Founded in 1969 by guitarist Frank Bornemann, the band has endured several line-up changes, with Bornemann being the only consistent member of the group. In the 1980s, after a series of major splits (like in 1984 although reformed in 1988) in the group, Bornemann pursued a more commercial direction. Despite attracting a large following, the band never gained popularity in the United States.
However, in later years, former members of the band re-joined, and in 1998 fans delighted in hearing Ocean 2, a return to the classic symphonic progressive genre that the band was so well known for. A sequel to the 1977's original, it is commonly thought among fans that it successfully recaptures the spirit of the band, and is a worthy follow-up to the much beloved classic.
Of the band's numerous records, fans generally consider Inside, Floating, Dawn, Ocean, Silent Cries & Mighty Echoes, Planets and Ocean 2 to be the superior albums.
Despite their nationality, the band is not generally considered krautrock due to their sound which has much more in common with English progressive groups such as Pink Floyd and Yes.
In 2009 after a decade of hiatus Frank Bornemann released a DVD celebrating their 40th anniversary and a new album called Visionairy.
In the following period he worked on a concept double album about the life of the Maid of Orleans, Jeanne d'Arc. The album The Vision, the Sword and the Pyre, Pt. 1 was released in 2017, followed by The Vision, the Sword and the Pyre, Pt. 2 in 2019.
Current Line-up:
Frank Bornemann
Klaus-Peter Matziol
Hannes Arkona
Hannes Folberth
Bodo Schopf
Sphinx
Eloy Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I left the worldly spheres behind
Into atmospheres unknown
To the planet of silence
Ancient tales have told of sphinx on his throne
Create an aura unique his superior mind doesn't need space or time
And leave the future way behind
Move through dimensions unexplained
The palace of eternity
Wisdom's books I search in these temples of sphinx
Pyramides of peace meaningless time ... no such thing as time
Quietly trace him slowly and finally I confront him
He silently gazes with a piercing look
I'm overpowered and struck by anxiety
His charisma enlightens me
His eyes tell tales I couldn't see
Sphinx is superior to my fate
He motions me, but no word is said
One last glance, he turns away, and spreads his wings
Slowly rising, soars up to the heights
The brightest star yet seen comes into sight
Ancient tales have told of sphinx on his throne
Create an aura unique his superior mind doesn't need space or time
In the song Sphinx by Eloy, the singer transcends the physical world and travels to a planet of silence. Ancient tales have spoken of the Sphinx, a figure of great intellect and power who acts as a gatekeeper to this otherworldly realm. The singer journeys through rooms of the past and present, leaving behind the constraints of time and space as they make their way to the palace of eternity.
Upon arrival, the singer searches for wisdom in the temples of the Sphinx. The pyramids of peace are free from the limitations of time, and the Sphinx's superior mind has no need for it. When the singer finally comes face to face with the Sphinx, they are struck by anxiety but are also enlightened by the Sphinx's charisma. The Sphinx motions for the singer to follow, but they say nothing. As the Sphinx spreads its wings and soars upwards, the singer sees the brightest star they have ever seen.
Line by Line Meaning
Surpassed celestial gates of light
I have gone beyond the boundaries of heaven and entered into an unknown realm of existence.
I left the worldly spheres behind
I have transcended beyond the materialistic world and its illusions.
Into atmospheres unknown
I am venturing into an unfamiliar and mysterious world that lies beyond our comprehension.
To the planet of silence
I have reached a place where all noise and chaos ceases to exist, and peace prevails.
Ancient tales have told of sphinx on his throne
My journey leads me to the domain of Sphinx, a legendary creature worshipped for its wisdom and intellect.
Create an aura unique his superior mind doesn't need space or time
Sphinx's majestic presence emanates an energy that defies the laws of time and space, as his consciousness transcends all realms of existence.
Pass through rooms of 'Now' and 'Past'
I move through various dimensions where time is ever-present, but my journey transcends beyond the limits of time and space.
And leave the future way behind
I am not concerned with the uncertainties of the future, as my journey is focused on the present and the wisdom it holds.
Move through dimensions unexplained
My journey takes me through different realms where the laws of physics and science cease to exist, and the mysteries of the universe reveal themselves.
The palace of eternity
I have reached an ethereal realm where time is infinite and the mysteries of life and death are revealed.
Wisdom's books I search in these temples of sphinx
In this domain of Sphinx, I seek knowledge and enlightenment through ancient texts and teachings passed down through generations.
Pyramides of peace meaningless time ... no such thing as time
The pyramids of this peaceful realm signify that time is a human construct, and in this eternal realm, time does not exist.
Quietly trace him slowly and finally I confront him
I follow Sphinx silently, observing his movements and aura, until I come face to face with him.
He silently gazes with a piercing look
Sphinx gazes upon me with a penetrating look, sending waves of energy that penetrate my consciousness beyond my comprehension.
I'm overpowered and struck by anxiety
My encounter with Sphinx overwhelms me with a powerful force that fills me with awe and a sense of anxiety.
His charisma enlightens me
Sphinx's presence radiates a charisma that illuminates my consciousness with insight and clarity, filling me with knowledge and understanding.
His eyes tell tales I couldn't see
Through Sphinx's gaze, I see a world beyond my understanding, filled with secrets and mysteries that were previously unknown to me.
Sphinx is superior to my fate
Sphinx's intellect and consciousness are beyond human comprehension, and his wisdom transcends the limitations of destiny and fortune.
He motions me, but no word is said
Sphinx signals me to leave, but without using any words, as his consciousness transcends the need for language and communication.
One last glance, he turns away, and spreads his wings
In one final gesture, Sphinx turns away and spreads his wings, as if to take flight and transcend beyond the limits of the realm we inhabit.
Slowly rising, soars up to the heights
Sphinx takes flight, soaring higher and higher, until he disappears beyond the limits of perception and understanding.
The brightest star yet seen comes into sight
With Sphinx gone, a bright star appears in the sky, signifying a new level of consciousness and enlightenment gained from this otherworldly experience.
Contributed by Cameron C. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@destroyerr666
Best prog band ever
@funkynothingness
Absolutely beautiful synths for this song!! One of my favorite tracks from this album. This and cosmic wind is some of eloy’s best in my opinion
@rikuperhoniemi8639
surprisingly good, wau. Perfect sound, todays producers should really take a listen...
@user-bs9hc6ip1y
Most of today's producers just need to leave the profession. They are untenable next to such music))
@0008DEVA
Dieser Song ist einfach traumhaft. Spielt den mal laut auf Quatro in einem Garten. Da hebt man total ab und das ganz ohne Drogen ;-)
@jasondelmaitre2838
EPIC đź‘Źđź‘Źđź‘Ź
@0Fdigital
finally this song is on youtube! these guys are my new favourite prog band. i think i'm even going to name my next album after them (and rip off their amazing synth riffs, haha)
@dennisbenzle7493
love and Peace people
@kocu66
Dieser Sound ist einfach heute noch saustark. Vielleicht auch wegen der Erinnerungen an frĂĽher. Trotzdem eigenartig warum diese Band nicht viel bekannter und erfolgreicher geworden ist.
@brpvpmundoshow7635
Force and light!