Killjo Zapata-Guitars, vocals    Mel Schantz-Vocals, lyrics   Jasper Jones-Bass, vocals   Juan Sermeno-Drums

NME9 is a Los Angeles based goth/post punk/deathrock band formed in 2024. Collectively, the music of the band reflects its member’s roots in those genres as well as the darker influences of punk and alt metal.

Formed in a house tucked away somewhere in North Hollywood occupied by prog/rock bassist Jones, the project initially came together with songs and ideas contributed by all the members. With experience meeting innovation, the original collaboration featured guitarist Killjo Zapata (Sacred Spiders, Deep Eynde, Only Theater of Pain, Eyeliner), Steve Jennings (13th Sky), the afore-mentioned Jasper Jones (too many bands to list) and Mel Schantz (Unit F).

The resulting songwriting would yield moody, ethereal combinations of sweeping guitars and effects, melodic basslines, and a unique esoteric approach to the lyrics and vocals. The band’s music is equal parts classic goth, post-punk and organic LA deathrock expressed in a contemporary way that is both dynamic and reflective of current times.

Drummer Roger De Long joined the band in late 2024, but Jennings left to concentrate on 13th Sky. Heading into the studio, Killjo accepted the challange of playing the second guitar parts originally created by Jennings, and by the end of 2024 NME9 had tracked three songs that were released as singles in 2025 (The Smoke of Ages, Message of the Bodies, and The Returning).

NME9 played shows throughout 2025, and by the end of the year with a full leger of material they were ready to head to the studio.  Exploring the production process, the band decided to tap experienced musician and producer William Faith (Christian Death, Mephisto Waltz, Faith and the Muse, Bellweather Syndicate) to handle the recording. With Delong stepping away from the drums, Faith suggested drummer Juan Sermeno (Deep Eynde, Penis Flytrap) whom he had previously recorded, and with whom Killjo had played with. Full circle.

By mid 2026, NME9 played shows up and down the California coast to establish their standing in the community, with Sermeno punching up the songs significantly without losing  the bands tradmark dynamics. 

"NME9 has a sound that is both familuar and unique. It's still modern. You guys don't sound like anyone else, which is what I love. This is the kind of band I want to be working with" said Faith.

Drawing on their combined experiences through their years in Los Angeles music scene, the NME9 now heads into the studio with Faith to record six songs (release date to be announced). The EP will attempt to capture the bands unique blend of dynamics with an  uncompromisingly original sound. Songs that are hauntingly familiar in melody while dodging the derivative and the cliche.  One description offered “Bauhaus meets the Doors, as if Perfect Circle collided with Christian Death”. 

“ It is a pretty exciting time for us” commented vocalist Mel Schantz. “I mean the songs sound as good from the stage as they do recorded, and as much as we look forward to our next couple of shows, the ability of these guys to write these songs show me where the scene is headed. Pushing the envelope, creating that vibe that really hits…and bringing that to the stage? Amazing. Capturing the essence of that by recording with William Faith? Bucketlist checked”.

With the current dystopian backdrop as its own moving stage,  NME9 has written songs that reflect an ancient knowledge, indigenous wisdom and forgotten human histories, without forgetting where we are right now. “I believe the human race was once bonded and spiritually connected, and our ancestors left proof of such connectivity and alliance” noted guitarist Killjo Zapata. “Obviously this has changed and not only has much of that that been blown up or hidden, but the chaotic disorder that we live in today depends on keeping those truths being hidden. As if we are blinded from these truths.”

NME9 is not daunted by the task of creating and performing in such a disorienting and discordant social environment any more than they are comfortable with those who claim to be the current self-anointed controllers of such a society.

“Keep in mind our influences and musical inspirations have roots which primarily originate with our tribal and indigenous ancestors, so the songs, the frequencies of what we do and the vibrational effect of what we express are a modern reflection of that.” Zapata continued. “So, you can say that we are the enemies of those that try to blind us or keep us from the truth….we combine that with the sacred number 9, and we have NME9”. 

 “NME9 is a live band, which is great” said Jones, “ but we can't wait to record these songs with William because I really think he understands who we are and where we are coming from. “

Vocalist Schantz added “I think the content of these songs gives the sound added significance....and that by recognizing where we are as a society, and as a civilization, that there can be music which offers a counter narrative to the ignorance, to the current systems of oppression, of greed, violence and injustice. Especially in this genre. There is so much to be said for these guys who are creating the kind of musical vehicle which can carry those ideas forth as songs and in our performances.”

Moving forward into the near future there will be regional shows, the recording and tour dates. After all, what is better than music that seems to ask: What do we do now that we got here? And the answer? Dance of course! (“…dancing through the emptiness, while the city waits baking in the haze,,,”-Nights Like This) For within this crazed and diverse community of outcasts, originals and creatives, we find all the inspirations we need.