The Record

After kicking around DC for a few years, the band embarked on making their first studio record.  Looking for a producer that understood their unique sensibilities, the band sought guidance from production guru, Joel Hamilton (Mike Patton, Unsane, Made Out of Babies).  After blindly reaching out to Hamilton, they received word back that he was impressed with the strength of the material and suggested that he himself record Nihilitia.  The album was engineered and mixed by Hamilton at his Brooklyn studio in August 2008.  “Recording with Joel Hamilton was very much a dream come true. Sometimes I still can't believe it happened.” says Hussain.  “When I initially reached out to him, I was merely hoping for some insight on recording and recommendations on with whom to work.  Once Joel decided he wanted to take us on as a personal project, it was probably the best thing that ever could have happened to us. He really took us under his wing and we became a better band in the process - learning volumes about ourselves, our abilities, each other's abilities, etc.”  The result is Nihilist Militia, one of the most unexpected and compelling heavy rock listens of 2009.

Nihilist Militia’s most prominent strength is its cohesiveness.  While each member’s distinct musical voice can be heard, it’s the synthesis of the three into a new and different whole that makes the record memorable.  Thomas’ searing leads soar over top of the rumbling low-end of the Hussain/Sheppard rhythm section.  The songs are driven by pulverizing and relentless drumming while sinewy bass lines expand and contract, creating a palpable tension.  The seven tracks contain memorable riffs and expressive lead work that command attention while showing tasteful restraint.