Their first three albums ('In a Time of Blood and Fire', 'Tales of Mystery and Imagination' and 'The Sacred Talisman') feature the former vocalist Anders Zackrisson, while the newer albums are sung by Johnny Lindkvist. Also the musical style has changed a bit during the years; some demo's were something more like death metal, but then the three first cd releases pure melodic power metal, and on "Afterlife" they took a bit heavier approach with influences of true heavy metal like Masterplan and Dream evil and even some thrash metal riffs, though the melodic choruses were kept right in the core of the songs.
They have released a few more albums since, with the latest ones being 'Grand Illusion' that came in 2005 and '8th Sin' that came out in 2007. The band keeps on fighting on and remains one of Scandinavia's best known power metal bands.
On June 21st, 2008 it was announced that guitarist Nils Norberg has left the band. On May 9th, 2010, Chris Rörland joined Nocturnal Rites. A video of him playing and Fredrik Mannberg talking a bit about him can be seen here.
Afterlife
Nocturnal Rites Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Souring in legions, controller of all
I am the substance of the chaos
There's one dominion, an evil and divine
Spawn the inferno, oblivion calls
Don't look for sanctuary coming
The end is calling
Afterlife, revelations unveil
A blackness remains, the end of the line
Ashes of man, eye of the one divine
The blackness ascends, powers untold
The Afterlife
The heart of chaos, will manifest again
The seed of the serpent, the dagger of doom
So even death can die in deadland
The phantom's aeon
Dream is denied
Afterlife - revelations revive
The lyrics of Nocturnal Rites's "Afterlife" are rich with imagery and references to elements of the supernatural. The opening lines describe the singer as "the vengeance," a being that connects the human world with the world of the supernatural. They soar in legions and control all within their path. The singer identifies as the substance of chaos, a force that is both evil and divine. As they spawn an inferno and call forth oblivion, the listener is warned not to seek sanctuary from the chaos that is unleashed.
As the song continues, the vocalist describes the end of the line and the ashes of man left in its wake. The blackness that remains is the beginning of something new and powerful, with untold powers. The heart of chaos will manifest again, for even death can die in the realm of the dead. The final lines describe the singer's determination to deny their dreams and to reveal the truth of the afterlife.
Line by Line Meaning
I am the vengeance, a link between the worlds
The singer identifies as a vengeful entity that serves as a connection between different realms or dimensions.
Souring in legions, controller of all
The singer commands numerous groups of beings and has authoritative power over everything.
I am the substance of the chaos
The singer is the embodiment of turmoil and disorder.
There's one dominion, an evil and divine
There exists a singular realm that is both sinister and holy.
Spawn the inferno, oblivion calls
Starting a fiery apocalypse will bring an end to everything.
Don't look for sanctuary coming
There will be no refuge or safe haven.
The end is calling
The apocalypse or the end of the world is approaching.
Deceive and destroy
Trick and obliterate others.
Afterlife, revelations unveil
After death, hidden truths will be exposed.
A blackness remains, the end of the line
Only a void and nothingness persists, indicating the conclusion.
Ashes of man, eye of the one divine
Only the remains of humanity are left as the gaze of a god looks on.
The blackness ascends, powers untold
The darkness rises and possesses unimaginable strength.
The Afterlife
The realm that exists after death.
The heart of chaos, will manifest again
The essence of discord will once more take physical form.
The seed of the serpent, the dagger of doom
A destructive and evil force with ancient origins.
So even death can die in deadland
Even in the realm of the deceased, there can still be death.
The phantom's aeon
A period of time dominated by ghosts or spirits.
Dream is denied
Aspirations and desires will not come to fruition.
Afterlife - revelations revive
New truths or knowledge are gained regarding the Afterlife.
Lyrics © RESERVOIR MEDIA MANAGEMENT INC
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@edwinbenitez4337
PARA MI ESTA ES DE LAS MEJORES BANDAS DEL POWER METAL, SALE DE LO CONVENCIONAL Y CREO QUE EL ÁLBUM SHADOWLANDS ES EL MEJOR DE ELLOS
@fernandoborjas7549
Lo escuche hace 17 años y aun lo sigo haciendo, obra maestra del power metal. Sin lugar a dudas esta en mis Top 20
@brotherfiretribe9566
tu eres yo acaso?
@kasivisio846
Great album to put on when you feel tired and weak. Instant super strength!
@pasko1983
23 years ago... Happy birthday to this immortal masterpiece!
@danielsilva9234
Classic álbum
@marcojaramillonavarro3384
Esto es el verdadero poder metal
@jelder82
Good stuff. One of the best metal bands ever!!!
@F1fan56
Never heard these guys before today. Hell they are damn good!
@especuladorestoico8994
No doubt is the best álbum of my life. Im from Brazil.