The band was originally formed as Poltergeist by guitarist Marko Vuckovic and bassist Ivan Petrovic in 1999. Their 2000 PowerBeat demo was an underground promotion, and after changing their name to ALISTER, the band recorded their first album in 2001 – Obscurity (recorded at Paradox Studio, Smederevo, Serbia)- with a lineup consisting of guitarist Marko Vuckovic, singer Igor Milandinovic, bassist Ivan Petrovic, and drummer Marko Stosic. Miroslav Brankovic (Alogia, Psychoparadox) did all the solos and additional clean guitars, as a special guest on the album. The sound of ALISTER was a mixture of ‘80s and ‘90s thrash influences with the classic metal approach of Metallica’s and Iced Earth’s riffs and Kreator’s and Testament’s scream vocals. Unfortunately, negotiations over releasing Obscurity were a complete failure.
In October 2001, ALISTER won the first prize in a band contest “Gitarijada Jagodina 2001” in Jagodina. In 2002, after the arrival of new members, Marko Ognjanovic (lead guitar) and Milos Simic (keyboards), ALISTER was ready to promote their first album. The first big step was Belgrade’s “Hard & Heavy Fest” in March 2002. Other concerts, like Paul Di’Anno’s concert in Belgrade, gigs in Smederevo, Jagodina, Cuprija, etc. followed it. With their current lineup, they returned to the studio in 2002 (again at Paradox Studio, Smederevo, Serbia) to record their second album Memories and Dreams. The new album was different in that way that the sound was more melodic and with some classic heavy vocals, especially in choruses. Together with Srdjan and Miroslav Brankovic (Alogia/Psychoparadox) ALISTER recorded a song “See You on The Other Side” dedicated to the late Chuck Shuldiner (Death/Control Denied).
Finally, they signed a contract for releasing both of their albums for ONE RECORDS (Belgrade, Serbia) and they were ready to promote their sound around Serbia. In 2004, Marko Stosic was replaced with a new drummer Ivan Dulic, and Milos Simic left the band. With their new lineup, they are working on their third album called Where Angels Bleed including 10 brand new heavy-death-thrash blasting tracks.
On January 29th 2008. Alister released following statement:
”ALISTER’s album Where Angels Bleed, recorded during 2006 in Paradox studio, will not be released, and there won’t be any kind of effort in releasing it.
Alister recorded their third album and released it in 2010. It's called Otrov, and all songs are on the serbian language.
2) Alister is Emerson Barrett's solo piano project under said alias. Act 1, his first album, goes along with the graphic novel The Bastards: Volume I.
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Alister Lyrics
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If you can keep your head when all about you
Are loosing theirs and blaming it on you
If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you
But make alounces for their doubts too.
If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue
If neither fows nor loving friends can hurt you
If all men count with you, but none too much
If you can feel the unforgiven minute
With sixty seconds worth of distance run
Yours is the Earth and everything that's in it
And which is more, you'll be a Man my son.
The lyrics of Alister's "If" are an interpretation of the poem "If-" by Rudyard Kipling. These lyrics are meant to inspire listeners to rise above difficult situations and retain their sense of self in the face of adversity. The song speaks to the idea of perseverance and the importance of maintaining values even in the darkest of times.
The opening lines of the song conjure an image of chaos and confusion, with people blaming one another for their troubles. The singer, however, is able to remain calm and in control of their emotions. This demonstrates a certain level of emotional intelligence, a valuable attribute in difficult situations.
The next few lines discuss the importance of being true to oneself, even when others doubt you. The singer maintains a strong sense of self-worth and values, even in the face of opposition. This is contrasted with the idea of making allowances for the doubts of others, demonstrating the importance of empathy and understanding.
The rest of the song speaks to the importance of maintaining humility in the face of success and staying grounded amidst privilege. The final lines of the song harken back to the opening lines, and the idea that maintaining a level head during difficult times is what makes one a true "Man."
Overall, Alister's "If" is a powerful interpretation of Kipling's poem. It emphasizes the importance of values such as perseverance, emotional intelligence, empathy, and humility, and is a powerful reminder of the qualities that make us truly "human."
Line by Line Meaning
If you can keep your head when all about you
If you can remain calm and composed in the midst of chaos and uncertainty
Are loosing theirs and blaming it on you
While everyone else around you is losing their composure and pointing fingers at you
If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you
If you can have faith in your own abilities even when others doubt you
But make allowances for their doubts too.
But at the same time, take into account why they might be doubting you and be willing to address those concerns
If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue
If you can speak to and convince large groups of people while still maintaining your moral principles
Or walk with kings nor loose the common touch
If you can interact with people of high status without becoming arrogant or detached from the common people
If neither foes nor loving friends can hurt you
If you can remain emotionally stable and not be affected by the actions or words of both your enemies and your loved ones
If all men count with you, but none too much
If you can value the opinions and thoughts of others, but still make your own decisions and not be excessively influenced by others
If you can fill the unforgiving minute
If you can use every single minute of your time efficiently and productively
With sixty seconds worth of distance run
And make each second count towards achieving your goals
Yours is the Earth and everything that's in it
Then you will have accomplished great things and will be able to enjoy all the rewards that life has to offer
And, which is more, you'll be a Man, my son.
And more importantly, you will have become a person of true character and integrity, my son.
Contributed by Claire T. Suggest a correction in the comments below.