The metal started flowing and within a couple of months they already had enough material written for a full length album. In July 2007 the band decided to record four songs for a promo CD. Swedish death metal guru Dan Swanö produced the four songs at his Unisound Studios and the result turned out pretty monstrous.
Metal Blade Records didn't hesitate to sign the band and HAIL OF BULLETS’ debut album ‘...Of Frost And War’ was released in May 2008. Apart from the thundering drums, scorching guitars and tormented vocals, the lyrical concept about the battles at the Eastern front during World War II made the album’s impact even bigger. The reactions of the press and fans were amazing and the band played countless festival dates and club shows all over Europe.
The debut album was followed by a six-track mini album in July 2009, entitled ‘Warsaw Rising’ which featured two brand new songs, a cover version of Twisted Sister’s ‘Destroyer’ plus three live tracks recorded at 2008’s Party.San Open Air festival. More shows followed and the band even made their first visit to the USA at 2009’s Maryland Deathfest.
In the beginning of 2010 the band started work on their second full length album, another massive chunk of war-themed death metal. Singer/lyricist Martin van Drunen managed to come up with a new, intriguing concept. The rise and fall of the Japanese Empire. A new art of warfare where all modern day forces, Navy, Air force and Army were combined together for the very first time in history. Mick Koopman provided the striking artwork, which shows a distinct continuation of the Hail Of Bullets aesthetics. The album was produced by Ed Warby and like before the monstrous mix was in the capable hands of Mr. Swanö.
‘On Divine Winds’ was released on October 11th 2010.
Berlin
Hail of Bullets Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Last nest of resistance
In which children fight
Old and young mobilized
Berlin
The city burning
Buildings collide
Between the ruins
Where ravens fed
On the bodies of the dead
Just one more battle
And one more storm
The war is over
It is done
Delirious the rapings
The men have died
A Soviet victor
Germany cries
The lyrics to Hail of Bullets' "Berlin" paint a grim picture of the final days of World War II. The song describes Berlin as the "last nest of resistance" where even children are fighting alongside old and young soldiers who have been mobilized. The city is depicted as burning with buildings colliding in a "treacherous suicide." The scene is one of chaos and destruction, with ravens feeding on the bodies of the dead in the ruins. The song also hints at the atrocities committed by Soviet troops as they entered the city, with references to delirious rapings and Germany crying out in defeat.
The lyrics to "Berlin" are a powerful commentary on the horrors of war and the devastating impact it has on both soldiers and civilians. The song captures the sense of despair and hopelessness that must have been felt by those caught up in the conflict, particularly those residing in Berlin during its final days. By painting a vivid picture of the city's destruction and the atrocities committed by Soviet troops, Hail of Bullets confronts the listener with the brutal reality of war and highlights the importance of working towards a peaceful future.
Line by Line Meaning
Berlin
The city of Berlin during the end days of World War II
Last nest of resistance
The last holdout of the German army against the Soviet advance
In which children fight
Even children were mobilized to fight in the defense of Berlin
Old and young mobilized
The entire population of Berlin was pressed into service to defend the city
The city burning
Berlin was consumed by fire due to the intense fighting
Buildings collide
Many buildings were destroyed or damaged in the fighting
A treacherous suicide
The defense of Berlin was seen as futile and doomed from the start
Between the ruins
Amidst the devastated remains of the city
Where ravens fed
Carrion birds scavenged among the dead and dying
On the bodies of the dead
The death toll in Berlin was staggering, and few escaped unscathed
Just one more battle
The conflict in Berlin was seen as the final battle of the war in Europe
And one more storm
The final assault on the city was one of the largest and most brutal battles of the war
The war is over
The fighting in Europe was coming to an end
It is done
The conflict in Berlin was seen as symbolic of the entire war
Delirious the rapings
The Soviet army committed numerous atrocities against the civilian population of Berlin
The men have died
Countless soldiers and civilians perished in the fighting for Berlin
A Soviet victor
The Red Army emerged victorious in the battle for Berlin
Germany cries
The shock and horror of the conflict in Berlin left an indelible mark on the German national psyche
Contributed by Violet J. Suggest a correction in the comments below.