The band thought for a long time about the name, and one day Zbyszek Bieniak came across an empty bottle wine named Klosterkeller. That was it. The "legend" goes that Anja changed K for C because she wanted to be higher on all sorts of alphabetical lists.
First concerts took place in small clubs (they played their first official gig in February 1988 at young bands contest in Warsaw). Gradually, they were making themselves "visible" on the music scene.
First line-up change took place - Andrzej Szymanczak (Szczota) became a new drumer, but he was soon replaced by Piotr Bienkowski (Peterek).
Year 1989 was Closterkeller time. They won all most significant music contests in Poland - Mokotowska Jesien, Rock Pokoju in Hala Gwardii (Warsaw), Rock Pod Chelmcem, Odjazdy, and the most important one - Jarocin. They became a fully "professional" band.
Despite the success, there was a small crisis in the band caused by the situation on the music scene, especially the envy of disappointed rivals. Peterek left the band and Szczota came back.
In 1990 their debut album "Purple" came out (Izabelin). Almost as a prophecy of the future technical passion of Anja, the album was the first Polish record released in CD format. The music presented on this album is raw, heavy and slightly depressing but at the same time very spontaneous and full of expression, with Anja's disturbing lyrics. Lots of fans adore this album to this day, others say it was poor... But that's how it all started.
The band was already acknowlegded as rock stars, mostly thanks to Anja's marvelous voice and charisma, as well as unique climate of their songs and the image.
In 1991 another line-up change took place. Andrzej Szymanczak left Closterkeller again and the band looked for a new drummer for quite a long time, in the meantime trying out drum-machine. Eventually Piotr Pawłlwski (Pawlos, Posejdon) joined the band.
Przemek Guryn went to the States and was replaced by Anja's old pal Michal Rollinger, graduate of Music College. A couple of guitarists went through Closterkeller, but none was kept for long. Thus, material for the next LP was written by Anja and Wolfgang. First version of "Blue" was deleted. It consisted of the pieces which were released on the final version, but the arrangements were much colder and rawer.
Re-recorded "Blue" was out in 1992 by Polish-German label SPV. Unfortunately, because of somebody's neglect only English version was released, and in Poland only in MC format. Still, the album was received very well indeed. "Blue" was carefully thought over, dominated by nostalgia, subtlety, and reverie, with some heavier accents too. Anja's lyrics were a very personal analysis of emotions; from that album on her lyrics became real poetry. Highlights of the album were definitely "Czerwone wino/Vintage Wine", "Grzech/Sin", "Jeszcze jeden dzień/Just Another Day)" and beautiful melodic recitation in "Epitafium/Epitaph".
After the recording session Robert Ochnio and Jacek Skirucha left the band.
Meanwhile, Pawel Pieczynski returned to Poland from a few-year stay in Belgium. In Brussels he cooperated with The Morgan's Lovers, Fatamorgana and Naufrages du Silence (with the last band he played a tour with Closterkeller in 1991). He became a member of Closterkeller after one rehearsal only… Ha had a great talent and a very unique style of playing. He contributed to a great extent to making of "Agnieszka" - the band's big hit.
After a serious conflict with Anja, Wolfang left the band and was replaced by Krzysztof Najman - great bass player with metal roots, previously in Charon, Blitzkrieg, Jezabel Jazz. Towards the end of 1992 mini-album "Agnieszka" was released - it consisted of tracks from "Blue" sung in Polish plus new pieces, recorded with the new line-up. In the years to come Paweł and Krzysiek, both very gifted and original musicians, created Closterkeller music.
A video clip was shot to the title song, to Anja's screenplay. It won the grand prix at Polish Videoclips Festival in Sopot.
In November 1992 Anja marries Krzysztof. Next album is recorded by Anja being 8 and 9 months pregnant. Little Adam is born and two months later she finishes work on the new LP.
1993 saw a cult record "Violet", released by Izabelin/PolyGram Poland. "Violet" is a mystic, dark, album, full of disturbing beauty. It skillfully mixes delicate, atmospheric sounds with heavy, aggressive ones. Anja's lyrics are more mature and more beautiful; new musicians bring a new "spirit" in the music. Such pieces as "Violette", "Dwa oblicza Ewy/Eves two faces" and "W moim kraju/In my Country" quickly became classics and are still enthusiastically received live. Beautiful video was shot to "Babeluu" with Anja and her baby Adam.
