Originally concocted as a side project to King Fowley's old school Death Metal thrash attack, Deceased; October 31 began the first demo days immediately after Brian Williams was brought on board. Fowley and Williams clicked right away on a personal and songwriting level. Reminiscing about the glory days of 80's Heavy Metal and how they wanted to make their own mark with the traditional aspects that define the genre. This was the mid 90's mind you and finding other members could be quite the task. Years before the trendy Power Metal boom, meeting musicians that wanted to play Heavy Metal was hard enough, let alone the style Fowley and Williams desired. Keep in mind that they lived (and still do) about 6 hours away from each other. The burning ambition that churned between the two could not be put on hold and in 1996, the "Voyage To Infinity" cassette demo was recorded, marking the only O31 release with Casey Sayles (bass) and Frank Bauguess (rhythm/acoustic guitar), local friends of Brian Williams. Oblivion Studios, the same studio that will spawn Deceased's zombie thrash classic "Fearless Undead Machines" years later, would be the studio of choice and practically every session that followed.
The demo showed a mixture of Thrash, Power, subtle Doom and Classic Heavy Metal that could be compared to bands like Nasty Savage, Attacker, Killer, Griffin, Exciter and the endless list of unappreciated cult legends. Appropriate covers of "Child of the Damned" (Warlord) and "Harder Than Steel" (Jag Panzer) further proved that the intentions of October 31 derived from true Heavy Metal, loud and proud. This line-up however didn't last very long as a local scene friend of King Fowley joined for the permanent bass position, Jim Hunter (Revelation/While Heaven Wept/Blacklord/Twisted Tower Dire/every band in the vicinity of Northern Virginia). An old friend of Brian Williams, Kevin Lewis, began his first attempt at the rhythm position and the writing process but quit the band shortly before it was time to record the first full-length, 1997's "The Fire Awaits You". Leaving all the guitar parts to Brian Williams, left to figure out all the guitar tracks that he never played, "The Fire Awaits You" was still a defining record for October 31. The production is modest yet effective. The opening track, "The Warlock", takes everything that was so greatly intense from the Whiplash "Power and Pain" album, the majority of "The Fire Awaits You" churn an atmosphere being dark, heavy, melodic, and most importantly, memorable. Another obscure cover landed on Side B, "Day of the Saxons" from Witchkiller. The CD was released by RIP Records while the vinyl didn't come out officially until 1999 by Fowley's own Old Metal Records.
Kevin Lewis returned once again in 1998, attempting the full-time rhythm guitar position as the "Visions of End" EP writing and recording process began. Completely finished in under a week, "Visions of the End" is still one of my favorites and a most impressive EP. Despite one of the most ridiculous and maybe only covers of Lizzy Bordern's "Give 'em The Axe" that I've ever heard (mostly due to Fowley's interpretation of the vocals), this is arguable the greatest October 31 release. Full of pure energy yet never straying too far from that dark, doomy vibe and building their epic qualities with tracks like "The Legend of the Haunted Sea". Old Metal Records released "Visions of the End" on CD and again in 1999 with a different cover. Attached was the long out of print "Voyage To Infinity" demo already mentioned. Around this time the decision was made by King Fowley to have a live singer, being more comfortable with the drum duties for shows yet keeping his vocal position for the studio only. Once again, old friends of both Fowley (Chuck Parsons) and Williams (Shawn Pelata) were chosen among the fight for Metal supremacy. Parsons, having a more characteristic but rugged voice, showed energy on stage, but lacked the real abilities of a strong Heavy Metal singer and showman; Pelata being the mirror opposite, great voice-no stage presence. October 31 played a handful of shows with each vocalist around this time but under the demanding role that being in O31 calls for, going their separate ways was in order.
In 2000 "Meet Thy Maker" was released. Rip Records put out the original CD while Metal Blade Europe released the "Visions of the End" bonus CD version. What should have been possibly their best at that point, consisting of a bigger production, more keyboards, melody and acoustic sections, "Meet Thy Maker" suffered from a quirky final mix and many of the moments on the album being much too melodic for Fowley's street vocal style. Still, tracks like "For There is War!" showed that October 31 were not about to slow down. A cover of Saxon's classic "Power and the Glory" near the album's end has become a staple in closing their live set. Also that year, RIP put out the reissue of the "Visions of the End" EP with the original cover art but still being inferior to the 10 track 1999 Old Metal Records release, which made for a pretty pointless reissue.
