After starting Balthazar as teenagers, the lineup of Maarten Devoldere (lead vocals/guitar/keyboards), Jinte Deprez (guitar/vocals), and Patricia Vanneste (violin/keyboards/vocals) won a national youth talent competition in 2005 with the song "Lost and Found." They included the track on their self-titled debut EP, released in 2006. By then, they had begun touring with additional members Joachim Quartier (bass) and Koen Verfaillie (drums). In early 2007, the rhythm section was replaced by Simon Casier and Christophe Claeys. The following year, the band played their first shows outside of Belgium, visiting nearby countries including France, Germany, the Netherlands, and Switzerland, and in 2009, they did a club tour of South Africa before returning to the studio.
Their first full-length record, Applause, arrived in March 2010 and spent a week at number 13 on Belgium's album chart. They followed it up with appearances at European summer festivals such as Pukkelpop and Rock Werchter as well as tours in support of the Joy Formidable and dEUS. With mixing by Noah Georgeson (the Strokes, Joanna Newsom), the band's second studio LP, Rats, was released by Play It Again Sam in 2012. It topped the album chart in Belgium, also charting in France and the Netherlands. Featuring the line-up of Devoldere, Deprez, Vanneste, Casier, and drummer Michiel Balcaen, their third long-player, 2015's Thin Walls, was their first with an outside producer, Ben Hillier (Depeche Mode, Blur). It reached the number two spot in their home country and the Top 20 in the Netherlands.
After 14 years in the group, Vanneste parted ways with Balthazar in April 2018. The rest of the members returned with their PIAS-issued fourth album Fever in early 2019. The title track became their first single to chart in Belgium when it debuted at number 47. This was succeeded by 2021 LP Sand: preoccupied with themes of restlessness and waiting, the group's fifth album featured a cover designed by sculptor Margriet Van Breevort.
Biography by Marcy Donelson
2. Balthazar is a Black Metal band from New Zealand of the industrious Mort. They cite association with Exiled From Light, Schizophrenia, Funereal, Beyond Light, Serpenthrone, Nystagmus, Einsamkeit, When Mine Eyes Blacken and Winds Of Sorrow.
Morning
Balthazar Lyrics
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when you know you can change your direction
'cause it always arrives
but it starts with another intention
you could drive for a while
but you'll never understand what has happend
to the places you left
when you weren't paying any attention
your eyes go wide in this night you were heading to
and the morning surrounding you with its gloom
the trails in the back as a nightly track
your eyes see the better day
you can drive for a while
but you'll never understand what has happend
to the places you left
when you weren't paying any attention
your eyes go wide in this night you were heading to
and the morning surrounding you with its gloom
the trails in the back as a nightly track
your eyes see the better day
go where you want
when you know you can change your direction
'cause it always arrives
when it starts with another intention
your eyes go wide in this night you were heading to
and the morning surrounding you with its gloom
the trails in the back as a nightly track
your eyes see the better day
The lyrics of Balthazar's song "Morning" are imbued with a sense of impermanence and the fleeting nature of life. The opening lines suggest that one can go where they want and change their direction when they want to, but ultimately everything arrives with a certain intention that is often beyond one's control. The lyrics hint at the fact that one can drive for a while, but they will never truly understand what has happened to the places they left when they weren't paying attention. The tone is nostalgic and contemplative, with a sense of longing for something that has been lost, both literally and metaphorically.
The chorus, with its repeating melody and lyrics, add to the overall sense of melancholy and hope. The sense of impending doom is intensified by the line "the morning surrounding you with its gloom" suggesting that the night that preceded it may have been one of anxiety and apprehension. The possibility of a "better day" is hinted at but never fully realized. The lyrics add to the overall mood of the song, which is somber and introspective.
The song is open to interpretation and speaks to different people in different ways. For some, it evokes memories of a time when they were lost and searching for something that they couldn't quite name. For others, it is a reminder of the impermanence of life and the importance of savoring each moment. Overall, the song leaves a lasting impression and captures the essence of the human condition in a way that is both poignant and beautiful.
Line by Line Meaning
go where you want
Follow your desires and go wherever you wish.
when you know you can change your direction
Believe in your ability to alter your path if need be.
'cause it always arrives
The destination will come to you eventually.
but it starts with another intention
The path to your destination may have initially begun with a different objective in mind.
you could drive for a while
You may travel for an extended period of time.
but you'll never understand what has happened
You may never comprehend the changes that have occurred in your absence.
to the places you left
The locations you once resided in may have altered without your knowledge.
when you weren't paying any attention
The changes that took place while you were gone may have gone unnoticed.
your eyes go wide in this night you were heading to
As you approach your destination, you may become awestruck by the surrounding scenery.
and the morning surrounding you with its gloom
The morning may not always bring joy and brightness; sometimes it may be gray and depressing.
the trails in the back as a nightly track
The memories of the journey you took to reach the current stage may linger behind you.
your eyes see the better day
Despite the negative emotions in the morning, a better day is on the horizon.
when it starts with another intention
Even if your initial intentions do not come to fruition, the outcome may still be positive.
Contributed by Chloe Y. Suggest a correction in the comments below.