Anja and Krzysztof didn't want to part with Adam so the boy "joined" the band for tours and gigs. The following year Closterkeller played loads of concerts, in clubs as well as huge venues, e.g. Spodek in Katowice, where they supported British new wave legend - Cocteau Twins.
Premiere of "Scarlet" took place in the beginning of 1995. It's the heaviest album in Closterkeller discography, because at that time Krzysiek and Paweł were fascinated by such metal sounds. The album makes one coherent whole and is maintained in the band's characteristic style, it mixes heavy accents with subtle beauty of keyboards and violins (in 3 songs). All is crowned with Anja's majestic voice. She sings very dynamically and aggressively in some pieces, in others very softly, with great oriental vocalizations. Lyrics, as usually, describe the world around Anja, they range from melancholic, beautiful ones ("A Ona, Ona/And She, She", "Śniło/Dreamt", "Owoce wschodu/Fruit of Orient") to descriptions of brutality of modern life ("Dlaczego nosze broń/Why I carry a gun", "California").
Videos were shot to "Scarlet" and "Owoce Wschodu" (one of the best Polish videos). The band played a very successful tour. Michal Rollinger had to leave Closterkeller for some time due to personal reasons. He was replaced by Dariusz Boral (ex-Mordor) and then by a very talented keyboard player Tomasz Wojciechowski (Mech). They both appeared on the next album, though the material was written by the "old", four-people line-up.
"Cyan" was released in April 1996. The band turned towards electro sounds. Like every Closterkeller record, the album was a mix of heavy and sweet elements, but it was more peaceful than the previous one, filled with samplers' analog special effects and new climates. It had a strange, magnetic charm… There were Pawel's masterful displays supported by strong, characteristic sound of Krzysiek's bass guitar. Anja sings delicately, her voice building characteristic atmosphere. Lyrics tell of love and fear, of decay, but also mention contemporary political situation in Poland. "Władza/Power" was especially well received by the public and the media; very suggestive video was shot to this piece. But the fans almost unanimously decided that they liked "Cisza w jej domu/Silence In Her Home" and "Smutek spełnionej baśni/Sadness Of a Tale Fulfilled" the best.
Keyboard parts on the album were played by guest musicians, as well as Paweł, Krzysiek and Anja, for whom it was the beginning of the great adventure with synthesizers.
The CD version of the album contained multimedia presentation for PC with downloadable interview with the band, discography and the band bio. It was a result of Anja fascination with computers.
The band also made another dream come true - they released a live album. "Koncert '97", recorded in Rzeszow and Lublin, is recording of a classical Closterkeller set. It captures the atmosphere of their shows, more rock and crazy, post-punk almost, and lacking the melancholy and sadness known from the studio releases. One can feel the wild vibrations when the crowd sings along with Anja, as well as their love and support for the band.
After that release Mechu left the band and Michał came back. Posejdon was replaced by Gerard Klawe, great drummer known from bands like Rezerwat and Hedone. Paweł was gradually distancing himself from the band, devoting most of his time for translation of literature. Anja and Krzysiek went through a marriage crisis, after which they unfortunately separated. Anja took to computers, for a while she worked in a computer company. In 1998 Closterkeller decided to break their cooperation with PolyGram.
In such difficult circumstances the best Closterkeller album so far was written. "Graphite" was released in 1999 by Metal Mind Productions. It is an absolutely perfect record. Beauty, sorrow and poetry are its distinguishing features. Anja's poems are very personal. Atmospheric keyboard parts are set against electronic, very modern special effects, all this adds to the "space" of the record. Vocal-wise, Anja expresses a variety of emotions, with the overwhelming sadness eventually turning into hope.
This record is the ultimate, flawless beauty. Krzysiek and Pawel do their very best, both as the composers and musicians. In one of the interviews Anja said that "Graphite" was like a fulfillment of Closterkeller mission.
Graphite was released in two versions - digipack with 2 bonus tracks and the other one with a computer programme and two great videoclips to "Na Krawędzi/Somewhere inbetween" and "Czas Komety/The Reign of the Comet".
After the release Krzysiek Najman leaves the band, Pawel too plays less and less concerts. Anja started to look for a new bass player - her first choice was Peter Guellard (Dyda) from the USA - he played with Closterkeller on the tour promoting "Graphite", then Andrzej Kaczynski joined the band for a while, but eventually Marcin Pluciennik (Pucek) was hired. Pawel was replaced by a young, talented guitarist from Warsaw - Marcin Mentel (Freddie).
