The origin of the name of the band is related on their website. The tongue-in-cheek back-story recounts a historically questionable ancestral story beginning in 16th century Sweden. Supposedly, ancestors of the band members performed orchestral works in defiance of the ruling church at the time (possibly in reference to the newly installed protestant Lutheran national church, in power during the mid and late 16th century). The orchestra was forced to go into hiding, performing in secret, with the assistance of oppressed peasants during the era. After years of performing for the pleasure of these peasants, the story claims that the church put a bounty on the performers' lives, and that this bounty was so high that the orchestra knew they would soon be captured, and thus chose to play a spectacular final show before becoming martyred to the church.
While this account is historically unsupported it does provide a backdrop to DSO's eclectic musical style
Members[*]Daniel Håkansson – guitars, vocals (since 2003)
[*]Pontus Mantefors – guitars, effects, vocals (since 2003)
[*]Andy Johansson – bass,vocals (since 2003)
[*]Johannes Bergion – cello, vocals (since 2003)
[*]Martin Isaksson – trumpet, vocals (since 2009)
[*]Daniel Hedin – trombone, vocals (since 2009)
[*]Johan Norbäck – drums (since 2012)
[*]Kristin Evegård – vocals (since 2014)
Former Members[*]Andreas Halvardsson – drums (2003–2010)
[*]Petter Karlsson – drums (2010-2012)
[*]Annlouice Loegdlund – vocals (2003-2014)
Balrog Boogie
Diablo Swing Orchestra Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Pactum Serva, Scala Caeli, Gloria Patri, Pax Et Bonum
Sine Cura, Vade Mecum, Casus Belli, Lusus Naturae
Dies Illa, Velut Luna, Dona Es Virtum
Dies Illa, Velut Luna, Dona Es Virtum
Mea Culpa, Ecce Signum, Corpus Vile, Coram Deo
Pactum Serva, Scala Caeli, Gloria Patri, Pax Et Bonum
Sine Cura, Vade Mecum, Casus Belli, Lusus Naturae
Dies Illa, Velut Luna, Dona Es Virtum
Dies Illa, Velut Luna, Dona Es Virtum
The lyrics of Diablo Swing Orchestra's Balrog Boogie are a mix of Latin phrases and metaphors that refer to spiritual and supernatural themes. The first three lines contain four Latin phrases that mean "My fault, here is the sign, vile body, before God", "Keep the covenant, ladder to heaven, glory to the Father, peace and goodness", and "Without a care, come with me, cause of war, freak of nature". These phrases seem to invoke a sense of sin, repentance, and acceptance of one's mortality, while also alluding to the presence of divine or evil forces around us that can influence our decisions and actions.
The second part of the lyrics repeats the phrase "Dies Illa, Velut Luna, Dona Es Virtum" twice, which translates to "That day, like the moon, gives you strength". This line seems to suggest that there is a moment of clarity or realization that can empower us to face our fears and overcome our weaknesses. The repetition of this line creates a haunting effect that adds to the eerie vibe of the song.
Line by Line Meaning
Mea Culpa, Ecce Signum, Corpus Vile, Coram Deo
I admit my guilt, behold the sign, my body is worthless, in the presence of God
Pactum Serva, Scala Caeli, Gloria Patri, Pax Et Bonum
Keep the agreement, the stairway to heaven, glory to the father, peace and goodness
Sine Cura, Vade Mecum, Casus Belli, Lusus Naturae
Without a care, come with me, cause for war, nature's game
Dies Illa, Velut Luna, Dona Es Virtum
That day, like the moon, you give virtue
Dies Illa, Velut Luna, Dona Es Virtum
That day, like the moon, you give virtue
Contributed by Charlie W. Suggest a correction in the comments below.