1) Formed by guitarist Brick Williams, Hourglass is a Progressive Metal group from Utah, USA. The band's first effort was the hard-to-come-by "This Lonely Time and Place," followed up by the much more polished "The Journey Into" in 2002 and 2004's "Subconscious." The band released the double album "Oblivious to the Obvious" on February 19, 2009.
54 months is a long time to work on an album. But that is exactly how long it took Hourglass to finish their new double album "Oblivious to the Obvious." Four and a half years of writing, recording, mixing, mastering and the result is 139 minutes worth of music. Even though it is a lot of music, it is only 10 songs. Hourglass has never worried too much about the length of their songs, and epic songs have always been a part of what the band does. "Oblivious to the Obvious" is no exception. The album has a little of everything, from heavy metal riffs and screaming vocals, to laid back piano and acoustic passages, and some very tasteful groove sections. Vocal harmonies are scattered throughout the album as are many guitar, keyboard, and even bass solos. There is something for everyone on "Oblivious to the Obvious."
The band has gone through numerous personnel changes with Williams as the sole constant. Current drummer John Dunston replaced Zachary Taylor for "The Journey Into." Founding keyboardist Eric Robertson and current keyboardist Jerry Stenquist have traded seats twice, with Robertson playing on "This Lonely Time and Place" and "Subconscious," and Stenquist playing on "The Journey Into" and "Oblivious to the Obvious."
Bassist Jon Berrett played on the first two albums, then Clark Woolstenhulme played on "Subconscious," and the bass chair is currently held by one-time Hourglass vocalist Eric Blood for "Oblivious to the Obvious."
A different vocalist has performed on each album, with Jon Shumway on "This Lonely Time and Place," Chad Neth on "The Journey Into," Cody Walker on "Subconscious," and Michael Turner for "Oblivious to the Obvious."
Hourglass takes strong influences from Dream Theater, Fates Warning, Rush, and many other prog metal, prog rock, and classic rock outfits. The band enjoys a local following in the greater Salt Lake City area, and has significant fan bases in Europe and Scandinavia. All their albums have been independently released and financed by the band or individual band members.
2) 90's emo band. Their discography includes a seven inch on Immigrant Sun and a split with New Day Rising on Moo Cow .
3) Hip-Hop producer based out of Los Angeles, California.
Altered State
Hourglass Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
A highway carved from stone
Following a path of hope
My destination still unknown
Drifting through a silent dream
Afraid I've been betrayed
Focusing to reach the end
I know I'll face all fear
I know a choice is drawing near
I know that all I feel inside
Leaves room for change I can't deny
I've traveled far to reach the top
The mountain lies before me
I understand the choice I make
I've learned to live with what must be
Shifting out of where I've been
Seeing more than I saw then
Finding choice in what's been said
Seeing work in what's ahead
What I felt inside my mind
I had no doubt that I could find
I've reached the door without a key
Content with what I've learned to see
I know I'll face all fear
I know a choice is drawing near
I know that all I feel inside
Leaves room for change that I can't hide
I've traveled far to reach the top
The mountain lies before me
I understand the choice I make
I've learned to live with what must be
I know I'll face all fear
I know a choice is drawing near
I know that all I feel inside
Won't let me fall, won't let me slide
I've traveled far to reach the top
The mountain lies before me
I understand the choice I make
I've learned to live with what must be
The song "Altered State" by Hourglass talks about a journey towards self-discovery and acceptance. The singer is moving down a dusty road with the hope of finding his destination, which is still unknown. He feels like he's drifting through a silent dream and possibly betrayed. However, he's determined to reach his destination and must relay an important message along the way. He's aware that he'll face fear and must make tough choices.
The lyrics suggest that the journey towards self-discovery is not easy, but it's worth it. The singer has to travel far and climb a mountain to reach the top, but he understands the choice he has made. He has learned to live with what must be and finds work in what's ahead. His experiences have changed him, and he now sees more than he saw before. He has found a sense of contentment and embraced the changes that he cannot deny.
