Epic Hero frontman Justin Milbradt is sorting out memories by crafting hear… Read Full Bio ↴Epic Hero frontman Justin Milbradt is sorting out memories by crafting heartfelt melodies. In his band’s upcoming EP release “Blacking Out the Stars” (due to drop in late Spring) Milbradt has much to reconcile.

“This record has really given me the opportunity to say everything that I can’t articulate in my day to day life. ‘Blacking Out the Stars’ is about reaching for that relationship that you’ve always wanted, and realizing
it’s no longer there.”

Milbradt learned the art of telling a story in a song with help from Minneapolis music legend and national songwriting star Dan Wilson.
The lead singer/songwriter of Semisonic boasts writing credits
stretching from Mike Doughty to Jason Mraz to the Dixie Chicks. In
Milbradt, Wilson was able to help steer a little focus and connect
creativity with feelings.

In “Blacking Out the Stars” Milbradt and band mates Brad Bivens (bass) and Dan Deurloo (drums) offer a sound that blends an edgier Nada Surf/Death Cab for Cutie with a dash of mainstream melodies like Better Than Ezra/Matchbox 20. The EP’s single “Stars” matches spite with spirit in Milbradt’s contempt of a past relationship.

The band’s 2003 album “New Life” was a tightly constructed, hook-heavy and hum-worthy song display. Also produced by Wilson, the album included fan favorite “End of the Line,” a somber story of a girl leaving behind the life she knows, while finding inspiration in uncertainty. The song is still in rotation at Minneapolis’ Drive 105.

The band has been steadily touring to support “New Life” and 2000’s “A Brighter Mess” over the last several years. Epic Hero has played dates with Ben Folds, Semisonic, Dishwalla, Soul Asylum, Blue October, Switchfoot, Something Corporate, Phantom Planet, Lit, the Heartbreaker's side project The Dirty Knobs, and even a few dates with country act Rascall Flatts. Epic Hero has performed at CMJ and on Santa Barbara's KTYD and KCOP, and Los Angeles’ Mark and Brian Show on KLOS. TV appearances have included performances on Fox TV's Minneapolis and Green Bay affiliates, the NBC affiliate in Minneapolis and the adolescent-focused “Whatever” show on Kare-11 in the Twin Cities.

The band has sold more than 7,000 records -- 300 apiece at the Ben Folds concert and after the Mark and Brian appearance.

For Epic Hero, 2006 is nowhere near the “end of the line” rather a time to stretch out emotionally and physically plot the next step. Judging by the overall growth of the last few years there’s a lot to look forward to.

God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen
Epic Hero Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

God rest ye merry, gentlemen
Let nothing you dismay
Remember, Christ, our Saviour
Was born on Christmas day
To save us all from Satan's power
When we were gone astray
O tidings of comfort and joy,
Comfort and joy

O tidings of comfort and joy

In Bethlehem, in Israel,
This blessed Babe was born
And laid within a manger
Upon this blessed morn
The which His Mother Mary
Did nothing take in scorn
O tidings of comfort and joy,
Comfort and joy
O tidings of comfort and joy

From God our Heavenly Father
A blessed Angel came;
And unto certain Shepherds
Brought tidings of the same:
How that in Bethlehem was born
The Son of God by Name.
O tidings of comfort and joy,

Comfort and joy
O tidings of comfort and joy

Overall Meaning

The song "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen" is a traditional Christmas carol that has been covered by artists like Bing Crosby, Pentatonix, and Rascal Flatts. Despite being a popular holiday song, it has some complex lyrics. The song is written in a minor key, which gives it an eerie and mysterious feeling. The lyrics, however, speak of the joy and comfort that the birth of Jesus brings.

The first stanza reminds the listeners not to dismay or fear because Jesus was born on Christmas Day to save us all from Satan's power. In the second stanza, the song specifies that Jesus was born in Bethlehem and placed in a manger. Mary, his mother, did not reject him, but instead accepted him with love. The last stanza talks about how God's angel came to certain shepherds to announce the birth of Jesus and how this event brings joy and comfort to all.

In short, the song is a reminder that Christmas is a celebration of hope and redemption. Though we may struggle and face trials in our lives, the birth of Jesus is a reminder that love and salvation are always within our reach.

Line by Line Meaning

God rest ye merry, gentlemen
May God grant you peace and happiness, gentle people

Let nothing you dismay
Do not be discouraged

Remember, Christ, our Saviour
Recall that Christ, our rescuer

Was born on Christmas day
Was born on this day of Christmas

To save us all from Satan's power
To deliver us all from the grasp of Satan

When we were gone astray
When we had gone off course

O tidings of comfort and joy,
Oh what joyful news,

Comfort and joy
Comfort and joy

In Bethlehem, in Israel,
In the town of Bethlehem, located in Israel,

This blessed Babe was born
This holy child was brought into the world

And laid within a manger
And placed in a feed trough for animals