of course! We’re influenced from a vast selection of bands, being early and late. Metallica, Slayer, Exodus, obscure acts and bands like Behemoth and Morbid Angel.

10. I can't even begin to describe how many people in Lebanon love you music even though, sadly metal in general and the extreme genres in particular are pretty much despised in this part of the world, what would you like to say to all those Nile fans who suffer everyday from offenses, misconceptions and even arrests just for listening to their music?

All I will say is stand strong for what you believe and love, because if you give up that then you are left with nothing. We are all brothers and must stand up for each other.

11. Being influenced so much by the Egyptian culture, are you guys ever planning to do a show in Egypt? And have you ever traveled to Egypt before? If not then how come?

I have been to Egypt before but it is quite hard to do a show in the country. As is the same in your country.

12. Metalje.com had the pleasure of watching Nile’s performance at Graspop Metal Meeting in the summer of 2008 and I remember seeing Karl taking a photo of our raised Lebanese flag (where the hell is that photo btw? hehe). Chris Lollis (live session bassist since 2007) was certainly a powerhouse on the stage and with a performance suitable for Nile’s legions. Why has he never joined the Nile hordes as a permanent member and remained a live-only bassist?

Chris is an excellent bassist but the fact is that Nile is a 3-piece. We believe the number 3 is stronger than 4 and that is a vital part of Nile. Chris has done the bass on the new album and I’m sure he’ll be in the band for a long time.


13. Your new album is being recorded at Mana Studio (Eric Rutan’s house of conjurations), how’s that process going and how does working with Rutan differ from previous recording houses/recording engineers?

Eric is a brilliant producer, he is far different to any of the others we’ve had before. He knows exactly what he can get from each musician and pushes them to their limit, without breaking them of course. The fact that he’s in a Death Metal band himself is a plus.

14. Which Nile album is your personal favorite and why?

I defiantly don’t have a personal favorite as I think all are unique. But I like the ones that I have recorded.

15. A lot of local promoters have showed interest in bringing Nile to perform in Lebanon, how would you feel about that considering it’s a country in which Nile fans once ended up in jail for listening to Metal music (not Nile in specific)?

I’d be glad to play in Lebanon; hopefully the authorities realize that metal should not be shunned upon. Is society not allowed its outsiders?

16. Do you guys find it difficult to work while George is located in Greece?

No, I have a setup where I go to the US, record tour etc. then at the end of the year I go back home have a break and teach at my school. It’s quite perfect.

17. George’s Intense Metal Drumming DVD is out now, what should drummers expect to find on this DVD?

They should defiantly expect a workout. This DVD contains so many drum exercises and hours of extra content. A lot of Nile material is covered in this DVD.

18. We would you to thank you for your precious time, we can’t wait till the album’s out as we’re sure it’ll be another Nile classic. Any last words you’d like to add to the Lebanese community?

All I’ll say is that keep supporting Nile because we won’t let you down. I’ll see you on tour. All hail the Drum kit!!! \m/

Thanks and horns up to Nile \m/ 

Interview questions by Metalje.com and Hassan Hamed (username: bodomchild).