In 1995, Christoph "Christ" von Freydorf (vocals) and Stefan "Fini" Finauer (drums), pupils of a convent school, founded the band together with Christoph's church choir friend Jamie "Citnoh" Richardson (bass guitar). They were joined by Stephan Karl "Moik" and Franz Wickenhäuser (both guitar). The band was founded in Hohenschäftlarn near Munich. The name Emil Bulls is derived from a children's movie.
In 1996, they recorded their first CD Red Dick’s Potatoe Garden themselves. The CD is in great demand today because of its small circulation. In 1997, they attended the Emergenza festival and finished third in the European competition. For this competition they hired DJ Paul Rzyttka (known as DJ Zamzoe) who afterwards became a permanent member of the band.
After a long tour, their album Monogamy was released by the indie record label Oh My Sweet Records. The record could only be purchased through the internet or during live shows. Monogamy was noticed by Island Records, which offered the band a recording deal. Some of the songs on Monogamy and a few new songs were recorded. The result was Angel Delivery Service, released in 2001. The album was already out of stock a few months later. A new edition was released including a cover version of A-Ha's "Take on Me". The songs "Smells Like Rock'n'Roll", "Leaving You with This" and "Take on Me" were released as singles.
In May 2002, Porcelain was released through Motor Music. "The Coolness of Being Wretched" and "This Day" were released as singles. Between June 2001 and August 2002, the band played 129 live shows including Rock am Ring. In August 2003, drummer Stefan Finauer left the band to go to university. He was replaced by Fabian Fab Füß. In 2003, the band played some shows in Canada and the United States.
On June 20, 2005, The Southern Comfort was released on Pirate Records. It was the last record with DJ Zamzoe.
In February 2007, the live and acoustic album The Life Acoustic was released. The album, which was recorded in Pullach in 2006, was followed by an acoustic tour.
The following album The Black Path was released on April 4, 2008, on Drakkar records. It is the hardest record of the band so far and was recorded in Hannover by Benny Richer (Caliban, Krypteria). The single "The Most Evil Spell" was offered as a free download.
In 2009, Chrissy Schneider left the band and was replaced by Andy Bock, who was the guitar player of From Constant Visions. On September 25, 2009, Phoenix was released. "Here Comes The Fire" was offered as a free download on their website. In September 2009, a music video of "When God Was Sleeping" was released.
The band's latest studio offering, Oceanic, was to be released on September 30, 2011.
The Black Path
Emil Bulls Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
To End All Wars
The Most Evil Spell
All In Tune With the Universe
Pledge Allegiance to the Damned (The Unseen One)
Wolfsstunde
Nothingness
Collapsed Memorials
Worlds Apart
Pure Anger (The Hex)
10050
Cigarette Scars
Glad to Be With You Again
Emil Bulls's song The Black Path seems to be about facing the darkness within oneself and in the world, and the struggle to overcome it. The intro sets the tone for the album with a hauntingly beautiful soundscape that gradually builds up, like walking towards an inevitable confrontation.
"To End All Wars" references the idea that humans have a natural inclination towards conflict, and that peace is something that needs to be fought for. "The Most Evil Spell" could be interpreted as the insidious influence of negative emotions and thoughts that can take hold of a person and lead them down a destructive path.
"All In Tune With the Universe" suggests that harmony and balance are key to finding meaning and purpose in life, while "Pledge Allegiance to the Damned (The Unseen One)" is a call to rebel against societal norms and expectations. "Wolfsstunde" is a German term that roughly translates to "hour of the wolf," which traditionally refers to the time just before dawn when the mind is most vulnerable to the whispers of fear and doubt.
"Nothingness" could be interpreted as a moment of nihilistic despair, a feeling of being adrift in a purposeless universe. "Collapsed Memorials" could be seen as a metaphor for the failure of established systems and structures, and the need for something new to emerge from the rubble. "Close to the Wind" suggests taking risks and living life on one's own terms, while "Worlds Apart" explores the tension between opposing forces and the search for common ground.
"Pure Anger (The Hex)" epitomizes the intense, primal emotion that can consume a person and drive them to violence or destruction. "10050" refers to the address of the house where the infamous Manson Family murders took place, a chilling reminder of the darkness that humans are capable of. "Cigarette Scars" explores the idea of addiction and self-destructive behavior, while "Glad to Be With You Again" may be interpreted as a moment of gratitude and connection with a loved one or community.
Line by Line Meaning
The Black Path (Intro)
We are about to embark on a journey down a dark and ominous path.
To End All Wars
The conflict we are facing is the ultimate battle that will determine our fate.
The Most Evil Spell
We are under the influence of an incredibly malicious force that seeks to do us harm.
All In Tune With the Universe
Despite the darkness and turmoil around us, there is a certain harmony and balance to the universe that we must acknowledge.
Pledge Allegiance to the Damned (The Unseen One)
In order to survive this battle, we must align ourselves with a mysterious and malevolent entity that may be our only hope.
Wolfsstunde
The hour of the wolf is upon us, when the darkness and danger are at their peak.
Nothingness
There is a sense of emptiness and futility in our struggle, as if we are fighting for nothing.
Collapsed Memorials
Even our most precious and revered monuments and symbols have been destroyed or fallen into ruin.
Close to the Wind
We are sailing dangerously close to the edge of disaster, with no guarantee of reaching safe harbor.
Worlds Apart
The opposing sides in this conflict are so fundamentally different that they might as well be from different planets.
Pure Anger (The Hex)
Our rage and frustration have reached a boiling point, and we are willing to use any means necessary to achieve our goals.
10050
This number represents a place of great violence and tragedy, perhaps a reference to the infamous address of the Manson Family murders.
Cigarette Scars
We bear the physical and emotional scars of our struggles, with smoking being a possible coping mechanism.
Glad to Be With You Again
Despite all the horrors we have faced, there is still someone or something that gives us hope and joy in the midst of it all.
Contributed by Colin D. Suggest a correction in the comments below.