Guano Apes is an alternative metal band formed in 1994 in Göttingen, German… Read Full Bio ↴Guano Apes is an alternative metal band formed in 1994 in Göttingen, Germany. The group consists of Sandra Nasic (vocals), Henning Rümenapp (guitar), Stefan Ude (bass) and Dennis Poschwatta (drums). Their energetic rock mix is mostly described as crossover, going from rap over funky, from melodic singing to hardcore screaming of their lead singer. The band has released five studio albums, with four Top 10 songs in Germany.

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

Sugar Skin
Guano Apes Lyrics

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Speak your word
leave a sign
no more critics
lay it down
worst demean
I prefer you blind
to salve your remains
I adore

your last scent
sweet the water
goddamned hands
say the words
my romance before
I take your breath

Want to see you run
to
want to see you run
for
want to see you run
sugar skinned my candy crim

Search
did it hurt
naked body there you lie
don't be scared
feel the mood of your bones
they get prisoners within
there's your world
spit it out
goddamned curse so now
you are drowned
in the light you look like a
silent lean device

Want to see you run
to god
want to see you run
to god
want to see you run
sugar skinned my candy crime

There's your shirt on the ground
runaway
there's a sound
for a minute
we kept out the cold

Want to see you run
to god
want to see you run
to god
want to see you run
sugar skinned my candy crime

Squirm to f... him
love in the dark
wouldn't you lead me
inside
your dream of sanctuary

Sugar skinned my candy crime
I lay you down

I lay you down
beloved

Overall Meaning

The song "Sugar Skin" by Guano Apes is a compelling portrayal of the power dynamic within a romantic relationship. The lyrics suggest a coercive and possessive approach to love, with the singer seeking to dominate and control their partner. The lines "worst demean, I prefer you blind, to salve your remains" imply a desire for a submissive partner who willingly accepts mistreatment. The singer's fascination with their partner's scent and appearance is also indicative of objectification and an unhealthy obsession.

The chorus of the song, which repeats the phrase "Want to see you run to god, sugar skinned my candy crime," further reinforces the theme of domination and control. The use of religious language suggests that the singer views their partner as a sacrificial object, to be consumed and ultimately discarded. The bridge of the song includes a reference to "love in the dark," which could be interpreted as a metaphor for hidden or illicit love.

Overall, "Sugar Skin" is a haunting and disturbing portrayal of an abusive relationship, with lyrics that hint at themes of violence, control, and manipulation. The use of vivid, evocative language and intense imagery creates a powerful emotional impact, making the song a memorable and thought-provoking experience.

Line by Line Meaning

Speak your word
Tell me what you think or feel

leave a sign
Show me some proof or indication

no more critics
I don't want to hear any more negative feedback

lay it down
Be honest with me, tell me everything

worst demean
The most negative attitude or behavior

I prefer you blind
I would rather you not see the ugly truth

to salve your remains
To make you feel better after something terrible has happened

I adore
I love, cherish, and admire

your last scent
The way you smell when I know it will be the last time

sweet the water
The water tastes great and is refreshing

goddamned hands
Frustration or anger at my own hands, perhaps for doing something wrong

say the words
Tell me what I want to hear

my romance before
Remember when we used to be romantic

I take your breath
I take your life, you take your final breath

Want to see you run to want to see you run for want to see you run sugar skinned my candy crim
I want you to run towards me because you are my sweet addiction

Search
Seeking something, possibly for pleasure or excitement

did it hurt
Did it hurt when I hurt you, or did you enjoy it?

naked body there you lie
You are lying there exposed and vulnerable

don't be scared
Don't be afraid of what I might do to you

feel the mood of your bones
Feel the sensation of how good it feels to be with me

they get prisoners within
Your bones are trapped and cannot escape

there's your world
This is what the world has become for you

spit it out
Tell me what you're really feeling or thinking

goddamned curse so now
A curse or something negative that has happened to us

you are drowned
You are submerged, possibly in water or in my presence

in the light you look like a silent lean device
In the light, you look like a weapon, silent and ready to be used

There's your shirt on the ground runaway
Your shirt is on the ground, perhaps because you tried to escape