We recently caught up with Brian Kingsland and Brad Parris of the legendary death metal band Nile, on their tour bus and in high spirits, following a crushing live performance. The two musicians opened up about working with drumming phenom George Kollias, their favorite gear, and what fans can expect next from the band.
Playing with a Legend: George Kollias on Drums
For both Brian and Brad, playing alongside George Kollias is a surreal experience—even years into their time with Nile.
“There are moments during every single show when I turn around, see George back there, and think, ‘Goddamn, I’m playing with George Kollias,’” says bassist Brad Parris. “He’s honestly the easiest drummer to follow—so fluid, so precise. He keeps everything super tight and true to the albums.”
Guitarist Brian Kingsland agrees, adding,
“You kind of get used to how good he is, but then he’ll do something mid-show that reminds you: this dude is insane. And he’s also a super funny, easygoing guy. It’s a pleasure to share the stage with him.”
Life on the Road: Tour Vibes and Chemistry
Brian Kingsland says the current tour is running as smoothly as you could hope for:
“To be honest, it’s going great. Everybody’s been really cool on tour. The Overkill guys are crushing it every night. The weather hasn’t been too bad either—just a blast all around.”
Brad Parris agrees, noting how rare it is to have such good chemistry on the road:
“Everyone’s getting along really well. It can be stressful on tour, especially with different personalities, but we’ve got a great crew—and Overkill’s crew is awesome too. It makes a huge difference.”
Joining Nile: A Smooth Transition
Brad gave some background on how Brian joined the band, stepping into the role previously held by longtime guitarist Dallas Toler-Wade:
“Dallas wanted to pursue his own path, so when the time came to find someone new, Brian was a natural fit. We already knew him, and he’s from the same part of upstate South Carolina we are. That made it easy to rehearse regularly—and that kind of convenience really helped.”
Brian adds:
“Honestly, I think living nearby and already having the skill set made the decision easier for them. Plus, we all get along, which is a huge plus.”
So how long has Brian officially been in the band?
“I guess, as far as the public knows, about two weeks,” he jokes. “But I’ve actually been working on material with them for a few months—we just kept it low-key at first.”
New Tour Legs & Support Acts
As the tour progresses, Nile is set to wrap things up with a slightly different lineup of bands:
“The last week of the tour will include Amorphis and Follow the Sun, which is really exciting. Both are super interesting bands, and we’re looking forward to checking them out,” says Brian.
Recording Contributions & Future Plans
Brad clarified his role in Nile’s most recent album:
“I joined the band just as they started writing the last album. I didn’t play bass on the record, but I did contribute vocals. Timing-wise, I came in right as the writing process began.”
And what about new material?
“We’ve actually been working on new songs even before Brian officially joined. A couple of tracks are already in the works. We’re hoping to have a new album out by late this year or early next year,” Brad reveals.
Guitars, Basses, and Battle-Ready Rigs
When it comes to gear, both musicians are passionate and particular about their setups.
“We’ve all used Dean guitars for a long time,” Brad explains. “They’re one of the best in the business when it comes to supporting artists. I’m currently playing a Dean Edge 4 Pro bass, and I recently started working with EMG—which I’m really excited about.”
Brian, while still waiting for the right endorsement deal, knows what he likes.
“My main guitar right now is a Jackson King V, and my backup is a Rusty Cooley six-string Xenocide. I’m running it through a Mesa cabinet, Axe-FX, and a VHT power amp. It’s a pretty straightforward rig, but it gets the job done—loud and clear.”
He adds that for him, it’s a toss-up between Dean and Jackson guitars—both deliver the tone and durability that extreme metal demands.
What’s Next for Nile?
So what’s on the horizon for Nile? While there are a few tour dates on the books—including a massive slot at Wacken Open Air—the main focus right now is writing a new album.
“We’ve got some summer festivals in Europe lined up and possibly a Latin or South American run later in the year,” Brad shares. “But our primary goal is to finish writing the next record. Hopefully, it’ll be out by early next year.”
With Brian and Brad continuing to settle into their roles as the newest members of Nile, fans can expect a fresh wave of brutal energy in the band’s upcoming material.
Desert Island Albums: Metal Edition
We put Brad and Brian to the test with the classic “desert island albums” question—pick three albums you’d listen to for the rest of your life.
Brad’s picks:
- Abbey Road – The Beatles
- South of Heaven – Slayer (with Reign in Blood close behind)
- Master of Reality – Black Sabbath
Brian’s picks:
- Moving Pictures – Rush
- Spectres from the Galaxy – (Possibly a lesser-known personal favorite)
- Hemispheres – Rush
- Black Sabbath – Black Sabbath (if he could sneak in a fourth)
Classic Over New: Musical Influences That Stick
When it comes to musical inspiration, both musicians admit they tend to lean toward the classics.
“I try to keep up with the newer bands—there’s some great progressive stuff out there—but I find myself going back to the older material,” Brian admits. “It might just be that I’m getting old!”
“Same here,” Brad says. “There are some excellent new bands in extreme metal, but I mostly listen to classic rock and old-school metal. That’s just what sticks with me.”
So when did the cutoff happen?
“Probably early 2000s and back,” Brad says. “That’s the stuff I always return to.”
Final Words
As we wrapped up, both musicians took a moment to thank the fans.
“Thanks to everyone for the continued support,” Brian says. “It means a lot to be out here doing what we love.”
Brad adds, “It’s always awesome to meet fans, talk music, and share what’s going on behind the scenes. Stay metal!”
Nile’s current tour continues to bring brutal energy to the stage, backed by a tight crew and solid camaraderie. With new material already in progress and a refreshed lineup in sync, the future looks heavy—and bright—for one of death metal’s most enduring forces.
Catch Nile on tour and stream wherever you get your music
Watch the full video interview below.
Interview by Todd Owens | Editing by Capital Chaos TV
Categories: Interviews, News, Nile
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