1.For those that have never heard of you before, can you tell us a little bit about the musical project?
Nekhen is an ancient egypt culture inspired, heavy and dark musical project with heterogeneous influences, blended to create a characteristic eerie atmosphere, evoked by an organic and primitive, yet refined sound.
2.So far you have released one ep, how would you describe the musical sound that is presented on the recording?
Atmospheric, evocative, dark, earthy, narcotic but stirring.
3.You label your music as 'Kemetic metal', can you tell us a little bit about the term?
Since doom, black, and other labels were not completely fitting, I created one. Kemetic come from KMT, Kemet, which means "black earth", that's how ancient egyptians called their land. That's the only defined influence of Nekhen since the musical ones are ambiguous. Actually I don't find even "metal" to be 100% right but "Kemetic metal" is the closest label I've found. It may change in the future.
4.The music concept deals a lot with Ancient Egypt, can you tell us a little bit more about your interest in this topic?
It's always been in me but only some time ago it really blossomed, and the more I dig into it the more it flourishes and comes out. The interest is really for the whole of it, I really cannot say I'm intrested in a particular part of it more than another.
5.So far the music has been instrumental. are you open to using any vocals in the future?
Yes. The idea is to have instrumental EPs which are interpretations of defined subjects (in this first case the Amduat as rappresented in the tomb of Thutmose III, which is the most complete one in different ways) which can cover any periods of Kemet, and full-leghts with some voice which are focused on the predynastic and early period, but are not a piece-by-piece-translation-like thing.
6.What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name 'Nekhen'?
Nekhen is one of the places where it all started, in the upper part of Kemet. It's also known for being one of the first cult places of Horus. It has been one of my inspirations in the overall creative process and at the same time I thought it's the name that went better with the music.
7.With this project you record everything by yourself, are you open to working with other musicians in the future?
Yes, but later on, probably for instruments I don't play like aerophones and harps, as i'm not going to use samples, or maybe some female vocals.
8.Currently you are unsigned, are you looking for a label or have received any interest?
I don't have a defined idea about this and honestly haven't thought about it enough. Digital distribution by Sepulchral Silence has been offered to me and I accepted, and it's now about to start.
9.On a worldwide level how has the feedback been to your music by fans of extreme metal?
The main feedback by now is maybe about the oddness of the genre, also nice feedbacks from Kemet lovers.
10.Where do you see yourself heading into musically during the future?
I'm now writing the first full lenght, it's actually taking much longer than expected because the more I compose the more different evolutive possibilities unfold and they have to be explored practically. After this another EP will come.
11.What are some of the bands or musical styles that have had an influence on your music and also what are you listening to nowadays?
Really many and different ones, from african and persian classical music to stoner doom or experimental black metal and others. These days I'm mainly listening to Terra Tenebrosa, Belzebong and Nirali Kartik.
12.What are some of your non musical interests?
Mainly ancient egypt, oriental and ancient spirituality, walking in nature especially at dusk or later.
13.Before we wrap up this interview, do you have any final words or thoughts?
I'm very thankful for your appreciation and found your questions really nice. Keep up the good work.
dwa ntr n.k, thank you.
Ankh Wedja Seneb
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