The original goal of the band was to forge the different musical styles of both Iced Earth's dark melodies and Blind Guardian's powerful vocals into one sound. In fact, according to the musicians, the band name is meant to describe the two styles: the self-proclaimed demon-like themes and sounds of Iced Earth and wizard-like themes and sounds of Blind Guardian (the moniker "Demons & Wizards" was inspired by Schaffer's wife always referring to him and Hansi as "Demons and Angels". Hansi always corrected her, since he claims to "not be at all angelic", and that it is more properly stated "Demons and Wizards", in reference to Uriah Heep's album of the same name). The band met with a fair deal of commercial success, though not as much as either of their individual bands.
The idea for the band arose in the spring of 1997 when Kürsch and Schaffer wanted to make music together, after being friends for several years
Disbandment
On January 6, 2021, guitarist Jon Schaffer was photographed among the protesters who stormed the U.S. Capitol building in Washington, D.C. After appearing on the Most Wanted section of the FBI's website, Schaffer turned himself in on January 17 and is currently being held on six felony charges. Century Media dropped the band from their roster two days after Jon Schaffer turned himself in. On February 1, 2021, it was announced that vocalist Hansi Kürsch had left the band, stating his collaboration with Jon Schaffer is over.
Immigrant Song
Demons & Wizards Lyrics
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We come from the land of the ice and snow
From the midnight sun where the hot springs blow
The hammer of the gods will drive our ships to new lands
To fight the horde, singing and crying: Valhalla, I am coming!
On we sweep with threshing oar, our only goal will be the western shore
We come from the land of the ice and snow
From the midnight sun where the hot springs blow
How soft your fields so green, can whisper tales of gore
Of how we calmed the tides of war. We are your overlords
On we sweep with threshing oar, our only goal will be the western shore
So now you'd better stop and rebuild all your ruins
For peace and trust can win the day despite of all your losing
Ah, ah
The lyrics to Demons & Wizards's song Immigrant Song are an homage to the Nordic culture and mythology. The lyrics outline the fearless spirit of the Vikings as they set out on expeditions to conquer new lands. The opening lines "We come from the land of the ice and snow, From the midnight sun where the hot springs blow" set the scene of the cold and rugged terrain that was the birthplace of Viking warriors. The mention of the "hammer of the gods" refers to Thor's hammer, which symbolizes the power and strength the Vikings believed they possessed.
The chorus of the song "Valhalla, I am coming!" refers to the Viking's belief in the afterlife, where warriors who died in battle would join Odin in Valhalla. The verse "How soft your fields so green, can whisper tales of gore, Of how we calmed the tides of war. We are your overlords" showcases the Viking's reputation as ruthless conquerors who would invade peaceful lands to expand their territories. However, the song also ends with a message of peace, urging people to "stop and rebuild all your ruins" and work towards achieving peace despite the losses.
Line by Line Meaning
Ah, ah,
This line is repeated throughout the song and serves as a chant that supports the idea of the warriors coming to fight.
We come from the land of the ice and snow
The warriors are from a cold and harsh land where survival is a challenge.
From the midnight sun where the hot springs blow
The warriors hail from a place where the sun never sets, and hot springs abound.
The hammer of the gods will drive our ships to new lands
The warriors believe in the power of their gods to guide them to new territories.
To fight the horde, singing and crying: Valhalla, I am coming!
The warriors are ready to fight against their enemies while invoking the idea of Valhalla, a place of honor and glory for fallen warriors.
On we sweep with threshing oar, our only goal will be the western shore
The warriors are moving forward, using their oars, towards the western shore, where they will continue their conquest.
How soft your fields so green, can whisper tales of gore
The peaceful and serene surroundings of other lands hide violent and bloody histories.
Of how we calmed the tides of war, we are your overlords
The warriors take pride in their conquests and the control they hold over conquered lands.
So now you'd better stop and rebuild all your ruins
The warriors warn others to stop resisting and focus on rebuilding their past losses.
For peace and trust can win the day despite of all your losing
By giving up resistance and trusting in the warriors' authority, peace and stability can be restored.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
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