In 1999 Metal Mind Productions re-edited all Closterkeller studio albums.
Already in a new line-up (actually, it was one of Pawel's last appearances with the band) on 16 October 1999 Closterkeller recorded an acoustic concert in Agnieszka Osiecka Studio in Polish Radio. Atmospheric, melodic concert was released in 2000 as Fin de Siecle. Old compositions were re-arranged, acoustic instruments were set against a bit of synthetizers and electronic sounds. Anja called this record "sweet little candy". The band also presented pieces not performed at Closterkeller usual live sets, e.g. "A nadzieja/And Hope", to which a subtle, beautiful videoclip was shot, "Chat, Chat" sung in French or long-forgotten "To muzyka/It's Music".
The band still plays this set at some acoustic shows, which are very well recieved by the fans. Year 2000 brought an overview compilation "Pastel". The release consists of 2 discs, a CD entitled "Past" and a mutlimedia CD called "El". "Past" is a typical "the best of" collection, while on "El" one can find lots of information about the band, interview with Anja, pictures, video and rare audio tracks in MP3 format - never released before. This multimedia part contributed to a great extent to popularity of "Pastel" among the fans.
For the following 3 years the new line-up was consolidating. The band gave hundreds of great gigs, both in Poland and abroad. Slowly, new ideas and compositions were born.
In December 2002, encouraged by Metal Mind Productions, Anja recorded English versions of songs from "Graphite". The album was released on 10 February 2003. Everyone agreed that Anja's vocals were even better than on the Polish version. English lyrics did in no way reduce the original artistic value of the album, on the contrary, the new language added a new dimension to the already known compositions.
On 10 April 2003 Closterkeller was invited to record a show in TV Studio in Kraków. It was a thrilling, beautiful show, permeated with all elements that make Closterkeller stand out as one of the most original bands on our music scene. Apart from the classical compositions the band presented new pieces from the forthcoming album "Nero", whose premiere is scheduled for October 2003.
This year the band celebrates their 20th anniversary. 20 years, during which they gave their fans so much beauty and joy, so many smiles and tears... Uncountable number of fans grew adult with Closterkeller music and Anja's poetry was a life beacon for many young people...
Closterkeller music, just like the colorful titles of their albums, is a variety of shades and colors, but doubtlessly, the leader of the band is Anja - charismatic vocalist with unforgettable, amazing voice, whose strong personality and beautiful, pensive lyrics make her one of the most outstanding artists in Polish rock music.
DISCOGRAPHY:
„Purple” (1990),
„Blue” (1992),
„Agnieszka” (EP, 1993),
„Violet” (1993),
„Scarlet” (1995)
„Cyan” (1996),
„Koncert’97” (1997) - live,
"Graphite" (1999),
"Fin de siecle" (2000) - acoustic live
"Pastel" (2000) - ("The Best of...")
"Act III (live 2003)" - DVD (2003)
"Nero"(2003),
"Reghina" (2004)
"Aurum" (2009)
"Bordeaux" (2011)
Additionally available in english version are: "Blue", "Graphite" and "Nero".
Earth Song
Closterkeller Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
What about rain
What about all the things
That you said we were to gain...
What about killing fields
Is there a time
What about all the things
That you said was yours and mine...
All the blood we've shed before
Did you ever stop to notice
The crying Earth the weeping shores?
Aaaaaaaaah Aaaaaaaaah
Aaaaaaaaah Aaaaaaaaah
What have we done to the world
Look what we've done
What about all the peace
That you pledge your only son...
What about flowering fields
Is there a time
What about all the dreams
That you said was yours and mine...
