Their gigs were characterised by moody, epic and heavy music interpreted with highly visual stage aspect which accented their interest for occult themes. Pagan Altar's only release from that era was independent, self-released, self-titled cassette which was in later years bootlegged. It was finally officially re-released on Oracle Records in 1998 and titled Volume 1. Despite no label interest in the late 70's and early 80's, the timelessness of their music ultimately prevailed as doom-obsessed metalheads kept Pagan Altar's music alive over two and a half decades.
Mid-first decade of the 21st century, the group had reformed to re-record an album of material written, but never released during their original tenure as a band. That album, Lords of Hypocrisy, has been met with an incredible reception from fans of doom both old and new, this was followed by a third full length, named Mythical and Magical.
Pagan Altar took back to the road after five years of silence, to record the new album Never Quite Dead, and played gigs worldwide to the band's loyal and ever increasing fanbase with new members behind Alan and Terry to form the backbone of the bonecrunching Pagan Altar live sound. Joining them on bass is William Gallagher, Vince Hempstead on guitars, and Dean Alexander on drums.
Behind the Cloak, an exceedingly more detailed and painstaking account of Pagan Altar history than this may be read at the band's website
Flight of the Witch Queen
Pagan Altar Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I can hear the Witch Queen laughing still
As midnight chimes and the moon is high
The Witch Queen prepares herself to fly
She stands on top of a tower of stone
And sneers at the sleeping earth below
Unsuspecting in their beds
In silent flight across the sky
All ranks of Witches flying by
Paying homage to their Queen
At their yearly meeting on Halloween
I can see her
I can see her standing there
I can see her she's poised and ready
Moonlight on long black hair
Her laughter breaks the still of night
Music to match the awesome sight
In ghostly silence they follow their Queen
Like dead leafs blowing in the wind
I can see her
I can see her standing there
I can see her she's poised and ready
Moonlight on long black hair
I can see her
I can see her standing there
I can see her as she gracefully rises
A death like hush as she takes the air
The lyrics to Pagan Altar's "Flight of the Witch Queen" tell a haunting tale of magic and darkness. The song describes the actions of the Witch Queen, who prepares to fly across the sky on Halloween night. From her castle high on a hill, she can be heard laughing as she gathers with her fellow Witches. At the stroke of midnight, they take to the skies in silent flight, paying homage to their Queen.
The imagery in these lyrics is powerful, painting a picture of a sinister world filled with magic and mystery. The Witch Queen is depicted as a powerful and enigmatic figure, standing on her tower of stone and looking down upon the unsuspecting sleeping earth below. The Witches follow her in ghostly silence, like dead leafs blowing in the wind. Her long black hair shines in the moonlight as she takes to the air, and her laughter breaks the still of night.
One interpretation of this song is that it explores the darker side of paganism and the supernatural, and the power that can be found in tapping into these forces. The Witch Queen is a symbol of this power, and the song suggests that those who follow her are capable of great things - both light and dark.
Line by Line Meaning
From a Castle high on the top of a hill
The Witch Queen is situated in a castle situated atop of a hill.
I can hear the Witch Queen laughing still
The Witch Queen's laughter can still be heard from her location.
As midnight chimes and the moon is high
As the clock strikes 12 am and the moon is shining bright.
The Witch Queen prepares herself to fly
The Witch Queen is getting ready to take off on a flight.
She stands on top of a tower of stone
The Witch Queen is standing atop a tower made of stone.
And sneers at the sleeping earth below
She looks down on the earth with scorn as people sleep.
Unsuspecting in their beds
People are unaware of what's happening while they're sleeping.
Of the gathering of Witches above their heads
They are unaware of the gathering of witches above them.
In silent flight across the sky
The Witch Queen flies quietly and swiftly through the sky.
All ranks of Witches flying by
All kinds of witches are flying alongside the Witch Queen.
Paying homage to their Queen
The witches are showing respect and reverence to their queen.
At their yearly meeting on Halloween
This is an annual gathering of witches on Halloween night.
Her laughter breaks the still of night
The Witch Queen's laughter is loud in the quietness of the night.
Music to match the awesome sight
Her laughter sounds like music that matches the impressive view.
In ghostly silence they follow their Queen
The other witches follow the Witch Queen in silence like ghosts.
Like dead leafs blowing in the wind
They follow her like dead leaves being blown by the wind.
I can see her she's poised and ready
The Witch Queen is visible and ready to fly.
Moonlight on long black hair
Her long hair is black and illuminated by the moonlight.
A death like hush as she takes the air
There's a quietness in the air as she takes off on her flight.
Contributed by Logan L. Suggest a correction in the comments below.