In 1991 Clepsydra released their first album "Hologram", which was followed by the EP "Fly Man" in 1993. Clepsydra then signed to InsideOut, who released their second album "More Grains of Sand" in 1994. This CD included the song Moonshine on Heights, which by many is regarded as neo-prog classic. 1994 also saw them performing two songs on national Swiss TV, a rare occurrence for a progressive rock band at that time.
In 1998 Clepsydra released their third album "Fears", the first album with Marco Cerulli on guitar. In the wake of the album release Clepsydra had a 10 day long European tour and was booked for a concert in Canada on the strength of this production. In 2001 the band released "Alone" with Nicola De Vita on bass. This album came with 3 different album covers: "The Chicken", "The Octopus" and "The Fish".
Following these four albums Clepsydra entered a state of hiatus. At this point they had established themselves as a popular entity among fans of neo-progressive rock, and they were often compared to the likes of Jadis, IQ and Fish-era Marillion. In 2013 Clepsydra announced they were reuniting, with Andy Thommen back on bass guitar and a reunion tour scheduled for 2014. A 4 CD box set limited to 1’000 pieces is on pre-order as of November 2013 to be shipped early 2014 featuring all 4 albums meticulously re-mastered with an hour of additional bonus material and unreleased material.
Clepsydra Home Page: www.clepsydra.ch
Facebook: www.facebook.com/clepsydra.ch
YouTube: www.youtube.com/clepsydraofficial
The Cloister
Clepsydra Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
The yellow walls colour your shadows
The shouting brains echoes in the square
Forbidden ground draws the eyes
A pace sounds like heavy clogs on the floor
The columns are moisten with scoring hans sweat
The wooden ceiling is a weigh for my mind
From time to time the bell reminds you seclusion
They tech you an open mind on that closed court
Centuries have gone but the days still have to come
The smell of the chalk goes into your skin
The stained-glass windows that point at the sky
Are not so fragile as the age in which I live...
... the age of glass
The stained-glass windows that point at the sky
Are not so fragile as the age in which I live...
... the age of glass
The song "The Cloister" by Clepsydra is a hauntingly beautiful depiction of the atmosphere inside an old monastery or cloister. The opening lines set the tone by describing the sound of loneliness echoing through the open archways and the yellow walls casting shadows over everything. The shouting brains echoing in the square create a sense of unease and forbidden ground draws the eyes. The pace of heavy clogs on the floor and the columns moistened with sweat paint a picture of an oppressive environment. The wooden ceiling is a weight for the mind, and the light seems to struggle to penetrate the inner sanctum of the cloister.
Despite the seclusion and restriction of life within the cloister, the bell serves as a reminder to keep an open mind. The centuries that have passed have not changed the way of life of those living within the cloister, and the smell of the chalk permeates into your skin. The stained-glass windows that point towards the sky are not so fragile as the age in which the singer lives - the age of glass - perhaps signifying the fragile nature of society in modern times.
Overall, "The Cloister" is a beautifully written and emotional song that transports the listener to another time and place - the cloister of a monastery.
Line by Line Meaning
The open archways sound of loneliness
The empty passages create a feeling of isolation and sadness.
The yellow walls colour your shadows
The warm-colored walls cast a glow on your surrounding darkness.
The shouting brains echoes in the square
The noise from a crowded mind reverberates in the empty space.
Forbidden ground draws the eyes
The allure of the forbidden entices and captivates the observer's gaze.
A pace sounds like heavy clogs on the floor
Every footstep feels heavy and labored, as if wearing cumbersome shoes.
The columns are moisten with scoring hans sweat
The pillars are dampened by the lingering sweat of countless hands that have touched them over time.
The wooden ceiling is a weigh for my mind
The heavy wooden overhead structure feels oppressive and burdensome to the mind.
The light tries hard to reach the inner side
The illumination struggles to penetrate the innermost recesses of the space.
From time to time the bell reminds you seclusion
The periodic tolling serves as a reminder of the seclusion and isolation one experiences within the walls.
They teach you an open mind on that closed court
Despite the enclosed space, one is encouraged to maintain an open mind and perspective.
Centuries have gone but the days still have to come
Despite the passage of time, there is a sense that the days ahead will still be influenced by the history of the space.
The smell of the chalk goes into your skin
The scent of chalk adheres to your skin and becomes a lasting part of your experience in the space.
The stained-glass windows that point at the sky
The windows, shining bright colors and light, guide one's eyes towards the heavens above.
Are not so fragile as the age in which I live...
... the age of glass
Despite their delicate appearance, the stained-glass windows are more resilient than the fragile, vulnerable era in which the singer resides.
Contributed by Kayla G. Suggest a correction in the comments below.