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Nekros                         1 2 Next Auckland based Dark Rock band Nekros have been playing the local circuit for a few years now and have built up quite a respectable and loyal following with their moody blend of pounding merciless Death Rock and haunting atmospheric rhythms. The band was started back in 1992 by David Hendriksen, a.k.a. Nekros (vocals) and Billy Bassett (bass). They recruited James (guitar), and Donna (vocals). The beats were entrusted to a Dr Rhythm drum machine. James soon moved back to London and Donna proved stylistically unsuitable, so Billy changed to guitar while David took over the bass duties. Jared Sheffield joined on rhythm guitar, and Paul Cartwright came on board as backing vocalist.A short time later, Dr Rhythm was retired and Paul took over on drums. The band recorded a demo and produced a couple of videos, and played several sets at the Club Bizarre cellar nights in 1999. Jared then decided to head overseas and the band decided to continue as a three piece. However, dissatisfaction with the sound led to a re-evaluation of the band's direction. A keyboard player was recruited, and the name shortened to Nekros. The current lineup consisted of:
David Hendriksen: vocals & bass, Billy Bassett: guitar, Bronwyn Renall: keyboards & backing vocals, Paul Cartwright: drums. Early gigs included The Beam Bar, The Cellar Bar, Club 54, an impromptu gig at the Herekino Tavern, with the barman on drums (Paul wasn't there) and a well recieved set at the Club Bizarre produced HALLOWEEN 2001 gig at the Kings Arms. After playing at Nebula One at The Temple, they went into the studio to record their debut CD "Bourbon and Razor Blades", which was released in August 2002. Last year's highlight was performing at the annual Vampyre Ball to a very enthused audience. Paul left early 2004, and the other members have since moved on to other projects. Nekros - Bourbon and Razor Blades (CD) CLUB BIZARRE Nekros one of Aucklands leading Goth/dark rock bands that has been around a few years now and has pulled off many a live scorcher in their time have just released this wee gem their debut album. Eight tracks of superb morose variation leaping furiously from ethereal to Death Rock to dark Metal showing off their talents influences and versatility. The opening track Dead Man Walking apparently the live audiences current favourite Nekros song of the moment a great lumbering Death rock anthem about a man facing death row, gives an inkling of what is instore for the rest of the album theme and mood-wise. Lovely. Lacrimae is a contrasting and beautiful standout almost epic track that has a deep and haunting almost ethereal-ness with its interwashing layers of keyboard and guitar atmospherics coupling the soul laden and mornful vocals of Nekros and Morgana. The following track Hymn for the Dead is a brilliantly dour rhythmic piece that spirals sorrowfully and slowly in downward directions. Moody and painful yet beautifully deep and emotional reminding me of the early days of Clan of Xymox. Nyctophobia with its driving continuously hypnotic bass rhythm and guitar shard interludes give a nice chugging lead into Nosferatus Touch a very cool and incredibly campy Halloween vampire song that would fit perfectly alongside the B-grade Vamp flick classics of the 60s and 70s with its cheesy church bells and wailing organ thunder and lightning sound effects and twangy wah guitar. Love No More is a powerful Death Rock number with big guitar and synth layering that gives it strength and potency whilst the final track No Hope this time with lead vocals from guitarist Ego gives away secrets of early 80s Metal influences perhaps and a great song to finish up on. All up a fantastic and refreshing debut release which shows a band with much potential. Get Bourbon and Razor Blades in ya.....preferably in that order too! Simon Plummer Back
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