Glen and Esa left their previous combos, an Iron Maiden cover-band named Troopers and LEX CREDO, a prog metal outfit, in 1996, in order to put together something more professional.
The name CRYONIC TEMPLE was thought up by Johan and Esa, after watching a documentation about Cryo-Technology, which permits its pro-science followers to have their bodies frozen after death in order to be revived in the far future.
Having quickly fellow musicians for their quest, the first attempt was a mixture of progressive (RUSH, QUEENSRYCHE, MARILLION) and atmospheric sounds (TIAMAT, MISSION), but after several line-up changes, they decided to let the heavy metal beast out of its cage at last. "Seasons In Hell" was the title of their first 4-track demo which appeared in 1997 and from which three titles were also taken for the "Nerve" Compilation CD.
Amongst other places, this CD also fell into the hands of a certain Fred Estby, the drummer of DISMEMBER. Fred Estby followed it up and in 1998 he produced the band's next demo "Before The End" at Hardbow Productions, the company he was the head engineer for, and sent the result to as many labels as he could find. Although numerous interesting offers from various companies arrived, they did not quite reach the expectations of CRYONIC TEMPLE.
Instead of worrying about contracts, the band - which now included guitarist Leif Collin and the keyboarder Janne Söderlund - now concentrated on writing new songs and followed them up by a series of very exciting and successful live performances. These songs were also included on the demo "Warsong" in 2000.
On a sidenote the band won the semifinal of Swedens most important talentshow and made it to the final. They also entered the Top Ten charts of mp3.com with their song "The Gatekeeper".
Suddenly CRYONIC TEMPLE were the centre of attention for numerous record companies and in 2001 they decided to sign a contract with Underground Symphony Records.
Jan J Cederlund (bass) and Sebastian "Zeb O" Olsson (drums) completed the line-up, before releasing "Chapter I" in May 2002 and playing a great set at the Sweden Rock Festival in summer of the same year.
After having provided their first label with the highest selling album in 2002, CRYONIC TEMPLE caused barometers in Sweden to display "Storm" warnings. In order to have the best possible conditions for their second album, "Blood, Guts & Glory" the band signed a contract with Limb Music Products. As they had for their debut, they again worked together with Pelle Saether (Underground Studios) as producer and the result speaks for itself.
Gatekeeper
Cryonic Temple Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Here I stand as a wall of stone
I'm the one who protects you
Metal armed leather clone
I am here to shock you
Keep away if your aim's not pure
There's no way you can fool me
You most fight to get trough me
My heart is steel (x2)
All I want to do is standing at the Gate
Guard it with my life, I'll do it ?til I die
You will never know who I really am
The Guardian of light or Guardian of the dark
Here I stand, I don't care why
I just do what they tell me
Have no fear I'm ready to die
You will see what I'm saying
(Repeat bridge)
(Repeat chorus)
(Lead - Both / Ahonen / Collin / Ahonen / Collin / Both / Ahonen)
(Repeat chorus)
(Outro melody - Ahonen)
The lyrics of Cryonic Temple's song "Gatekeeper" seem to reference a mythical figure or character who stands as a "wall of stone" and guards a gate. The character is described as a "metal armed leather clone" who is there to "shock" anyone who may try to pass without pure intentions. The Gatekeeper states that there is "no way you can fool me" and those who seek to pass must "fight to get through me". The Gatekeeper declares that their "heart is steel" and they will continue to guard the gate with their life "until I die".
The second verse suggests that the Gatekeeper does not know why they stand at the gate, they just do what they are told to do. It is also implied that the Gatekeeper is prepared to die for their duty. The chorus is repeated twice, suggesting the importance of the gate and the duty of the Gatekeeper.
From a broader perspective, the lyrics can be interpreted in various ways, including a metaphor for guardianship or a persona who serves a specific purpose. The lyrics also suggest the importance of staying faithful to one's duty and the notion of staying true to oneself.
Line by Line Meaning
Here I stand as a wall of stone
I am immovable, steadfast, and resolute like a wall of stone, and my purpose is to protect you.
I'm the one who protects you
My role and responsibility is to keep you safe from harm and danger.