October 31 had landed on many compilations, played every dive on the east coast, recorded two more cover songs "I Don't Know" (Ozzy/guitar solo courtesy of Deceased's very own Mark "Chainsaw" Adams) and "Public Enema Number One" (Iron Maiden) along with just as great an accomplishment as any, playing the Wacken Open Air Festival in Germany. Things were moving right along until the road of optimism was brought to a halt once again by Kevin Lewis, deciding to leave the band once more. Dave Castillo (ex Hatred/VA) was brought in to fill in on drums for certain shows, allowing King to run the stage and some shows were only played as a three piece, Fowley/Hunter/Williams. Northern Virginia's Twisted Tower Dire members Tony Taylor and Scott Waldrop were next to serve their time in the revolving door positions. Taylor having a very melodic voice that would havee been best suited for the "Meet Thy Maker" album and Waldrop's natural ear for great harmonies seemed to set the stage for what would be possibly the best October 31 release yet. Sadly, only a 7" single birthed from this line-up in 2002. Maniacal Records released a redone version of "Salem's Curse" along with Judas Priest cover "Electric Eye", pressed in a small quantity. While the single showed much promise of things to come, disagreements within the band left Tony Taylor and Scott Waldrop out of October 31 while Jim Hunter shortly joined the bass position for Twisted Tower Dire, keeping his position in October 31.
As if that wasn't enough of a catastrophe, Fowley's darkest days shortly followed. Following the death of his mother, two blood clots and a sudden stroke left him for dead. This not only stopped the advancing of the band they had worked so hard at, the iron fist of sickness left Fowley's recovery process a slow one. Thankfully, strong will and determination prevail as King makes a full recovery. Before King's sudden streak of horrible luck, Jason Tedder, being the best rhythm guitarist O31 has ever had is the next contestant after Waldop, makes his entrance as the rhythm guitarist in Williams' side band, K-Octave (who also has Shawn Pelata on vocals). Dave Castillo also gets a permanent spot on the drums as King takes his rightful position as the front man. "Stage Fright" gets released by Thrash Corner Records in 2003, capturing a moment in time at Classic Metal Fest 2 with obviously no overdubs. Another demo is recorded, a cover of "Missing in Action" (Q5) that gets lumped in the same category as the Lizzy Borden cover by yours truly, an amazing vocal performance from Fowley on "Danger Zone" (Black Sabbath) and original brain smasher "Powerhouse", which has yet to get an official release.
Finally, having a steady line-up and with the drive of making Heavy Metal music still abundant within the group, October 31 release their long awaited "No Survivors" album. "No Survivors", being their
heaviest and fastest recording to date, lands October 31 back in the valid music category. William's leads are furious as ever, Castillo keeps the fast yet original style of Fowley on past records keeping up the rhythm section with Hunter as Tedder helps add a huge multi-tracked guitar sound that has never been heard on any O31 recording, producing a slightly more stripped down and in your face direction. After breaking off their contract with Metal Blade Records and deciding not to put it out on Fowley's other label, Battlezone Records, "No Survivors" is released on CD by Thrash Corner Records in 2005.
This sky is the limit for October 31. Having played hundreds of shows all across the United States over the past 10 years, persevering over all life's many obstacles, October 31 is proof that some bands still play for the sheer love of Heavy Metal. With plans of another album and a possible tour(s), they're just getting things warmed up.
Behind the Castle Walls
October 31 Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
When kings and queens did rule the land
But there were two with insane minds
And wickedness at hand
For deep within their castle
They sat and laughed while people died
They never cared for anyone
But others of their kind
For life we plead, real blood
We bleed from the pain
Rising up we knew we must
Now stop these evil ones
To break these chains and
Make our claim for revolution
She was the queen of endless love
And deemed the rich and classy whore
She romanced many in her bed
Amidst the sounds of war
The king, the greedy tyrant spent
All of his time watching poor men die
And no one dared get in his way
Or it would mean their lives
It is from our voice that we now demand
Our freedom from your pain
And we will fight and kill to bring justice
Back to our people once again!
There's no longer independence
And without it we have no lives
So together now we will stand
And march and fight until you die
Kill! Let us stand and kill! Kill!
Behind the castle walls
Our pride was in our freedom
Which death would now reward
As a certain magic filled the hearts
Of our storming battle horde
For we felt as if in heaven
As our tattered armor shined
Yes, the poor were rising from their woes
To save our broken lives
Kill! Let us stand and kill! Kill!
Now we will attack!
Yes, the time had come for vengeance
For angered were us slaves
We had longed to storm the castle walls
And finally end their reign, end their reign...
We rode the path unto the bridge
That brought us to the gates
For our quest for peace had now begun
And death would lead the way, lead the way!
To the king and queen we now call
For you and your people all the same
We've suffered here now long enough
It's time to end our pain!
As we slayed the guards in battle
We knew that it was time
For now beyond the castle walls
Sat the king and queen to die
And we brought our swords together
And our pride we did defend
As we beheaded all the wicked ones
Who'd never reign again
Yes, the chains were finally freed
And there for all the town to see
Were the heads of the king and queen
We've found peace
"Behind the Castle Walls" by October 31 is a song that depicts a medieval period of time when kings and queens ruled the land. The lyrics narrate the story of two rulers who had wickedness at hand, and they were indifferent to the suffering of others. They mock and laugh while people died. However, a revolution was underway. The oppressed were tired of their tyrant rulers and wanted their freedom. The song is all about a fight for justice and freedom from their oppressors.