Did you ever stop to notice
All the children dead from war
Did you ever stop to notice
The crying Earth the weeping shores
Aaaaaaaaah Aaaaaaaaah
Aaaaaaaaah Aaaaaaaaah
I used to dream
I used to glance beyond the stars
Now I don't know where we are
Although I know we've drifted far
Aaaaaaaaah Aaaaaaaaah
Aaaaaaaaah Aaaaaaaaah
Aaaaaaaaah Aaaaaaaaah
Aaaaaaaaah Aaaaaaaaah
Hey, what about yesterday (What about us)
What about the seas (What about us)
The heavens are falling down (What about us)
I can't even breathe (What about us)
What about the bleeding Earth (What about us)
Can't we feel its wounds (What about us)
What about nature's worth (ooo, ooo)
It's our planet's womb (What about us)
What about animals (What about it)
We've turned kingdoms to dust (What about us)
What about elephants (What about us)
Have we lost their trust (What about us)
What about crying whales (What about us)
We're ravaging the seas (What about us)
What about forest trails (ooo, ooo)
Burnt despite our pleas (What about us)
What about the holy land (What about it)
Torn apart by creed (What about us)
What about the common man (What about us)
Can't we set him free (What about us)
What about children dying (What about us)
Can't you hear them cry (What about us)
Where did we go wrong (ooo, ooo)
Someone tell me why (What about us)
What about babies (What about it)
What about the days (What about us)
What about all their joy (What about us)
What about the man (What about us)
What about the crying man (What about us)
What about Abraham (What was us)
What about death again (ooo, ooo)
Do we give a damn
Aaaaaaaaah Aaaaaaaaah
Aaaaaaaaah Aaaaaaaaah
The lyrics of Earth Song by Closterkeller express deep concern for the damage that humanity has inflicted upon the Earth. The song focuses on the many ways that we have taken advantage of and done harm to the planet, leaving behind death, destruction, and tears. The song is a plea for the world to take notice of the damage that has been done and to take action to protect the Earth and prevent further destruction.
The first verse opens with questions about natural phenomena that we often take for granted: sunrise, rain, and the promise of abundance that we have been promised. The lyrics then turn to darker themes, such as killing fields and the notion of ownership. The chorus calls attention to the many tragedies that have been caused by humanity's actions, including the shedding of blood and the weeping of the Earth and its shores. The second verse repeats the chorus, but adds in reflections on the past, dreams of a better future, and a sense of disorientation about where we are now.
Overall, the lyrics of Earth Song are a powerful reminder of the damage that we have done to the planet and a call to action to make things right. It serves as an important contribution to conversations about environmentalism, sustainability, and the need to take responsibility for our own actions.
Line by Line Meaning
What about sunrise
What about the beginning of a new day and all the promises it holds?
What about rain
What about rain that sustains and nourishes all forms of life?
What about all the things
That you said we were to gain...
What about all the hopes and dreams we were promised, but have not yet received?
What about killing fields
What about the atrocities and tragedies of war that have claimed countless lives?
Is there a time
Is there a chance for change or will we continue down this destructive path?
What about all the things
That you said was yours and mine...
What about the things we were told we would share, but have only caused division and conflict?
Did you ever stop to notice
All the blood we've shed before
Have we ever paid attention to the consequences of our actions in the past?
Did you ever stop to notice
The crying Earth the weeping shores?
Have we ever considered the harm that we have inflicted upon the environment and the planet?
What have we done to the world
What impact have our actions had on the world around us?
Look what we've done
Look at the destruction we have caused and the consequences we must face.
What about all the peace
That you pledge your only son...
What about the promise of peace and harmony that has yet to be fulfilled?
What about flowering fields
What about the beauty of nature that we have failed to appreciate and protect?
Did you ever stop to notice
All the children dead from war
Have we ever acknowledged the immense tragedy of children dying in wars and conflicts?
All the children dead from war
Have we ever acknowledged the immense tragedy of children dying in wars and conflicts?
Did you ever stop to notice
The crying Earth the weeping shores
Have we ever considered the harm that we have inflicted upon the environment and the planet?
I used to dream
There was a time when I held hope for the future.
I used to glance beyond the stars
I used to dream of endless possibilities and the miracles of the universe.
Now I don't know where we are
Now I am lost, confused, and uncertain of what the future holds.
Although I know we've drifted far
Although I know we have strayed from the path we were meant to follow.
Hey, what about yesterday (What about us)
What happened to the values and principles we used to hold dear?
What about the seas
What about the vast oceans that are being polluted, depleted, and destroyed?
The heavens are falling down (What about us)
The natural systems that we rely on are being irreparably damaged.
I can't even breathe
I am suffocating under the weight of all that is happening around us.
What about the bleeding Earth
What about the wounds we have inflicted upon our planet?
Can't we feel its wounds
Can't we see and feel the harm that we are causing?
What about nature's worth (ooo, ooo)
What about the value and importance of natural systems and biodiversity?
It's our planet's womb (What about us)
It is our responsibility to care for and protect our planet, as it is our home.
What about animals (What about it)
What about the millions of species of animals that are being driven towards extinction?
