Doomed Confessionary: José Miguel (Niphredil)
Photo credits: José Miguel Santelices
Niphredil is an atmospheric doom/black metal band from Quito, Ecuador. Niphredil was formed with the intention of creating dark and heavy atmospheres in elaborately composed songs, without sounding pretentious or boring, so that the listener can listen to long songs without feeling their length. Lyrics, influenced by classical literature, deal with mystical and introspective themes – which also help in accentuating the musical atmosphere.
The band started out as a 5 piece, out of which only Lucas Serrano and José Miguel remain as founding pillars. The self-titled EP was already completed just months after the band’s inception, but delays with the local label forced the band to release it digitally only in 2017. The project was held on standby, and just lately fully reactivated in order to complete the debut full-length »The Final Star« in late 2023.
Niphredil’s new two-track EP »Fractures In The Crystal Vault« was released on September 9th, 2025. Though different in tempo and approach, from slow, cavernous doom laden with synths and programmed elements to faster tremolo-picked melodies – the songs together capture the band’s full creative scope.
Since 2024, Niphredil consists of José Miguel Santelices (vocals, guitars, keyboards), Jaime Murgueytio (guitars), Lucas Serrano (bass) and Danial Devost (session drums).
Can you please say a few words about your band?
Niphredil is a doom/black metal band with lots of ‘outside’ influences. Those influences may be mainly ambient/goth styles with synths and such, but they permeate the music heavily. We also like making really long songs that suck you in into the atmosphere.
What was the biggest challenge for the band?
So far I think our first album (»The Final Star«). It was mostly a one-man venture – with many helping hands of course – but I (Jose Miguel, singer/guitarist/keyboardist/songwriter) had to move things around by myself.
What can you be most proud of so far?
The music that we have put out in itself. The songwriting, the arrangements, the production (although I know sometimes production could have been better). These are all things that I can look back and say ‘I did my best’. Mainly in the songwriting/arranging aspects; I am very meticulous in this and tend to go over and over through it all. Few things bring me more joy than writing a good song with cool riffs and catchy melodies.
What was your biggest regret?
Putting aside this passion of mine which is creating and releasing music for so long. Procrastinating.
What was the best concert/tour so far and why?
We have only played live once. It was actually really good, we played as a 3 piece (no bass) and the response from the public was great, we really did it well. It was also a cool atmosphere in an abandoned house.
What was the biggest surprise on the music scene for you?
In our country (Ecuador) I think finding new bands that are trying to play something different or more original. The music scene has been stagnant and really monotonous for too long.
What is currently in your heavy musical rotation?
Well there’s a Spanish act called VVV (»Trippin’ You«) that play some kind of electronic music. I don’t really know what that music is called haha but I’ve been really enjoying it. In metal, lots of Crowbar and lots of recent heavy metal bands. There’s been a really good wave of new heavy metal bands in the last 10 years or so.
What was the best advice you’ve ever been given as a musician?
Practice with a metronome hah.
What are your guilty pleasures?
Can’t really say I feel guilty for liking something. Maybe 2000’s pop? It’s not something I would listen to willingly though lol.
Can you say something more about the current music scene in Ecuador?
Well, what I already said. I always saw the scene in Ecuador was really polarized between heavy metal and the super extreme genres. But there’s a lot of stuff in between and people have liked Niphredil so I guess that’s good lol.
Where can we see you live this year (concerts/tours)?
I don’t think there’s anything this year but surely the next one, around February. We will post some info on that soon.
What are your plans for the future as a band?
Continue to put music out, always evolving in things like songwriting and production. I’d like to release an album next year, I’ve already got 2 new songs written down and working on a 3rd one, so yeah I’d like to drop a new album. Writing music is probably my favorite thing to do.
How can people best support your band?
There’s always Bandcamp sales, but also following us on Instagram/Facebook. Those numbers always help. Also listening on streaming platforms, even in the most hated one might help. People like promoters and labels take note of those numbers as well.
Do you have any message for your listeners?
Yeah! I’m terrible with words but thanks for listening!
Bojan Bidovc // music enthusiast, promoter, misanthrop and sometimes a journalist as well