Doomed Confessionary: Simon Brandt (Naphora)
Naphora is a melodic doom/death metal solo project from Bern, Switzerland. Formed in 2023 by Simon Brandt (Dawns Revival), Naphora is known for it’s dark atmospheric metal infused with a touch of gothic melancholy.
Released on January 3rd, 2025, Naphora’s haunting debut album »Moonlit Nightfall« takes listeners on a journey through dark atmospheres and inner reflections, balancing melancholic elegance with crushing heaviness.
With melodic riffs that swirl like mist under a midnight sky, and growling vocals that resonate from the depths of isolation. Capturing the unsettling beauty of solitude and sorrow, building a sonic narrative of endless, somber nights that lead to a distant, elusive dawn.
Can you say a few words about your band?
Naphora is a melodic doom/death metal solo project from Bern, Switzerland. Founded by myself (Simon Brandt) in 2023 as a side-project to my main band Dawns Revival.
The music, vocals and production as well as the artwork is all done by myself.
Naphora draws inspiration from doom/death pioneers like Katatonia, Rapture or Daylight Dies, crafting a sound characterized by dark atmospheres and gothic melancholy.
What was the biggest challenge for the band?
The biggest challenge was certainly time. As a family father with a full-time job, there’s not much time left for music projects.
As the budget was very small and I was financing everything myself, I started to take everything into my own hands, from the idea to the music, artwork and videos to distribution and promotion. The debut album »Moonlit Nightfall« was a non-budget album which was completely recorded in my homestudio.
Also a big challenge was to separate the different music projects and Bands I’m working on at the same time.
What can you be most proud of so far?
To finally have released the first album »Moonlit Nightfall« in January 2025 with really great support and feedback.
What was your biggest regret?
That I couldn’t attend so many live concerts and that I missed Be’Lakor on there European Tour.
What was the best concert/tour so far and why?
Naphora hasn’t played any live concerts yet.
What was the biggest surprise on the music scene for you?
There were a few great bands I discovered recently, mostly from the underground scene like Sworn, Litosth or Majesties just to name a few…
What is currently in your heavy musical rotation?
Some oldschool death and black metal like Dissection, Gates Of Ishtar or Rapture. But also some melodic stuff like Be’Lakor, early Insomnium or The Spirit just to name a few…
What was the best advice you’ve ever been given as a musician?
Don’t give up and ever do what you love to do…
What are your guilty pleasures?
None, I’m quite decent 🙂
Can you say something more about current music scene in Switzerland?
Switzerland has a big music scene and has repeatedly brought great artists worldwide success, such as the hard rockers from Gotthard and Krokus. The metal scene has also had its share worldwide with Celtic Frost, Samael, Eluveitie and now Zeal & Ardor. It’s actually almost surprising for such a small country.
The black & death metal scene is still a small subgroup and tends to be viewed with distance in society. But at the concerts you always meet the same people who come from all over the country.
Where can we see you live this year (concerts/tours)?
There is no live activity planned due the reason that Naphora is a one-man project.
What are your plans for the future as a band?
Going back to the studio to write new music and albums.
How can people best support you?
On Bandcamp to buy the music or simply stream it via Spotify.
Do you have any message for your listeners?
Thank you very much for listening to Naphora.
Bojan Bidovc // music enthusiast, promoter, misanthrop and sometimes a journalist as well