We've turned kingdoms to dust (What about us)
We are destroying entire ecosystems and natural habitats through our actions.
What about elephants (What about us)
What about the majestic elephants and their dwindling populations?
Have we lost their trust (What about us)
Have we destroyed the trust and respect that we should have for other living beings?
What about crying whales (What about us)
What about the plight of the whales and the damage we have caused to their habitats and populations?
We're ravaging the seas (What about us)
We are destroying the oceans and the delicate balance of life within them.
What about forest trails (ooo, ooo)
What about the dwindling forests and the species that call them home?
Burnt despite our pleas (What about us)
Despite our pleas, forests continue to be burned and destroyed at an alarming rate.
What about the holy land (What about it)
What about the conflicts and destruction of cultural heritage sites and artifacts?
Torn apart by creed (What about us)
Divisions based on religion and ideology continue to cause harm and chaos.
What about the common man
What about the majority of people who are struggling to survive and thrive?
Can't we set him free (What about us)
Can't we provide each and every person with the freedom, opportunities, and resources they need to live happy and fulfilling lives?
What about children dying (What about us)
What about the millions of children who are suffering and dying from poverty, war, and disease?
Can't you hear them cry (What about us)
Can't you hear their cries for help and assistance?
Where did we go wrong (ooo, ooo)
Where, and how, did we lose sight of the greater good and the well-being of all living beings?
What about babies (What about it)
What about the next generations and the legacy we will leave behind?
What about the days (What about us)
What about each and every day we have been given and the choices we make?
What about all their joy (What about us)
What about the happiness, contentment, and joy that every person deserves?
What about the man (What about us)
What about every single human being, regardless of race, gender, ethnicity, or background?
What about the crying man (What about us)
What about those who are suffering in silence and need our help the most?
What about Abraham (What was us)
What about the people who have come before us, the legacies they left behind, and the wisdom we can learn from them?
What about death again (ooo, ooo)
What about the inevitability of death and the impact we have on the world while we are alive?
Do we give a damn
Do we care enough to make a difference and create a better world for everyone?
Contributed by Scarlett Y. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Encore
Andrzej Waligórski
Hydraulik dźwięku
A jeśli przyjdzie kiedyś po mnie
Hydraulik dźwięku fioletowy
Żeby mi odbić szajbę w głowie,
To będę czysty i różowy,
Otworzę lufty i lufciki,
Spłoną hydranty i nocniki,
Na wszystko jeszcze raz popatrzę
I wyjdę, ale nie na zawsze!
A jeśli przyjdzie innym razem
Gazownik uczuć znakomity
Żeby mnie napompować gazem -
Będę umyty i utyty,
Wycisnę wągry, spuszczę wodę,
Minister wręczy mi nagrodę,
Prasa mi zrobi analizę,
I wtedy na sam szczyt wylizę!
A jeśli zjawi się osiołek,
Strażak postępu uśmiechnięty
By mnie znienacka kopnąć w tyłek,
To będę czujny i wypięty -
Otworzę wszystkie drzwi na przestrzał,
Nabiorę światła i powietrza,
Wystrzelę jak z korkowca korek
I poszybuję wprost do Tworek!
yetihehe
Gdyby ta piosenka miała własne uczucia, tak właśnie chciałaby być śpiewana.
radża karabin
O czym tu sie pierdoli? Jaki kurwa gotyk, jaki metalll..... Po co te ramy??To jest zwyczajnie zajebiste.
infonator07
@Bogdan Kitliński
Słuchałem oryginału, słuchałem i wykonania Closterkeller. Brak charyzmy? Ta piosenka powinna być utrzymana w tym tonie. To nie jest metalowy utwór, żeby jazgotać do niego ;).
To chyba nadal najlepszy cover tej piosenki jaki dane mi było usłyszeć. ;)
andrzej hahn
magiczna kobieta
lowek83
uwielbiam ten kawałek...
Marta Szelegieniec
"Zegarmistrz światła" i czerwone wino. Pure Goth... \m/
Maciek Wsn
Mój pierwszy woodstock 😍😍😍😍
Unveil Unveil
Przecież ten kawałek jest niesamowity.Kto tu pisze o braku charyzmy?Tutaj muzyka i wokal są niesamowite
Stefania Szostok
KOcham tą piosenkę
Stefania Szostok
jak ktoś nie chce słuchać to niech nie słucha ja to uwielbiam i basta