The band was already established in 1994 by Rümenapp, Ude and Poschwatta, when the vocalist Sandra Nasic joined later that year. They recorded 3 demo tapes, but their career took off in 1996 after winning the Local Hero contest for unsigned bands. They used the prize money for recording their first hit "Open Your Eyes" and shot a video for that song. They also signed to GUN/Supersonic Records.
"Open Your Eyes" was released as a single (#5 GER) and was followed by their debut album Proud Like a God in 6 October 1997. The album ranked #4 and it was certified platinum in Germany. Two other singles helped the album's popularity and sales: "Rain" (#76 GER) and "Lords of the Boards" (#10 GER). "Lord of the Boards" is performed as the closing song on every Guano Apes concert.
In 1999, they issued the stand alone single "Don't You Turn Your Back on Me" (# 50 GER).
In 2 May 2000, Guano Apes released the sophomore album, Don't Give Me Names. This #1 album in Germany was certifed gold in the same country and it was promoted by four singles: "Big in Japan" (#9 GER, #5 IT), "No Speech" (#75 GER), "Living in a Lie" (#84 GER) and "Dödel Up" (#57 GER).
In 2001, the band credited as Guano Babes featuring Michael Mittermeier, issued the stand alone single "Kumba Yo!" (#3 GER).
Their third album Walking on a Thin Line was released in 3 February 2003. The album peaked #1 and it was certified gold in Germany. Guano Apes released three singles from this album: "You Can't Stop Me" (#10 GER), "Pretty in Scarlet" (#51 GER) and "Quietly" (#51 GER).
After the very long promo tour to the WOATL album, the band decided to take a rest for a while. In 2004 they issued a Best Of album titled Planet of the Apes and the single "Break the Line". The band broke up after a final tour in February 2005. A year later, their label released the compilation Lost (T)apes, which contains previously unreleased demos, originally recorded in 1994 and 1995.
Dennis Poschwatta formed the crossover band Tamoto with his friend G-Ball and released the album Clemenza. Henning Rümenapp worked for Horus Studios in Germany. Sandra Nasic released her solo album The Signal in 2007. In 2006 Dennis, Henning and Stefan formed a new group with singer Charles Simmons, called IO. IO realeased their studio album For the Masses in 2008.
In 2009 Guano Apes reformed and played some dates including Enterro da Gata (Portugal), Rock am Ring (Germany), Nova Rock (Austria), Woodstock Festival (Poland), Sofia (Bulgaria), Bucharest (Romania). In Bucharest, Sandra announced the band is working on a new studio album.
Their fourth album Bel Air was released in Spring 2011, preceded by the single "Oh What a Night".
Official site: http://www.guanoapes.org
Numen
Guano Apes Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
what I do and why I'm here.
And all your great defenders,
defend yourself and disappear.
So when the war is over,
don't you tell me you just stop the fight.
I won't even remember you.
Oh, You were the one who said the lie.
Don't tell me when it's over,
I was trying to get sober.
But I'm human,
not even Numen.
Don't tell me when it's over,
I'm trying to be warmer,
But I'm cold.
I can show you the heaven,
wanna see it in your eyes?
We can be like demons,
let the music get alive.
So when the war is over,
don't tell me you just stop the fight.
I won't even remember you.
You were the one who said the lie.
Don't tell me when it's over,
I was trying to get sober.
But I'm human,
not even Numen.
Don't tell me when it's over,
I'm trying to be warmer,
But I'm cold.
So many times,
you thought I've given all the best for you,
but since you took that fruit the colors went to blood
And so many times we fade away without to trail the truth.
I come over you and gonna let it go
You are afraid to fly,
afraid to love
The lyrics to Guano Apes’ song ‘Numen’ explore the confusion and uncertainty of the singer in regards to their purpose, direction and relationships. The first verse implies that the singer is feeling lost and questioning the motives of others, particularly those who they may have previously considered allies or supporters. The second verse suggests a possible escape from their confusion through connection with another person, but ultimately, the singer cannot ignore the reality of their situation and the lies they have been told. The final verse suggests a fear of taking risks and a reluctance to love or be vulnerable.
The repeated refrain of “Don’t tell me when it’s over” implies a sense of desperation and a need to maintain control in a situation where the singer feels powerless. The line “I’m human, not even Numen” alludes to the concept of numen, which in Roman mythology refers to a spirit or divine power inherent in certain objects or places. This juxtaposition of humanity and divinity suggests that the singer is struggling to reconcile their own limitations with the expectations of those around them.
Overall, the lyrics to ‘Numen’ paint a picture of someone grappling with their own identity and trying to find their place in a confusing and uncertain world.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm trying to remember,
I am attempting to recall my past actions and understand my current purpose.
what I do and why I'm here.
I am questioning the reasons for my existence and the actions I take while alive.
And all your great defenders,
The people you rely on for protection and support,
defend yourself and disappear.
they disappear or don't remain loyal when they need to take action.
So when the war is over,
Once the struggle has been resolved,
don't you tell me you just stop the fight.
You cannot claim victory after ending the battle without my knowledge.
I won't even remember you.
If you do this, I will forget about you altogether.
Oh, You were the one who said the lie.
The person responsible for the deceit was you.
Don't tell me when it's over,
Do not inform me that everything has finished,
I was trying to get sober.
I was trying to become healthy and free of addiction.
But I'm human,
However, I am merely human,
not even Numen.
and not a divine spirit.
Don't tell me when it's over,
Do not say when the war has ceased,
I'm trying to be warmer,
I am endeavoring to become more affectionate,
But I'm cold.
However, I am currently harsh and unforgiving.
I can show you the heaven,
I have the ability to enable you to experience a heavenly sensation,
wanna see it in your eyes?
Would you like to experience it through your eyes?
We can be like demons,
We have the potential to be malevolent entities,
let the music get alive.
Let us awaken the music and bring it to life.
So when the war is over,
Once the conflict has ended,
don't tell me you just stop the fight.
Do not declare victory by merely halting the battle.
I won't even remember you.
If you do this, you will fade into obscurity within my mind.
You were the one who said the lie.
You are the one responsible for the deceit.
So many times,
Numerous occasions
you thought I've given all the best for you,
You presume that I have exhausted all attempts to benefit you,
but since you took that fruit the colors went to blood
However, ever since you committed an unforgivable act, everything has transformed into a sea of red
And so many times we fade away without to trail the truth.
Innumerable times we have disappeared without leaving any indications to uncover the truth.
I come over you and gonna let it go
I approach you and will disregard you.
You are afraid to fly,
You have fear when trying to soar,
afraid to love
And you are afraid of developing love and receiving love in return.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: DENNIS POSCHWATTA, HENNING RUEMENAPP, KURT EBELHAEUSER, SANDRA NASIC, STEFAN UDE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind