Their first demo landed them a record deal, and the debut album Edge of Tomorrow was released in 2001. The album received great reviews and the band made loyal fans all over the world. Both a Brazilian- and a German fan site were made by devoted fans. The band did shows all over Norway and played almost every metal festival in the country.
The second album Machines of Mental Design was recorded in 2004. This time the album was released through Massacre Records in Europe, Spiritual Beast in Asia, The End Records in USA and FaceFront Records in Scandinavia. Machines of Mental Design received great reviews all over the world. The music was by many labeled as «thinking man’s metal» and were often compared to the epic masterpiece Operation: Mindcrime for its well thought composition and lyrics. Guardians of Time joined the 2004 «Scream Tour» playing all over Norway, and pivoted by playing at Norway’s biggest festival, the «Quart Festival», opening for Slipknot on the main stage, proving that Guardians of Time had indeed become a great live act.
During 2004 two of the members quit, leaving the band in limbo. Bernt and Paul were the only members that would still be involved in music the next years, and though other bands were joined and formed (Paul played in Trail of Tears), the legacy of the Guardians could not be forgotten, and an urge to continue this legacy was ever present.
Finally the time had come for the Guardians of Time to rise once again! The year was 2009, and a new line-up was shaped. The main songwriters of the band, Bernt Fjellestad and Paul Olsen teamed up with guitarist Bent Lindebø, drummer Øivind Vågane and bassist Jonkis to bring the band back to life, and to take it to new heights!
Guardians of Time have completed their 3rd album these days. Recorded in Mayhem-music studio. Produced by Audun Grønnestad, who has worked with such bands as Trail of Tears, Angel and Imperia. This is the bands strongest album to date, rock solid songs and musicians that are more determined and more experienced than ever before! Guardians of Time are under contract to Mayhem Music (Norway). The record will be distributed world wide through Indie Distribution and promoted by Metal Revelation.
Gladiator
Guardians of Time Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
No one's gonna stop me now
Raging on into the fight
Pray the lord to live another night, another night
Battle on to extend
The border of the roman glory
Thrust the sword into the flesh
Gladiators, warriors
Raise your shield and sword
Fight for no glory, fight to survive
Once in time was fame and glory
Followed by victory
Once a time had family
Now they are in another time another world
Gladiators, warriors
Raise your shield and sword
Fight for no glory, fight to survive
The vision will show the way
The clouds will pass
A sun will rise again
End of the night, alone in the colloseum
Who's my opponent, who want my soul
King standing tall, cold eyes is filled with honour
Brave gains the glory, weak man is bound to fall
The song "Gladiator" by Guardians of Time is an anthem for any warrior about to face their biggest battle. The opening lyrics "Running high on blood and fire, No one's gonna stop me now, Raging on into the fight" establish the singer's mindset. They are filled with strength and determination, ready to face whatever comes their way. The writer urges themselves to live another night, promising to fight till the end, to extend the Roman border of glory. But this fight isn't for glory - it's to survive. The writer reminds the listeners that once upon a time, there must have been a different reason for fighting. When they had family, and fighting for glory and victory was all that mattered. But now, in this new world, it's about fighting to stay alive.
The chorus sums up the crux of the song - "Gladiators, warriors, raise your shield and sword, fight for no glory, fight to survive." The bridge suggests the vision will show the way, giving hope when things are uncertain. But at the end of the night, facing whoever will test them alone in the colosseum - they must be prepared for anything. The King standing tall with cold eyes filled with honour will judge them. It is only the brave warriors who gain glory. The weak man is bound to fall. The song sets a positive and empowering tone, urging even the weakest among us to never give up and to fight to survive.
Line by Line Meaning
Running high on blood and fire
Fuelled by adrenaline and passion
No one's gonna stop me now
Determined to achieve their goal despite any obstacles
Raging on into the fight
Charging into battle with fury and aggression
Pray the lord to live another night, another night
Desperate for survival in the face of danger
Battle on to extend
Fighting on to conquer and expand
The border of the roman glory
Expanding the Roman Empire's territory and influence
Thrust the sword into the flesh
Attacking and killing their enemies with their weapon
And maybe I will die proud by my sword
Willing to die in battle with honor
Gladiators, warriors
Addressing those engaged in the fight
Raise your shield and sword
Ready to defend and attack
Fight for no glory, fight to survive
Not fighting to gain fame or recognition, but simply to stay alive
Once in time was fame and glory
In the past, success brought honor and renown
Followed by victory
With success came the reward of winning
Once a time had family
In the past, there was the support and loyalty of loved ones
Now they are in another time another world
The fighters are now removed from their previous life and reality
The vision will show the way
A sense of purpose and direction will guide actions
The clouds will pass
Obstacles and difficulties will eventually dissipate
A sun will rise again
Better times will come
End of the night, alone in the colloseum
In a moment of reflection after the fight, the fighter realizes their isolation
Who's my opponent, who want my soul
Fearful of future battles and the possibility of death
King standing tall, cold eyes is filled with honour
A ruler who embodies nobility and respect
Brave gains the glory, weak man is bound to fall
Only the bold and courageous will attain success, while the timid will fail
Contributed by Aaron T. Suggest a correction in the comments below.