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
Through A Somber Galaxy
Eloy Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Towards the heart of brilliancy,
I must cope with the unknown face
Of a somber galaxy
This universe, seemingly vacant and dead;
Shapeless and black as the night,
Appears all the same full of life, immensely rich.
I can only feel the force:
What is near but seems distant;
All those eyes behind the countless doors,
That observe me, physically present and real.
The knights of light don't resist.
I pass untouched through their guard,
I've stood their test.
The change of an era has come
A new age is born
As it's been foreseen so long
A period of thought and insight
Man must survive.
Though he's conjured his chances so many a time,
And asked for the gift of life more than twice.
His final run of luck has come now.
His final run of luck has come now.
The lyrics of "Through A Somber Galaxy" by Eloy describe a voyage through space towards the heart of brilliancy, navigating through an unknown and somber galaxy that appears to be full of life despite its shapeless and black exterior. The singer acknowledges the limitation of human sense in comprehending the force that surrounds him, feeling the presence of countless eyes behind closed doors observing him as he passes through their guard untouched. The knights of light do not resist the singer, and he has stood their test, indicating a successful journey to reach the destination.
The last stanza of the song implies that a new era is dawning, as foreseen and predetermined, and mankind must survive by conjuring up all their chances and asking for the gift of life. The final run of luck has come now, indicating a sense of urgency and importance. Overall, the lyrics of "Through A Somber Galaxy" contemplate the vast mysteries of space, acknowledging the limitations of human understanding while conveying a sense of wonder and hope for the future.
Line by Line Meaning
On my voyage through vast space
As I journey through the expanse of the cosmos
Towards the heart of brilliancy,
Heading towards the source of radiance and greatness
I must cope with the unknown face
I must deal with the unfamiliar appearance
Of a somber galaxy
Of a gloomy and melancholic collection of stars
This universe, seemingly vacant and dead;
The cosmos, appearing empty and lifeless;
Shapeless and black as the night,
Without discernible form and dark like the night sky,
Appears all the same full of life, immensely rich.
Still appears to be teeming with existence and abundant wealth.
Limited by human sense;
Restricted by the limitations of human perceptions;
I can only feel the force:
I am only able to sense the energy of the universe:
What is near but seems distant;
What is close but feels far away;
All those eyes behind the countless doors,
All the watching eyes hidden behind innumerable barriers,
That observe me, physically present and real.
That see me, actually existing in this realm.
The knights of light don't resist.
The guardians of illumination offer no opposition.
I pass untouched through their guard,
I traverse through their defense unscathed,
I've stood their test.
I have succeeded in their challenge.
The change of an era has come
A new time has arrived,
A new age is born
A fresh era of existence has come into being.
As it's been foreseen so long
As it has been predicted for ages,
A period of thought and insight
A time of contemplation and understanding
Man must survive.
Humanity must endure.
Though he's conjured his chances so many a time,
Even though he has exhausted his opportunities many times,
And asked for the gift of life more than twice.
And pleaded for the blessing of life on multiple occasions.
His final run of luck has come now.
His last shot at fortune has now arrived.
His final run of luck has come now.
(repeated for emphasis)
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
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