Esoteric Revolt-Frequency Art-Deathrock Engineering Killjo Zapata-Guitars, vocals Mel Schantz-Vocals, lyrics Jasper Jones-Bass, vocals Roger DeLong-Drums
Esoteric Revolt-Frequency Art-Deathrock Engineering
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 and organic LA deathrock expressed in a contemporary way that is both dynamic and reflective of current times.
NME9 is a performance-oriented band whose natural chemistry creates a sonic journey featuring ethereal sounds, driving rhythms and dynamic breaks. The songs reflect musical stylings that display the classic goth/post punk/deathrock signatures, yet they remain relevant to this day without being cliché.
Jennings would later leave to concentrate on 13th Sky, while Roger DeLong (Death on the Radio, Order/Disorder, Pet Piranha) was added to the mix on drums, providing the needed percussive drive. With the song writing in high gear, the band was ready to record. Killjo accepted the challenge to recreate the second guitar tracks originally created by Jennings. 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).
Drawing on their combined experiences through their years in Los Angeles music scene, the NME9 sound is a unique blend of dynamics, uncompromisingly original, yet hauntingly familiar melodies without being derivative. 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….”
Into the dystopia called “the next four years”, NME9 has created the 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, 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”.
“I like to keep things on a human level” adds drummer Roger Delong, “so NME9 is also a protein coding gene, a building block of life.” Which makes perfect sense in context of what the band is talking about. “NME9 is a live band, which is great” said Jones, “ ‘cause I just want to play. “
Vocalist Schantz added “I think it gives the band added significance, 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, more 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.
