GOTHMINISTER was formed by Bjørn Alexander Brem in Oslo, Norway, in 1999. I… Read Full Bio ↴GOTHMINISTER was formed by Bjørn Alexander Brem in Oslo, Norway, in 1999. In 2000 joined the keyboarder Halfface, followed by the guitarist Machine and Dementia aka the photographer Sandra Jensen (who developed the art direction of the band). GOTHMINISTER released the debut album “Gothic Electronic Anthems” in 2003 and got fantastic critics in both German and international press, and Metal Hammer UK headlines read “the undead are reborn”. GOTHMINISTER have had several successful club singles, and on top the hit “Angel” which entered the top 10 Deutsche Alternative Charts.
GOTHMINISTER played all the big German Festivals like WGT, Dark Storm Festival, two years in a row invited to the M`Era Luna Festival, and performing for over 10.000 people at the Schattenreich Festival at ARENA in Oberhausen together with bands like Oomph! , In Extremo and Within Temptation. GOTHMINISTER had great success and the debutalbum was re-released by Drakkar Entertainment GmbH/BMG in November 2003. Since then GOTHMINISTER has two new members; keyboardist Android, and live drummer Chris Dead. With the new album the music of GOTHMINISTER is more than ever about heavier guitars and dark metal. The electronic elements are still there, but more in the background, to make room for fantastic orchestral pompous moods. GOTHMINISTER will be touring all over Germany and the rest of Europe in order to promote the new masterpiece album: “Empire of Dark Salvation.”

They are taking part in Melodi Grand Prix 2024, the Norwegian selection for the Eurovision Song Contest 2024, with the song "We Come Alive".[2] They advanced from their semi-final on 13 January 2024

Swallowed by the Earth
Gothminister Lyrics

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If we died tonight
Would it ever be the same
If it's over now
Would I comfort you again
If there's no return
From the realm of blackened wings
If there's no release
From the pain you feel within

You stop the world for a while
The weight upon your shoulders scraping off
Reflective eyes of a child
And the creatures stretch their arms
To the sky

If we die died tonight
Would it ever be the same
If it's over now
Would I comfort you again
If there's no return
To the sting that makes you real
Then should everyone
Always fear their inner dreams?

If we died tonight
We've lost control of what is real

In the fear of night
Only children learn to breathe

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Gothminister's song "Swallowed by the Earth" explores themes of death and the unknown. The song begins by posing a question about the importance of life, asking whether it would be the same if one were to die tonight. The lyrics then delve into the idea of comfort in the face of death, wondering if the singer would be able to provide it if necessary. The possibility of a return from death or release from pain is questioned, painted as an uncertain and ominous prospect. The song later likens the feeling to a weight on one's shoulder, before describing the creatures of the earth stretching their arms up to the sky in a show of rebellion or desperation.

Line by Line Meaning

If we died tonight
Contemplates the possibility of death and its consequences

Would it ever be the same
Rhetorical question in regards to the permanence of death

If it's over now
Acknowledgment of a loss or ending

Would I comfort you again
Personal reflection on the ability to provide comfort

If there's no return
Pondering the finality of death

From the realm of blackened wings
A metaphorical concept of the afterlife

If there's no release
Wondering if there's a way to escape internal suffering

From the pain you feel within
Acknowledgment of personal emotional distress

You stop the world for a while
Momentarily pausing life to reflect

The weight upon your shoulders scraping off
Symbolism of the relief of one's problems

Reflective eyes of a child
A nostalgic reminder of innocence