Their sound can be described as a blend between black, thrash and death metal, although in recent releases, the band's death metal edge has become more prominent. For example, the album 'Unchain the Wolves', considered to be their finest by many fans, has a less head-on and aggressive sound than later albums such as 'Cold Steel... for an Iron Age', which uses a more bombastic and hard-hitting tone. Their latest album, 'Defiance', was released on June 22nd 2009 through Season of Mist records.
Warslut formed the band following his departure from the cult black metal band Bestial Warlust. The project was a solo venture at first but eventually evolved into a proper band. The group's debut EP, "Violence is the Prince of this World," featured Warslut on guitar, bass and vocals, with Matt Skitz from Damaged and Criss Volcano from Abominator on drums. The song "The Eternal Glory of War" was later re-recorded for the album 'Phoenix Rising').
Following this release, Deströyer 666 got a full line-up that included bassist Bullet Eater (aka Phil Gresik, ex-Bestial Warlust, Hobbs' Angel of Death and Mass Confusion), Gospel of the Horns drummer Howitzer and guitarist Shrapnel. With these members the band recorded its first album, 'Unchain the Wolves'. Following this Howitzer was replaced by Deceiver and during 1999 Deströyer 666 recorded 'Phoenix Rising', though it was not released for more than a year.
During 2000, the band toured Europe extensively. Dutch drummer Erich de Windt of Sinister and Prostitute Disfigurement joined the band after the recording of the EP "King of Kings". Gresik left to be replaced by Simon Berserker. 'Phoenix Rising' was released by Season of Mist in November. De Windt was replaced by German drummer Mersus in 2001 and Deströyer 666 toured through Europe again with Immolation and Deranged, after which the band left Australia for good. Warslut settled in Eindhoven in the Netherlands and Shrapnel began living in London.
The 2002 album 'Cold Steel... For an Iron Age' featured cover art, which the band has since disavowed, claiming they never approved it. A reissue of the album was scheduled for late 2005 but as of May 2009, this has still not come to light. It is supposed to feature all new artwork as well as bonus songs. The group is also working on a new LP containing all of the songs previously released only on 7" vinyl EPs.
Shadow
Deströyer 666 Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Do not be afraid if you find it in hell
Do not be a slave to just what has been
To make the virtue of demons is the "ultimate" sin!
So fear not my friends for the hour draws near
Better to have lived fast, than to die old with fear
Though the old may be wise
They envy the young
For by life not death they are killed!
The lyrics to Deströyer 666's song Shadow speak about not being afraid of oneself or the darkness within. It encourages individuals to not be a slave to what has already been experienced and to find value in what may be considered evil or demonic. The phrase "ultimate sin" suggests that by embracing the shadows within, one can truly understand themselves and be liberated from societal norms.
The song also speaks to the fear of ageing, suggesting that it is better to live fast and embrace youthfulness than to grow old with fear. It speaks to the idea that the elderly may be wise, but they lack the vitality and strength of the young, and may envy their ability to live in the moment without fear. Ultimately, the song encourages listeners to embrace their darkness and revel in the vitality of their youth.
Line by Line Meaning
And yea tho' you walk in the shadow of self
Even when you are lost in your own thoughts and have no guidance, do not be frightened.
Do not be afraid if you find it in hell
Don't be scared if you accidentally end up in a dangerous situation, because you are strong enough to overcome it.
Do not be a slave to just what has been
Don't let your past dictate your future, instead, take control of your life and make your own path.
To make the virtue of demons is the "ultimate" sin!
Don't be tempted by evil, because making it good is the worst thing you can do.
So fear not my friends for the hour draws near
Don't be afraid of what's to come, because time is passing quickly.
Better to have lived fast, than to die old with fear
It's better to live your life to the fullest, even if it's shorter, than to be filled with regrets and fear until the end.
Though the old may be wise
Older people may have more knowledge.
No strength to they wield
But they may not have the physical or mental strength to act on their wisdom.
They envy the young
They may envy youthful energy and strength.
For by life not death they are killed!
But ultimately, by choosing to live fully, the young are able to truly experience life, whereas the old may feel like they are already dead.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: IAN GRAY, KEITH BEMROSE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@KAOS-rz1lb
its so intense and harsh and vile sounding to the ears
yet the bittersweet melody is so charming and awe inspiring, the whole album is basically like this
i beautiful embrace of pleasant melodies and relentless thrashing black metal
@JakabGipszTheFalse
masterpiece
@blackillussion1204
+Jakab Gipsz Yeah, I dont know why people didnt comment this
@thegiantslayer2330
+Marco Almeida Better like this...Then you can tell your friends how you listen to undergound band which noone knows...
(Sarcasm ofc)
@triumphant39
Easily one of my favorite black metal or black thrash songs. Beyond epic!
l@brandonleague3641
D666 are brilliance.
@fromhatefulvisions
that riff man
@Ronnie_McDoggle
yes, so nostalgic.. almost brings a tear to my pitch black eye 😉