Metal armed leather clone
I have a fierce and intimidating appearance, with armor and equipment made of metal and leather.
I am here to shock you
I possess the ability to stun or surprise you, to show you the power and force I possess.
Keep away if your aim's not pure
If your intentions or motives are not sincere, honest, and true, you should stay away from me and my gate.
There's no way you can fool me
I can see through deception and trickery, and I am not easily swayed or manipulated.
Feel no mercy you better be sure
I am not a merciful or forgiving gatekeeper, so you must be positive of your intentions before attempting to pass through me.
You most fight to get trough me
I present a formidable obstacle to overcome, and you must be prepared for a challenging confrontation to pass by me and my gate.
My heart is steel (x2)
My emotions and spirit are as steadfast and resolute as iron, and they will not bend or break easily.
All I want to do is standing at the Gate
My purpose and passion in life is to stand at and protect my gate, above all else.
Guard it with my life, I'll do it ?til I die
I am willing to sacrifice myself and everything for the sake of guarding my gate and those who rely on my protection.
You will never know who I really am
My true identity, past, and motivations are obscured and may never be fully known or understood by others.
The Guardian of light or Guardian of the dark
I may be a protector of either good or evil, depending on my beliefs and the circumstances I find myself in.
Here I stand, I don't care why
I am not motivated by personal reasons or gain, but only by my sense of duty as a gatekeeper.
I just do what they tell me
I am obedient and loyal to whoever has tasked me with guarding the gate, and I do not question their orders.
Have no fear I'm ready to die
I am not afraid of death, and I understand that it may be a necessary sacrifice in my role as a gatekeeper.
(Repeat bridge)
The bridge repeats here, without any changes in lyrics or meaning.
(Repeat chorus)
The chorus repeats here, without any changes in lyrics or meaning.
(Lead - Both / Ahonen / Collin / Ahonen / Collin / Both / Ahonen)
This line refers to a guitar solo section, with various band members taking turns to perform.
(Outro melody - Ahonen)
The song concludes with a final guitar melody, played by musician Ahonen.
Contributed by Jacob G. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@armstrong7688
Here I stand as a wall of stone
I'm the one who protects you
Metal armed leather clone
I am here to shock you
Keep away if your aim's not pure
There's no way you can fool me
Feel no mercy you better be sure
You most fight to get trough me
My heart is steel (x2)
All I want to do is stand at the Gate
Guard it with my life, I'll do it ?til I die
You will never know who I really am
The Guardian of light or Guardian of the dark
Here I stand, I don't care why
I just do what they tell me
Have no fear I'm ready to die
You will see what I'm saying
(Repeat bridge)
@Chelo2814
2022 y sigue sonando increíble!!!
@armstrong7688
Here I stand as a wall of stone
I'm the one who protects you
Metal armed leather clone
I am here to shock you
Keep away if your aim's not pure
There's no way you can fool me
Feel no mercy you better be sure
You most fight to get trough me
My heart is steel (x2)
All I want to do is stand at the Gate
Guard it with my life, I'll do it ?til I die
You will never know who I really am
The Guardian of light or Guardian of the dark
Here I stand, I don't care why
I just do what they tell me
Have no fear I'm ready to die
You will see what I'm saying
(Repeat bridge)
@burning255
the solo is epic as hell it gives me goosebumps every time
@MrAlbert78
Wow!!!! Que recuerdos con esta cancion, la escuche alla por el 2002, fue una sorpresa dar con ella y escucharla, tuve el disco, no recuerdo en donde quedo, de las mejores bandas de metal melodico que he escuchado.
@user-dx7lp3qq4z
Muito bom. (All instrumental parts are epic)
@chuzzman42
I love that painkiller style intro with the drum solo and the shriek.
@vaxobedoidze3623
Shriek is in Black Metal, This is a badass BATTLE CRY ...
@haltocarrick3720
Amazing power metal band!
@KaiokenLuffy
Ive been listening to a lot of Dio`s best songs before this and I gotta say, This fast power Metal...I miss it. I love this genre !
@FernandoNunes-jo2ep
Excelente banda