Overall, "Altered State" is a powerful anthem that encourages listeners to overcome their fears and embrace change. The lyrics suggest that life is a journey, and we must embrace it with all its twists and turns. The song reminds us that we have the power to change ourselves and achieve our destinies.
Line by Line Meaning
Winding down life's dusty road
As I continue through my life journey, I am faced with obstacles and challenges that seem never-ending.
A highway carved from stone
The path I must take is solid and permanent, and I cannot change its direction, only my reaction to it.
Following a path of hope
I am guided by the possibility of a better future, even though that future remains uncertain.
My destination still unknown
I am unsure of where my path will lead, but I am determined to keep moving forward.
Drifting through a silent dream
I feel lost and aimless, struggling to find my way in life.
Afraid I've been betrayed
I fear that I have been let down or misled by those I trusted.
Focusing to reach the end
I am determined to overcome my obstacles and reach my ultimate goal.
A message shared I must relay
I have learned valuable lessons on my journey that I must share with others.
I know I'll face all fear
I am prepared to confront and overcome any fears that try to hold me back.
I know a choice is drawing near
I am aware that I will soon need to make a difficult decision that will greatly impact my life.
I know that all I feel inside
My emotions and uncertainties cannot be ignored or suppressed.
Leaves room for change I can't deny
I must be open to change and growth, even if it requires leaving my comfort zone.
I've traveled far to reach the top
I have come a long way in my journey, and have overcome many challenges to get where I am now.
The mountain lies before me
I am still faced with significant hurdles that I must overcome to reach my ultimate goal.
I understand the choice I make
I have carefully considered my options and am ready to make a decision that aligns with my values and goals.
I've learned to live with what must be
I have accepted that there are certain things in life that cannot be changed, and that I must find a way to live with them.
Shifting out of where I've been
I am transitioning from a state of uncertainty and confusion to a clearer understanding of my path.
Seeing more than I saw then
As I gain clarity and perspective, I am able to see the bigger picture and take on new opportunities.
Finding choice in what's been said
I am finding new options and opportunities based on the advice and input of others.
Seeing work in what's ahead
I am optimistic about my future and the work that lies ahead to achieve my goals.
What I felt inside my mind
My innermost thoughts and feelings have guided me on my journey, and have helped me reach this point.
I had no doubt that I could find
Despite the uncertainties and obstacles, I always had faith in my ability to succeed.
I've reached the door without a key
I have found a way to overcome challenges and open new doors for myself, even when it seemed impossible.
Content with what I've learned to see
I am satisfied with the knowledge and understanding I have gained on my journey, and am ready for what comes next.
Won't let me fall, won't let me slide
Despite the challenges and uncertainties that lie ahead, I am confident in my ability to stay strong and keep moving forward.
Contributed by Ethan L. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Maria Diaz
Winding down life's dusty road
A highway carved from stone
Following a path of hope
My destination still unknown
Drifting through a silent dream
Afraid I've been betrayed
Focusing to reach the end
A message shared I must relay
I know I'll face all fear
I know a choice is drawing near
I know that all I feel inside
Leaves room for change I can't deny
I've traveled far to reach the top
The mountain lies before me
I understand the choice I make
I've learned to live with what must be
Shifting out of where I've been
Seeing more than I saw then
Finding choice in what's been said
Seeing work in what's ahead
What I felt inside my mind
I had no doubt that I could find
I've reached the door without a key
Content with what I've learned to see
I know I'll face all fear
I know a choice is drawing near
I know that all I feel inside
Leaves room for change that I can't hide
I've traveled far to reach the top
The mountain lies before me
I understand the choice I make
I've learned to live with what must be
I know I'll face all fear
I know a choice is drawing near
I know that all I feel inside
Won't let me fall, won't let me slide
I've traveled far to reach the top
The mountain lies before me
I understand the choice I make
I've learned to live with what must be
Madelyn Jones
Hourglass, you need to get John back here to make some music videos!! I do great recording and editing and special effects are easy. What you think?