If we were to define the music by AEMEN (www.aemen.nl) we would describe it… Read Full Bio ↴If we were to define the music by AEMEN (www.aemen.nl) we would describe it as atmospheric alternative rock with a symphonic undertone. According to the critics, AEMEN plays at the same time a fresh mix of modern guitar rock and sounds of the sixties, slightly referring to Pink Floyd (psychedelic), Kent, Radiohead or even Kula Shaker. It cannot be categorized in any way which may even be its strength.
AEMEN is not only the band’s name, but also the name of an imaginary child who lives in a dreamworld of its own. Her closeness and fantasies about life, nature and death are a source of inspiration for the poetic lyrics. This is the CD’s recurring central theme.

With the first album The day the angels cried, (1997) AEMEN has released a striking debut album. Therefore, the reviews and airplay speak for themselves. 'OOR musicmagazine' wrote; one of the most promising bands of 1998 and beyond!' The title of this CD refers to a dramatic event that took place in a little Scottish town named Dunblane in March 1996, during which sixteen children lost their lives. The titelsong ‘The day the angels cried’ has been released in memory of this tragedy.
The beautiful saxophone solo backed up by a big choir leads you to the emotional finale. Magnificent photo compositions create the atmosphere for the colorful and fascinating 16-page booklet, the text of which are literally written by a child.
The band has recorded the album under its own management, and produced and remixed it at Oscar Holleman of RS29 in Waalwijk. This proved to be a good choice, since 5 weeks of recording and remixing have led to an impressive result. Beautiful compositions and arangements with a wide range of instruments such as guitar, saxophone, didgeredoo, accordion, conga’s and a choir give this production an absolute excess value. Samples, like the chants of Gregorian monks, were used in a subtle way in the song I can't see you

In 2003 AEMEN recorded their second album Fooly Dressed at RS29. ''Singer/composer Toine van der Meijden'' is again responsible for the music composition of this album. The songwriting and arrangements have become even more sophisticated and mature. Drummer ''Roland van Heesch'' played more impressive beats (Listen to the song Down and guitar player ''Maarten van Iersel'' played an absolute leading part on the CD! Stephen van Haestregt Within Temptation is responsible for the production of this album. 'Fooly Dressed' sounds absolutely fabulous and no expense or effort has been spared to make it a top class product. Again the reviews in national and international music press were gorgeous.
At December 8th AEMEN presents 'Fooly Dressed' in concert hall 'De Boerderij' in Zoetermeer. With the cooperation from Sharon den Adel Within Temptation, a absolute fan of AEMEN, the single Time was released and had lots of airplay on national radio. Also the videoclip of 'Time' did well on television. The band played in 2004 more concerts and festivals but couldn't manage a big breakthrough.

In December 2004 AEMEN played in 'W2' in Den Bosch a farewell concert because Toine van der Meijden emigrates to Greece. This live concert, with lots of guest musicians, is recorded to make a live DVD. In winter 2006 AEMEN presents the DVD + live CD Live is a Magic Theatre with 2 special concerts. For this special occasion Toine van der Meijden came back to Holland.

At the moment AEMEN is recording their third album. Some guest musicians are invited to join this album. Date of release is not known.
You can follow it on the website: www.aemen.nl

Band Members:
Toine van der Meijden (Vocals, guitars, piano)
Roland van Heesch (Drums, Percussion)
Maarten van Iersel (Guitars, Mandoline)
Bert van der Horst (Bass guitar)
Marco Hoogerheide(Keys)

Ever Followed A Butterfly's Erratic Flight?
Aemen Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Once in a life, there's a moment
You better be dead if you know it
dead or alive you don't kmow it
once in a while there's a moment

this time you know they take you away
here goes my soul i'm leaving again
before you know they take you away

Youre search fom the sky did you find it
an erratic flight in the darkness
I still havn't found you dont know it
There is the light full of gladness

this time you know they take you away
here goes my soul i'm leaving again
before you know they take you away

this time you know they take you away

here goes my soul i'm leaving again
before you know they take you away

Overall Meaning

In Aemen's song "Ever Followed A Butterfly's Erratic Flight?", the lyrics speak of a moment in life where something changes and takes you away. The singer emphasizes the rarity of this moment, stating that it only happens once in a lifetime. The uncertainty of what this moment will bring is clear through the line "you better be dead if you know it"; the singer suggests that even if you know what's coming, it won't make the experience any easier. The lyrics also touch on the idea that this moment can come unexpectedly and can happen to anyone, "dead or alive you don't know it".

The second verse of the song is dedicated to the search for answers or a direction in life, illustrated through the image of searching for the sky. The erratic flight of the butterfly in the darkness suggests that the search may not always be straightforward, and that the journey may have unexpected turns. The line "I still haven't found you don't know it" reveals the frustration of not knowing if the search has been successful. However, the song ends on a hopeful note with the idea that there is a light full of gladness.

Line by Line Meaning

Once in a life, there's a moment
Occasionally in life, there comes a significant event

You better be dead if you know it
It is such a profound moment that one must be fully aware of it

dead or alive you don't kmow it
It is not determined by whether one is living or dead

once in a while there's a moment
These moments are rare

this time you know they take you away
During this moment, you get taken away from your ordinary life

here goes my soul i'm leaving again
You lose yourself in this moment

before you know they take you away
It happens so quickly that you may not be prepared for it

Youre search fom the sky did you find it
Have you been looking for something in the sky?

an erratic flight in the darkness
A butterfly's flight pattern in the dark

I still havn't found you dont know it
It hasn't been found yet, and one might not even realize they were searching for it

There is the light full of gladness
When you find what you are looking for, it brings immense joy and happiness