NILE took the stage at Hellfest in Clisson, France on June 29th, but without a key member. Founding guitarist Karl Sanders fell “seriously ill” and was unable to perform.
Yesterday, Sanders released the following statement via social media: “I’m heartbroken to share that I became seriously ill after Graspop [Metal Meeting in Belgium] and have been in an emergency hospital this week in Belgium. As a result, I am going to have to miss NILE‘s performance at Hellfest.
“This is the first time in 19 years that I, personally, have not played a show due to illness, and it’s incredibly hard for me to disappoint you all.
He continued: “Over the many years of my career with NILE, I have played shows while combating broken bones, neck injuries, back injuries, hand and wrist injuries, and all conceivable varieties of tour flu and infection sicknesses. If there were any way at all for me to make the show at Hellfest, believe me I would be there to participate in Metal. It’s just not possible this time. However, in the spirit of metal perseverance, the other members of NILE — George, Dan, and Zach — will be there to play the show as a three-piece. Please show them your support as they bravely give it their all to bring you the music that we in NILE love to share. Your energy and enthusiasm will make all the difference to create an unforgettable experience for everyone. It will make me happy to see videos of epic moshing and classic NILE chants at Hellfest from my sickbed!
“Thank you for your understanding and support,” Karl added. “I appreciate all of you, and will see you back on tour with the guys in September.”
NILE returns in 2024 with their highly-anticipated 10th onslaught, The Underworld Awaits Us All, out August 23 via Napalm Records. Boasting airtight technicality and unrelenting brutality, the new album pushes each member of NILE – founding mastermind/guitarist Karl Sanders, longtime drum master George Kollias, vocalist/guitarists Brian Kingsland and Zach Jeter, and bassist Dan Vadim Von – to their furthest extremes both in artistry and performance.
Reeder, the visionary behind Metal Addicts, has transformed his lifelong passion for metal into a thriving online community for metal aficionados. As a fervent devotee of black metal, Reeder is captivated by its dark, atmospheric, and often unorthodox soundscapes.
