In late 2009 however, despite staunchly refusing the notion of future material for an astounding 11 years, Fred Norrman announced he was leaving Katatonia and had reformed October Tide. Joining him were Tobias Netzell (of In Mourning) on vocals, Robin Bergh on drums and Jonas Kjellgren as a session bassist (for album recordings only). Original co-member Jonas Renkse was no longer participating in October Tide. A brand new full-length album entitled A Thin Shell was released in the autumn of 2010. Meanwhile Emil Alstermark (guitar) and Pierre Stam (of In Mourning, bass) have joined the band on a permanent basis.
Rain Without End line-up:
Jonas Renkse - vocals, drums, guitars (also in Katatonia (Swe), Bloodbath (Swe))
Fredrik Norrman - guitars, bass (also in Uncanny (Swe), Katatonia (Swe), Fulmination, Bloodbath (Swe))
Grey Dawn line-up:
Mårten Hansen - vocals (also in Votur, A Canorous Quintet, Sins of Omission)
Jonas Renkse - drums, guitars (also in Katatonia (Swe), Bloodbath (Swe))
Fredrik Norrman - guitars, bass (also in Uncanny (Swe), Katatonia (Swe), Fulmination, Bloodbath (Swe))
A Thin Shell line-up:
Tobias Netzell - vocals
Fredrik Norrman - guitars
Robin Bergh - drums
Jonas Kjellgren - bass (session)
Discography:
Promo Tape (1994, demo)
Rain Without End (1997)
Grey Dawn (1999)
A Thin Shell (2010)
Ephemeral
October Tide Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You rest in grey
Eternally sleep
Erase the day
I couldn’t see her
Through all the rain
And her sigh
Holding our breath to the end
We end up far away
Out on the breeze
Take me past the horizon
We’re running out of time
Anywhere is nowhere
Everywhere is fear
And you just
All the walls of my gloomy house?
It’s like awaiting
The end of the world
Here in this days?
The end of the world
There is no answer
To all that is crying
When all those die
To carry on forever
The lyrics of Ephemeral by October Tide are quite haunting, with vivid imagery of a hopeless, uncertain world. It begins with the opening line, "You're on the breeze," which suggests the transience of human life. The second line, "You rest in grey," further emphasizes the fleeting nature of existence, suggesting that even in death, one is not at peace but lost in the midst of uncertainty. The word "eternally" in the next line stands in stark contrast to the impermanence of the previous lines, reminding the listener that life itself is but a fleeting moment in the grand scheme of things.
The singer couldn't see "her" through all the rain, indicating a sense of distance or loss. This line also highlights the obstacles that cause misunderstandings in relationships, putting up a barrier between individuals who love each other. The subsequent line, "And her sigh," suggests that there is sadness or regret. The song's chorus is a call to escape from this suffocating world, "Take me past the horizon, we're running out of time". However, the second verse's lyrics offer a harsh reminder of the bleakness of the world, "Anywhere is nowhere, everywhere is fear", and the singer remains trapped within their thoughts, as if awaiting the end of the world.
Line by Line Meaning
You’re on the breeze
You are carried by the wind, ephemeral and fleeting
You rest in grey
You find refuge in grayness, devoid of vibrancy or color
Eternally sleep
You will slumber forever, never to wake or rise
Erase the day
You seek to obliterate the present and any trace of time
I couldn’t see her
I was unable to discern her amidst the pouring rain
Through all the rain
Despite the constant deluge, the subject remains resolute
And her sigh
Her poignant exhalation encapsulating the futility of our efforts
Holding our breath to the end
Unified in despair, we brace ourselves for the inevitable conclusion
We end up far away
Our destination is realized in the distance, absent of familiarity
Out on the breeze
The elements are our guide, as our control is negligible
Take me past the horizon
Forge ahead beyond the threshold, where new potential awaits
We’re running out of time
The sense of urgency heightens as the clock ticks down
Anywhere is nowhere
Geography is irrelevant, as purpose is elusive
Everywhere is fear
Dread persists in all directions, defining the current state of existence
And you just
Even in the face of such despair, there is still a glimmer of hope
All the walls of my gloomy house?
The encroaching darkness seeps into the soul, rendering even the familiar unknown
It’s like awaiting
The anticipation is unyielding, a form of purgatory in itself
The end of the world
Complete annihilation is the only resolution, the only means of release
There is no answer
The futility of seeking resolution to the perpetually unanswered questions
To all that is crying
Every voice of distress and anguish goes unheard and unheeded
When all those die
Even in death, there is no guarantee of finding respite or solace
To carry on forever
The burdens will persist, unforgiving and everlasting
Contributed by Nora F. Suggest a correction in the comments below.