From their 2007 album, Deadlight, the song Deadsong was accompanied with a video.
In 2011, their 6th album Deathstar Rising was released at Nuclear Blast.
2011 line-up:
Tuomas Saukkonen: Dark vocals and guitar (Dawn of Solace, Routasielu)
Juho Räihä: Lead guitar (Gloria Morti, Riverside Syndicate)
Lars Eikind: Bass and vocals (Winds, Age of Silence, ex-Khold, ex-Tulus)
Atte Palokangas: Drums (Agonizer)
Website: http://www.beforethedawn.com/
Previously associated musicians:
Guitars:
Pekka Sarkkinen
Timo Hankola
Jani Saajanaho (also Vocals, on "Gehenna")
Panu Willman (2000-2004, also Clean Vocals) (Entwine, Dark Filth Fraternity, St. Hood)
Mika Ojala (2003-2004, also Keyboards) (Damngod)
Bass:
Tomi Malin (on "Gehenna")
Toni Broman (2001-2004) (Kill the Romance, Damngod)
Drums:
Kimmo Nurmi (2000-2001)
Mika Tanttu (on "Gehenna") (Drowned in Life, Kill the Romance, Profane Omen, Coma Clinic)
Dani Miettinen (2002-2004, Session 2007-2009) (Jumalhдmдrд, Solacide)
Aatu Mukka (Live 2005, Session 2005-2006) (Camorra, Downtrodden)
Keyboards:
Tiina Ahokas (also Violin, Vocals, on "To Desire")
Jarkko Mдnnikkц (2000-2003)
In 2021, the band was reformed. On 30 April, the band released the single "Final Storm". The single was made for the Deadlight reissue which was released in 9 July 2021.
Cross To Bear
Before the Dawn Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Like a sledge full of stones
A simple question of self discipline
Will you walk or crawl
Spine breaking load
A burden of our own to shatter the backbone
We all have a cross to bear
refuse to share or separate, better buried than isolated
Dead weight is not to be divided
Resist and retaliate, defend and secure the sole fragment
Of what is sacred and pure, divine and consecrated
Define the strength of the will by endurance of the pain
Resolve and determine the reason and the cause
By forbearance of desolation
The opening lines of Before the Dawn's song "Cross to Bear" speaks of the struggles of determination and the burden of responsibilities that comes with it. The line "determination chained to the ground, like a sledge full of stones" illustrates the feeling of being weighed down by one's own determination. This can often feel like a heavy load that we carry with us constantly. The following line, "a simple question of self-discipline, will you walk or crawl?" brings to the forefront the idea that it is up to us to decide if we want to keep moving forward and pushing ourselves, or if we prefer to remain stagnant and give up. This idea is further explored in the chorus, "We all have a cross to bear", suggesting that everyone has their own struggles and responsibilities to carry, but it is up to individuals to determine how they handle it.
In the second verse, the song touches upon the concept of sharing our burden with others versus keeping it to ourselves. The line "Refuse to share or separate, better buried than isolated" suggests that it's better to deal with our issues alone rather than share it with others, which may cause more harm than good. The song speaks of the importance of holding onto what we hold dear to us, "Resist and retaliate, defend and secure the sole fragment of what is sacred and pure, divine and consecrated". The final lines of the song bring home the idea of endurance and determination, "Define the strength of the will by endurance of the pain, resolve and determine the reason and the cause by forbearance of desolation", suggesting that strength and resilience can be found when we endure our struggles and face them head-on.
Line by Line Meaning
Determination chained to the ground
The refusal to quit is held down by obstacles in the way
Like a sledge full of stones
The situation is overwhelmingly difficult
A simple question of self discipline
The decision to either give up or persevere is solely in one's own hands
Will you walk or crawl
Will you face the challenge head-on or succumb to the pressure?
Spine breaking load
The weight of the problem is crushing
A burden of our own to shatter the backbone
It is up to each person to overcome their own personal struggles
We all have a cross to bear
Everyone faces their own difficult challenges in life
Refuse to share or separate, better buried than isolated
Some burdens are best not shared and should be kept hidden
Dead weight is not to be divided
Some issues cannot be solved by simply splitting the responsibility
Resist and retaliate, defend and secure the sole fragment
Protect and safeguard what is most precious and valuable
Of what is sacred and pure, divine and consecrated
That which is most important should be protected
Define the strength of the will by endurance of the pain
True strength is shown by persevering through hardship
Resolve and determine the reason and the cause
Find and understand the root of the problem
By forbearance of desolation
Endure through the hard times and come out stronger on the other side
Contributed by Allison E. Suggest a correction in the comments below.