Enslavement of Beauty was formed in January 1995 by Ole Alexander Myrholt (vocals & lyrics) and Tony Eugene Tunheim (guitars & composing). The band spent the subsequent years composing and recording material and thereby developed their expression.
In the summer of 1998, Enslavement of Beauty recorded the demo CD "Devilry & Temptation" which gained them a deal with Head Not Found / Voices of Wonder.
This resulted in the 1999 release "Traces o' Red" which received very positive response. In November 2000, the beauticians headed back to the studio to record their second album, "Megalomania", accompanied by drummer Asgeir Mickelson (Borknagar/Spiral Architect) and bass player Hans-Aage Holmen.
Musically the band still sounds very melodic and deeply inspired by classical music but with a sharper metal edge and a truly hell-bent rock 'n' roll attitude. Lyrically Enslavement of Beauty is more direct approach but still highly influenced by the poetic beauty of Shakespeare and De Sade's works.
An Affinity for Exuberance
Enslavement of Beauty Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I've heard the poet tell
'tis but the ecstasy of death
And then the breath is still
As I lay, defeated, I'm dying
Longing to have you near
As I lay, defeated, I'm dying
Longing to have you here
The trampled heart that springs
A wearied ghost that keeps running
From where the torment stings
Mirth is the prelude to anguish,
And laughter is its final aim
Lest some fucker spot the wicked
And do not fail to exclaim!
As I lay, defeated, I'm dying
Longing to have you near
As I lay, defeated, I'm dying
Longing to have you here
Success is counted sweetest
By those who never succeed
To comprehend a fame like this
Requires sorest need
Not one of all those fuckers
Who rose the flag today
Can even tell the definition of fame
So pure, of victory
The lyrics to Enslavement of Beauty's song "An Affinity for Exuberance" discuss the themes of death, defeat, longing, and fame. The singer speaks of a wounded soul leaping highest, which is a concept that is often associated with the notion that those who have suffered the most have the most to gain from life. The lyrics go on to describe the smitten soul that gushes and the trampled heart that springs, suggesting that those who are wounded are often paradoxically the ones who feel the most deeply.
The lyrics also touch on the idea that mirth is the prelude to anguish and that laughter is its final aim. This could be understood as a commentary on the fleeting nature of happiness and how it often leads to a deeper sense of loss or sadness. The song also speaks to the concept of success being counted sweetest by those who never succeed, suggesting that those who have never achieved their goals are more likely to appreciate the value of success.
Overall, the lyrics paint a picture of a person who has been defeated and who longs for someone or something to provide them with comfort or relief. The final line suggests that true fame and victory are pure and meaningful, but that most people are unable to grasp their true definition.
Line by Line Meaning
A wounded soul leaps highest
A person who has experienced deep pain can reach great heights of emotion and creativity.
I've heard the poet tell
This is a common belief among artists and thinkers.
'tis but the ecstasy of death
The feeling of ecstasy is akin to death, as one loses oneself in the intensity of emotion.
And then the breath is still
The intense feeling can become overwhelming and lead to a sense of stillness or numbness.
As I lay, defeated, I'm dying
The artist is feeling crushed and hopeless.
Longing to have you near
They desire comfort or companionship.
The smitten soul that gushes
A person overflowing with strong feelings of love or attraction.
The trampled heart that springs
A person who has been hurt but still has hope or resilience.
A wearied ghost that keeps running
A person who is exhausted and haunted by their past but cannot halt their pursuit of something.
From where the torment stings
The source of their pain and struggle.
Mirth is the prelude to anguish,
Experiencing moments of joy or happiness can lead to a greater sense of pain or sorrow.
And laughter is its final aim
Laughter is a release of the tension and explosive emotion that can lead to deeper pain.
Lest some fucker spot the wicked
To avoid being caught or judged by someone who is morally superior or hypocritical.
And do not fail to exclaim!
To point out or condemn wrongdoing loudly and with emphasis.
Success is counted sweetest
Victory or achievement is appreciated most by those who have experienced failure or disappointment.
By those who never succeed
Those who have not succeeded or struggled greatly can fully appreciate the value of success.
To comprehend a fame like this
Understanding or achieving fame at this level or intensity is difficult.
Requires sorest need
It takes a deep need or longing to reach such heights of achievement.
Not one of all those fuckers
None of the people who claim to understand or celebrate victory truly appreciate its meaning.
Who rose the flag today
Those who have claimed victory or taken credit for success.
Can even tell the definition of fame
They do not fully understand or appreciate what it means to be famous or achieve great things.
So pure, of victory
True victory and success are rare and special achievements.
Contributed by Adam P. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
vikingmetaldragon
Love it.