Back… Read Full Bio ↴See them storm forth like the dancing flames of immortal fire!
Back in 1989, Chris Anderle and Franz Josef Krebs began to gather musicians who were able to express their morbid moods and unholy emotions through litanies of dark, extreme Metal music. Ancient Ceremony became a reality when several members (partly sessionists) joined the band to complete the line-up under the Winter Moon of 1991. Here began the formation of the band's musical identity with powerful guitars, atmospheric keyboards, extreme vocals and Satanic lyrics. In 1993 the first successful step into the international underground was done with the "WHERE SERPENTS REIGN" demo. The first live appearance took place in June 1992 and performances with bands such as In Flames, Absu and Impaled Nazarene were following.
February 1994 saw the own-release of the "CEMETARY VISIONS" cult-MCD, a dark infernal Metal aria which was re-issued one year later through Alister Records and achieved global distribution.
Inspired and influenced by many different genres of Metal music, classical composers, horror movie soundtracks, photographies presenting dark erotica or sinful sexuality and also literature of a Satanic, Gothic or occult nature, Ancient Ceremony already here could easily proof that their individually created “Devilish Trinity“ - consisting of music, lyrics and artwork - is to be seen as a very important aspect in the band's concept from the first day on.
In December 1996 Ancient Ceremony signed to London based cult-label Cacophonous Records and released the worldwide successful albums "UNDER MOONLIGHT WE KISS" (1997) and "FALLEN ANGEL’S SYMPHONY" (1999) under their banner. With these two dark-symphonic albums the band could win many new fans all over the planet, not the least as gigs with a.o. Dimmu Borgir, Moonspell, Umbra et Imago and Therion were played.
Faithful to their motto "There is no real Art without the Influence of the Devil" and after several changes in the line up Germany's longest existing formation in Black/Death Metal again gave a shit on current trends and followed their paths consequently without limits to themselves and their diabolical spirits.
Through "SYNAGOGA DIABOLICA" (Alister Records, 2000) Ancient Ceremony definitely went more "back to their roots", located in the mentioned mixture of extreme Metal with dark horror-elements, so that not only Metallica's cultsong "Creeping Death" but also an own classic ("Choir of immortal Queens") got a new interpretation on this epic. Lyrically the album deals with different facets of Satanism, such as mythological, poetical, historical, modern or philosophical ones. Vocalist Chris has been in contact with several international Satanic organisations and lodges for many years now which causes a favourable effect on his lyrics.
Anno Satanas XXXV the band played – after several international open airs and festivals as well as many club gigs – their first headliner tour which led them through 6 European countries. The most important step forward for Ancient Ceremony was the deal with the Trisol Music Group, one of the world’s leading independent labels, which was signed in summer 2001.
The band nowadays has 4 permanent members: Chris (Satanic Screams), Jones (Bass), Patrick (Guitar), Christoph (Keyboard) and is completed for works in the studio or on stage by different session members.
Released through Trisol/Armageddon Shadow on 25.01.2002 the actual album “THE THIRD TESTAMENT“ achieved many enthusiastic reactions, fantastic reviews and incredible sales figures from all over the world so that Ancient Ceremony are definitely ready to attack the black throne of their genre!
In the meanwhile a new drummer (Manuel) and also another guitarist (Bales) were established so that this now hopefully constant line up started kicking ass all over Europe at festivals, open air events and club shows.
The blasphemy scandal in summer 2003 brought the band into media worldwide. Being confirmed for one of Germany’s biggest Metal festivals, church and city government forced the promoters to take Ancient Ceremony from the billing as the band would spread blasphemy and Satanism (which is essentially true). In their fight against this censorship and obvious religious stupidity they achieved massive support from fans, magazines and other bands but authorities still want to see them banned. A song about the incident was composed, entitled “P.uritan’s B.lasphemy C.all” (PBC is a radical x-tian party that also has taken some influence on the cancellation) and it will be released either on a special MCD or as bonus track on the upcoming album “Holycaust – Angelus Mortis”. Recordings for the next strike will start in August and the band hopes for a release in early 2004.
To be continued eternally…
Thy Beauty In Candlelight
Ancient Ceremony Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
is the dearest Vision to my Spirit
"Thou art the shining Diamond of my Crown"
Harvester I will be of the forbidden Fruits,
growing there so deliciously in the Gardens of Thy ("my") Breast
In my dark-desirous Dreams I see us inAutumn Fields,
"Thou art the Flower that never shall wither"
The Reflection of Thy Beauty in the dancing
Candleflames creates Memories so sweet but cold
dark as Thy Black Hair, like the Raven-Face of Night
Thy Neck is like sculpture-made
Thy milky Bosom the loveliest Nature ever formed
"Sanguis Vita est! (et)
Tenebrae Desponsam meam!"
Enchant me eternally with Thy voluptuous Forms
as Thy witching Fire still burns in me
The lyrics of Ancient Ceremony's song "Thy Beauty in Candlelight" speaks of the deep admiration the singer has for their beloved. The imagery of black candles and darkness signify the mystical and surreal essence of their beloved's beauty. The singer compares their beloved to a diamond in their crown; something rare, precious, and a source of great pride. The reference to being a "harvester of forbidden fruits" speaking of the intimate moments shared with their beloved, is both seductive and tantalizing.
The singer equates their love to the beauty of autumn, which is not only picturesque but also displays natural magic, just like their love. The reflection of their beloved's beauty in the candle flames creates a bittersweet memory. The dark imagery of their lover's black hair and its similarity to the "Raven-Face of Night" adds to the stunning depiction of their beloved. The verses about their lover's neck, bosom, and voluptuous forms show the singer's appreciation for their lover's physical beauty.
The song's chorus of "Sanguis Vita est! (et) Tenebrae Desponsam meam!" is in Latin and translates to "Blood is life! And darkness is my bride!" The lyrics express the singer's desire to be enchanted and consumed by their lover's witching fire eternally. It is a magical and romantic song that beautifully describes the seemingly supernatural beauty of love.
Line by Line Meaning
Thy Beauty in Black Candles' Light
I find your beauty most appealing when illuminated by the light of black candles
is the dearest Vision to my Spirit
To me, your beauty is the most precious thing in existence
"Thou art the shining Diamond of my Crown"
You, my love, are the most valuable part of my being
Harvester I will be of the forbidden Fruits,
I will risk all to obtain the fruit that grows in the garden of your breast, even if it is forbidden
growing there so deliciously in the Gardens of Thy ("my") Breast
You possess something extremely valuable and appealing that I want to obtain and cherish forever
In my dark-desirous Dreams I see us in Autumn Fields, feeling October's magic Breath
In my fantasies we are together in an autumnal setting, experiencing the magic and wonder of October
"Thou art the Flower that never shall wither"
Just like a flower that never fades, you are eternal and ever-beautiful
The Reflection of Thy Beauty in the dancing Candleflames creates Memories so sweet but cold
The image of your beauty reflected in the candlelight brings me pleasant yet melancholic memories
dark as Thy Black Hair, like the Raven-Face of Night
Your hair is as dark as the night's sky and has a mysterious and enchanting quality
Thy Neck is like sculpture-made
Your neck is a work of art, skillfully crafted and flawlessly structured
Thy milky Bosom the loveliest Nature ever formed
Your bosom is the most beautiful thing nature has ever created
"Sanguis Vita est! (et)
Tenebrae Desponsam meam!"
Your blood is my life and I am pledged to darkness (literally: 'My bridegroom is darkness')
Enchant me eternally with Thy voluptuous Forms
as Thy witching Fire still burns in me
Please continue to captivate me with your sensual and alluring form as your bewitching essence continues to consume me
Contributed by Makayla R. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
adam luck
Love this one
Kraftonia
Damm I've almost forgotten about these guys, time to dig up this album again from my boxes in my basement ;o)
Ismael Latin
gran banda
Monsterican Dream
This band is so fcking unforgettable, had a great impact on me during the days I just had discovered darker metal
Crystal Latsara
This band could have done a lot more in the gothic/black metal scene..
Parrd777
Мне эта песня нравится тем, что в ней много красивых моментов)
Валерий Иванов
Parrd777 Эта песня,как и все альбомы этой группы,просто охуенны. Впервые услышал их 15 лет назад,Synagoga Diabolica,это нереальный альбом. Не могу поверить,что они так в нулевых и распались,не став широко известными
Екатерина Екатерина
great song
RAVENEDD
KE BUENA BANDA
Parrd777
Ancient Ceremony are from Germany, formed in 1991 - 1993.