Jason Lekberg of Nefariant Talks Reinvention, Groove, and Going Guitarless

 

From the ashes of Ikillya to the piano-driven punch of Nefariant, Jason Lekberg is no stranger to transformation. We caught up with Jason for a deep dive into the band’s origin, post-pandemic artistry, and why they ditched the guitars and leaned into something altogether more melodic—and more defiant.

 

From Brooklyn to Jersey: Nefariant’s NYC Roots

Though Nefariant calls New York City home, its members are scattered across boroughs and bridges.

“Two of us are in Brooklyn, one’s in Upper Manhattan, and another just outside NYC in Jersey,” Jason explains. “We're all around—but New York is definitely the heart of what we do.”

 

On Silly Questions and Social Media Chaos

When asked about city names and the infamous Facebook “@everyone” tag, Jason didn’t hold back:

“I could do without that one. I’ve already got too many notifications. It feels more like an invitation to unfollow someone than anything else,” he laughs. “Honestly, I’m just glad social media didn’t exist when I was a teenager.”

 

Fast Cars & Dodging Responsibility (Like Pets)

Jason also shared a bit of his past—like hitting 160 mph in his beloved 1973 Dodge Charger:

“The speedometer stopped at 140, but I was definitely past that. I hit that point where the car started to float and thought, ‘I don’t wanna die today.’ So I backed off.”

These days, the only thing Jason’s slowing down on is responsibility. “I had cats for years, but right now? I’m pet-free by choice. I’m just not looking for extra responsibility at the moment.”

 

Why Nefariant Isn’t in the Dictionary—And Why That Matters

The name Nefariant isn’t one you’ll find in a dictionary—and that’s very intentional.

“It’s an improper conjugation of ‘nefarious,’” Jason explains. “I wanted something unique. Google, Xerox, Yahoo—those weren’t words either. But they became something because they were distinct. I didn’t want a name that gets lost in search results like ‘Wilson.’”

 

The Brutality of Touring and Life Without AC

Jason looked back on Ikillya's final tour in 2017—a grueling, eight-week journey through the summer heat.

“The AC in our van broke on day two,” he recalls. “We went through the southern U.S. in July and August with no air conditioning. I even ended up in the hospital from dehydration. By the time we got to Sacramento, we thought we’d get some relief—but you were having a heatwave too!”

That show, held at Café Colonial, still stands out in Jason’s memory: “It had that black-and-white checkerboard floor, right? That was a cool venue.”

 

The Post-Pandemic Music Scene: Crowded and Searching

When asked how the music landscape has shifted post-COVID, Jason offered a thoughtful reflection:

“It’s crowded—and a bit lost. I think we’re all still figuring out what art means to us after the pandemic. People are more protective of their time now. But as artists, we create because we have to. Whether people respond or not isn’t up to us—we just keep making the art.”

 

A Metal Band Without Guitars? Yep.

Nefariant began as a five-piece, but after losing their guitarist, the band took a bold turn.

“We joked about not replacing the guitarist—and then just… didn’t,” Jason admits. “Our drummer had the idea to split the bass signal to cover the sonic space. At first, I thought it was silly, but in rehearsal, it worked. It gave us clarity and space in a way we hadn’t had before.”

The result? A heavier, more melodic, piano-forward metal sound—without a single six-string in sight.

 

New Music, Old Roots: Groove Is Here to Stay

Their 2020 self-titled EP led into a longer 2021 release. Now, they’ve dropped two new singles—“Legend” and “Beg”—with more on the way.

“We’re releasing one song per month leading to our next EP, Knocked,” says Jason. “Eventually, we’ll combine all three EPs into a full-length album.”

Despite their evolution, groove remains central: “I Kill Ya was super groovy, and that’s part of who I am. Nefariant is different, but the groove and melody are still there.”

 

Live Shows with Lounge Vibes and a Baby Grand

If you catch Nefariant live, don’t expect the typical metal setup. Instead, think Frank Sinatra meets doom.

“We put a baby grand piano shell on stage—it makes a real visual impact,” Jason says. “Our shows are more like lounge acts. We engage with the crowd between every song. It’s a whole different vibe, and people have really responded to it.”

 

About That Bat...

Each EP features its own striking visual, thanks to French artist Eric Lacombe.

“We licensed three of his pieces—each for a different EP,” says Jason. “Foul has a swallow, Knocked has a bat, and the third will have this surreal human-dog hybrid. His work is abstract, haunting, and perfect for our aesthetic.”

 

What About Touring?

While the band is itching to get back on the road, Jason is realistic.

“Touring’s expensive, and right now we’re focused on building demand. Airplay from stations like Metal Gods Radio is huge for us. I’d love to come back to the West Coast when the time is right—but we want to be smart about it.”

 

Final Thoughts

With a fearless new sound, a signature visual style, and a fresh EP rolling out track by track, Nefariant is a band embracing reinvention without losing its core identity. Expect the unexpected—and prepare to groove.

Follow Nefariant:
🎵 Spotify | 📷 Instagram | 🎥 YouTube
Catch them live: October 21 at The Meadows, NYC