The band was formed by musical partners in crime Mikael Lindstrom and Erik Larsson, inspired by their love for folk music and slow metal they decided to combine the two. With a foundation of original music and lyrics but also incorporating melodies from as far back as the 11th century the goal was to create a musical homage to a bygone musical era. The songs tell of flagellants, plague doctors, tales of hell, the meaninglessness of war and of suffering; they are all chapters in the bands grimoire. To balance it out they also shine a light on medieval art, science and enlightenment.
After an initial period of writing music, the band needed to prepare for the stage. Jonas, Rikard and Andreas, all long time friends of Mikael and Erik, was asked to join, each bringing their own styles and inspirations, thus completing the band.
The quintet’s debut album, The End Is Nigh, which focuses on tales of the plague, hell, and the meaninglessness of war and suffering, was recorded throughout the latter half of 2016. The drums were recorded at Studio Overlook by William Blackmon (Gadget, Beardfish, Isole) and the rest at Studio Bordun by the band. Per Nilsson of (Scar Symmetry, Zierler, Kaipa) mixed the record at Studio Kabyss.
Since their inception in 2013, Apocalypse Orchestra have become a familiar entity on the Swedish club circuit as well as making the festival rounds. With a live show that features theatrical performances (sometimes utilizing actors and dancers), fire and projected animation, the band has become one of the most talked about acts currently playing out. The band feels the theatrical element can enhance the music, giving it the feel of classic storytelling.
A performance was given live with the Gävle Symphonic Orchestra and a chamber choir, smelting the philharmonic with metal and folk music during a night of cross over music in a sold out concert hall.
Apocalypse Orchestra always looks forward as well as inward, to seek answers to some of history’s biggest questions, as well as have a critical look at some common medieval myths. Lyrical themes ranges from everyday toils of the common man in the dark ages, onwards to art, science and literature, all the way to otherworldly views of existence.
Even though the debut album is named "The End Is Nigh", this is only the beginning...
EXHALE
Apocalypse Orchestra Lyrics
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Born peasant or king
You will meet your end
In time they will sing
The young child of man
Immortally strong
Shining vividly
The lifeglass of all
It can't be unturned
Everlasting prime
Will only be yearned
And before long you
Will start to decline
And age takes its toll
Now heed, (and) fall in line
Inhale
So deep
Breathe in
The life
You cling to desperately
Anguish building up inside you
Trying so hard to be strong
Darkness lifting - Eyes are clearer
Feeling lighter - Marching on
Inhale
So deep
Breathe in
Exhale
The life you hold so dear
The lyrics to Apocalypse Orchestra's song "Exhale" speak about the inevitability of death and the fleeting nature of life. The opening lines suggest that regardless of one's status in life, be it a peasant or a king, all will meet their end eventually. The second stanza describes the fleeting nature of youth and how it fades away with the ravages of age. The metaphorical imagery of the "lifeglass" highlights the finite nature of existence, as life can't be turned back once it has passed.
The chorus emphasizes the importance of living life to the fullest and appreciating every moment, even in the face of struggle and anguish. The lyrics suggest that by inhaling deeply and absorbing the raw energy of life, you can overcome these challenges and keep moving forward. The second half of the chorus encourages listeners to exhale, to let go of the burdens and experiences that are holding them back and embrace the present.
In summary, the song Exhale by Apocalypse Orchestra is a song about the impermanence of life and the importance of living each day as if it were the last. It encourages listeners to inhale the joys and sorrows of life deep into their soul, to learn from them, and to use them to propel themselves forward. By acknowledging the fleeting nature of existence, we can learn to appreciate the present and the unique and precious experience of our own lives.
Line by Line Meaning
No matter at birth
Regardless of one's social status at birth
Born peasant or king
Whether one is born into a life of poverty or royalty
You will meet your end
Death is inevitable for everyone
In time they will sing
After one's death, others will sing about their life
The young child of man
Humans in their prime
Immortally strong
Feeling invincible
Shining vividly
Radiating with youth and energy
But will it be long?
However, this youthful state will not last forever
The lifeglass of all
Life is like an hourglass, constantly ticking away
It can't be unturned
Once time passes, it cannot be turned back
Everlasting prime
A desire to remain youthful forever
Will only be yearned
However, this is an unattainable wish
And before long you
As time passes, one's youth and energy will diminish
Will start to decline
The aging process will begin
And age takes its toll
The aging process will have a physical and mental effect
Now heed, (and) fall in line
This is a reminder to accept the natural aging process and not resist it
Inhale
So deep
Breathe in
The life
You cling to desperately
A metaphorical reminder to cherish and appreciate life while it lasts
Anguish building up inside you
One can feel overwhelmed with the passing of time and the aging process
Trying so hard to be strong
One may struggle to accept the aging process and may try to resist it
Darkness lifting - Eyes are clearer
The realization that aging is a natural process can allow one to see more clearly and with acceptance
Feeling lighter - Marching on
With acceptance and appreciation of life, one can feel lighter and more liberated to continue living
Exhale
The life you hold so dear
A metaphorical reminder to let go and not hold on too tightly to life when it is time to let it go
Contributed by Eli L. Suggest a correction in the comments below.