One of the rulers is the queen of endless love, deemed the rich and classy whore. The other is the king, a greedy tyrant who spends his time watching poor men die. The lyrics describe them as insane and wicked-minded rulers. The oppressed people are rising against their oppressors and are ready to fight for their independence.
The chorus talks of killing those oppressors who do not care for their subjects. The oppressed people are now demanding their freedom from the rulers' pain. They will fight and kill to bring justice back to their people once again. The oppressed must break the chains of slavery that oppressed them in their own land.
This song tells the story of a people oppressed by their rulers, the fight for their freedom, and their eventual success. It's an excellent demonstration of how people can triumph over tyranny.
Line by Line Meaning
The time was known medieval
This song takes place during the medieval era.
When kings and queens did rule the land
The rulers of this time were monarchs who held immense power.
But there were two with insane minds
Two of these monarchs were insane.
And wickedness at hand
They acted in a wicked manner.
For deep within their castle
Both of them resided inside their castle.
They sat and laughed while people died
They watched their subjects suffer and found humor in their pain.
They never cared for anyone
The two monarchs had no regard for the lives of their people.
But others of their kind
They only cared about their own well-being and that of other nobles.
For life we plead, real blood
The people were pleading for their lives.
We bleed from the pain
They were suffering greatly.
Rising up we knew we must
They knew they had to stand up against their oppressors.
Now stop these evil ones
They had to put a stop to the two tyrannical rulers.
To break these chains and
To free themselves from their oppression.
Make our claim for revolution
To demand a revolution that would bring justice and freedom.
She was the queen of endless love
The queen was known for her love interests.
And deemed the rich and classy whore
She was arrogant and saw herself as an upscale prostitute.
She romanced many in her bed
She had many lovers.
Amidst the sounds of war
This all took place during a time of war.
The king, the greedy tyrant spent
The king was seen as a greedy tyrant.
All of his time watching poor men die
He enjoyed watching the poor suffer and die.
And no one dared get in his way
No one was brave enough to stop him.
Or it would mean their lives
If anyone opposed him, they would be killed.
It is from our voice that we now demand
The people made their demand known.
Our freedom from your pain
They wanted to be free from the suffering caused by the monarchs.
And we will fight and kill to bring justice
They were willing to fight and even kill to achieve justice.
Back to our people once again!
To restore justice to their society.
There's no longer independence
Their independence was taken away by the monarchs.
And without it we have no lives
Their lives were meaningless without freedom.
So together now we will stand
They united to fight for their cause.
And march and fight until you die
They were prepared to face their oppressors no matter the cost.
Kill! Let us stand and kill! Kill!
They chanted the battle cry to inspire one another.
Behind the castle walls
The tyrants were safe behind the walls of their castle.
Our pride was in our freedom
The people took pride in their freedom.
Which death would now reward
They were prepared to die for their freedom.
As a certain magic filled the hearts
They were filled with a sense of hope and passion.
Of our storming battle horde
Their army was ready to fight.
For we felt as if in heaven
They were filled with a sense of euphoria and inspiration.
As our tattered armor shined
Even though their armor was worn and damaged, it shone with purpose.
Yes, the poor were rising from their woes
The poor were gaining the courage to fight back.
To save our broken lives
To save their lives from the misery and oppression caused by the monarchs.
Now we will attack!
They were ready to launch their attack on the castle.
Yes, the time had come for vengeance
They were seeking revenge for the wrongs committed against them.
For angered were us slaves
They were enraged by their enslavement.
We had longed to storm the castle walls
They had been dreaming of this moment for a long time.
And finally end their reign, end their reign...
To finally put an end to the reign of the tyrannical monarchs.
We rode the path unto the bridge
They were on their way to the castle.
That brought us to the gates
They arrived at the castle gates.
For our quest for peace had now begun
They were on a mission to restore peace to their land.
And death would lead the way, lead the way!
They were willing to face death in their pursuit of freedom.
To the king and queen we now call
They were calling out to the monarchs.
For you and your people all the same
They addressed the monarchs and their subjects.
We've suffered here now long enough
They had suffered for too long under their reign.
It's time to end our pain!
They demanded an end to their suffering.
As we slayed the guards in battle
They were fighting fiercely and killing the guards.
We knew that it was time
They knew that they had reached a pivotal moment.
For now beyond the castle walls
Beyond the castle walls was the heart of their oppression.
Sat the king and queen to die
They had finally reached the monarchs and they were going to kill them.
And we brought our swords together
They united to deliver the final blow.
And our pride we did defend
They defended their pride as free people.
As we beheaded all the wicked ones
They killed both the king and the queen.
Who'd never reign again
Their reign of terror had come to an end.
Yes, the chains were finally freed
Freedom was finally achieved.
And there for all the town to see
Their victory was seen by all.
Were the heads of the king and queen
The final symbol of their oppression was gone.
We've found peace
They have finally found peace and justice.
Lyrics © OBO APRA/AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind