Since then the band has released three studio albums, Ironsword in 2002, Return of the Warrior in 2004 and Overlords of Chaos in 2008.
J.M. no longer plays all instruments. Instead he's the singer and guitarist, Arrno Maalm (Beto Arrais) is the drummer, and Rick Thor is the bass player.
Dark Shadows of Stygia
Ironsword Lyrics
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A Stygian citadel lies
Veiled in a purple mist
Entombed in time
Thieves travel miles
Amazed by jewels and gold
They do not care or fear
The stories bards have told
Dark shadows of Stygia
Dark shadows of Stygia
The gates are wide open
Stalk among the ruins
So ancient yet enchanted
Slumbering in lurid nimbus
Enter the black stone temple
Behold the priesthood scrolls
And the great serpent of gold
Once worshipped in ways of old
Dark shadows of Stygia
Dark shadows of Stygia
Plumbed deep into evil depths
You awoke the snake-god yet again
The fiery sparkling ruby eyes of Set
Mesmerised, soon to join the dead
Lost in desert retreats
And brooding river Styx
Remnants of an impious past
A Stygian curse still lives
Bards will always tell
About a citadel lost
But many still will venture
To sack at all cost
Dark shadows of Stygia
Dark shadows of Stygia
The song "Dark Shadows of Stygia" by Ironsword describes an ancient, mystical citadel located beyond the red horizon, enveloped in a purple mist and untouchable by time. Thieves and adventurers journey great distances to behold the treasures and secrets it holds, disregarding the stories and warnings of bards who speak of its cursed history. The gates of the citadel are wide open, inviting the brave to enter and explore the ruins, behold the priesthood scrolls, and worship the great serpent of gold that was once revered by the Stygians. However, those who dare to plumb the evil depths of Stygia awaken the snake-god Set, whose fiery, sparkling ruby eyes mesmerize and lead them to their deaths, joining the other victims of the Stygian curse that still lingers. Despite the dangers, the attraction and allure of Stygia remains, and bards will continue to sing of the lost citadel, while adventurers will continue to venture forth, hoping to obtain its riches no matter what the cost.
Line by Line Meaning
Beyond the red horizon
In a far-off place, beyond where the sky meets the land
A Stygian citadel lies
There is a castle made of black stone and steeped in darkness
Veiled in a purple mist
Shrouded in a misty haze of violet hues
Entombed in time
It has been locked in the past, forgotten by the ages
Thieves travel miles
Criminals trek from faraway places
Amazed by jewels and gold
Captivated by riches and treasure
They do not care or fear
They are not concerned or frightened
The stories bards have told
Tales that poets recite, passed down through lore
Dark shadows of Stygia
The ominous presence of the citadel
The gates are wide open
The entrance is unguarded and welcoming
Stalk among the ruins
Wander through the dilapidated remains
So ancient yet enchanted
The castle is exceedingly old yet enchanted with supernatural forces
Slumbering in lurid nimbus
It hibernates in a cloud of vivid colors
Enter the black stone temple
Enter the dark sanctum of black rock
Behold the priesthood scrolls
Look upon the holy manuscripts of the priests
And the great serpent of gold
And the grand serpent made of gold
Once worshipped in ways of old
Once revered in ancient tradition
Plumbed deep into evil depths
Dove into the abyssal recesses of malevolence
You awoke the snake-god yet again
You revived once more the deity of the snake
The fiery sparkling ruby eyes of Set
The blazing, glittering crimson eyes of the god Set
Mesmerised, soon to join the dead
Hypnotized into a trance, destined to die
Lost in desert retreats
Forgotten in desolate hideouts
And brooding river Styx
And gloomy body of water known as the river Styx
Remnants of an impious past
Reminders of an irreverent bygone era
A Stygian curse still lives
The curse of Stygia endures
Bards will always tell
Poets will forever retell
About a citadel lost
The story of a castle vanished
But many still will venture
However, many will still risk exploring
To sack at all cost
To pillage at any expense
Dark shadows of Stygia
The impending doom lurking in Stygia
Contributed by Benjamin M. Suggest a correction in the comments below.