The first incarnation of the band was under the name Aslan, after a character in the novel The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C. S. Lewis. With money earned from local shows and T-shirt sales, they recorded a self-titled demo tape in 1986. After discovering another band with the same name, they changed theirs to Psychotic Waltz and recorded a new four-song demo in 1988.
In 1990, they debuted with their independently financed debut A Social Grace, which was released in Europe via a licensing deal with the German label Rising Sun Productions. The album was very well received in Europe, being named album of the month in some European magazines,[citation needed] The situation in US was more difficult, as the album was released under the band's own Sub Sonic Records label. With practically no promotion and minimal distribution, it remained an extremely underground item. In 1991, the band appeared in the Dynamo Festival in Holland.
After the tour, the band's guitarist, Dan Rock, suffered a near-fatal accident after falling off a bridge while rappelling. The band went on to record their second album, Into the Everflow. The album was recorded from August–October, 1992, at Phoenix Studios in Herne, Germany, and was produced by Mekong Delta's main man, Ralph Hubert. After recording the album, but before its release, the band did a small tour while Dan Rock recovered from his accident. The CD was released in Europe on Dream Circle Records, and was very well received, getting album of the month honors in many European magazines.[citation needed] After Rock recovered, the band was nominated as the Best Hard Rock band at the 1992 San Diego Music Awards.
By that time, the band was at the peak of its popularity. They signed with Ralph Hubert's own label, Zardoz Music, for their third album, Mosquito. Recording took place in late 1994 in Record Plant and Madhatter studios in Los Angeles, with the help of the famous metal producer Scott Burns. The initial response for this album was mixed, as the more conventional songwriting that the band followed led some hardcore fans of the band to label it as a sell-out. This was the last album that was recorded with their initial lineup, as bassist Ward Evans left the band after two tours in Europe and was replaced with Phil Cuttino.
They entered the studio once again in 1996, for what proved to be their last studio work together, Bleeding. This time, Scott Burns did the engineering, but the record was mixed by Dan Rock and engineer Woody Barber. Before the band started touring in support for the new album, guitarist Brian McAlpine announced that he would not be able to follow the band due to familial obligations. He was replaced by Steve Cox for the band's final two European tours. Phil Cuttino filmed a promotional video for the track "Faded". This proved to be disastrous for the band, as a crew member sued the band in April 1998, claiming that a light on the set caused him to go blind.
The lengthy court battle that followed, coupled with the different musical interests that the band members had, contributed in the band's demise. Buddy Lackey was the first to leave the band. For a short while, the remaining band members tried to continue with the band, but eventually each went his own way. Rock recorded two instrumental albums with his project Darkstar. Norm Leggio and Steve Cox created the band Teabag, and Buddy Lackey formed the band Deadsoul Tribe, where he performs using his real name, Devon Graves.
Psychotic Waltz reunited in 2010, will tour Europe in support of Nevermore and Symphony X, and are planning to write, record and release a new album.
Northern lights
Psychotic Waltz Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
a carnival of gimps and tweaks
dogs are hungry for the meat
they drag it screaming through the street
everybody passing by
afraid to look them in the eye
corner dealer selling while I tell him
I don't want to buy
one night of calm, through the Netherlands
to northern lights and incense surrounding again
now we are coming, Amsterdam will bring
northern lights and incense again
wait at the corner for a white electric caterpillar ride take us to the
other side
(where the Katsu and the Old Man hide)
flying through the cloudy day
feeling like I'm far away
nothing like a sky of gray to keep me feeling in my way
one night of calm, through the Netherlands
to northern lights and incense surrounding again
now we are coming, Amsterdam will bring
northern lights and incense again
one night of calm, through the Netherlands
to northern lights and incense surrounding again
now we are coming, Amsterdam will bring
northern lights and incense again
can you see the city lights chase the shadows from the night?
(still the ember burning bright)
now we never pass it to the right
the stars are in the sky another color in my eye
feeling happy, feeling high
(feeling like I'm still alive)
The lyrics to Psychotic Waltz’s song “Northern Lights” describe a journey, both physical and emotional, to Amsterdam. The singer begins by observing the “city freaks,” people who are outcasts and struggling in society. He sees them being taken advantage of by the “corner dealer” who is selling drugs. However, the tone of the song shifts as the singer and his companions take a “white electric caterpillar ride” to the other side, to Amsterdam. The journey is described as calm, and they are suddenly surrounded by “northern lights and incense,” which provides a stark contrast to the chaos and suffering they left behind.
As they fly through the cloudy day, the singer feels like he is “far away” and free from the heaviness of the world he left behind. He is filled with a sense of happiness and describes feeling “alive.” The stars in the sky appear to him “another color in my eye,” indicating a changed perspective. The city lights, which previously seemed to be chasing away the shadows of the night, now take on a different meaning. The singer is no longer burdened by the struggles of the city and feels like he can see things in a different light.
Overall, the song “Northern Lights” is about a journey to seek out a better state of being. The contrast between the struggles of everyday life and the peace and beauty of the northern lights and incense in Amsterdam serves as a reminder that there is a different way to live.
Line by Line Meaning
laughing at the city freaks
Mocking the people considered strange and unconventional in the city
a carnival of gimps and tweaks
Describing the city as a gathering of people with mental and physical disabilities or disorders
dogs are hungry for the meat
Referring to the people selling drugs as vulnerable animals who are in desperate need of money
they drag it screaming through the street
Portraying the dark and violent side of drug dealing in the city
everybody passing by, afraid to look them in the eye
Highlighting the fear, discomfort, and avoidance of the people who witness the drug dealers' activities
corner dealer selling while I tell him I don't want to buy
Recounting a personal experience with a drug dealer on the street
one night of calm, through the Netherlands, to northern lights and incense surrounding again
Going to Amsterdam, seeking peace, tranquility, and the experience of the northern lights and incense
now we are coming, Amsterdam will bring northern lights and incense again
Looking forward to revisiting Amsterdam and enjoying the same experiences again
wait at the corner for a white electric caterpillar ride take us to the other side (where the Katsu and the Old Man hide)
Anticipating a psychedelic experience with mushrooms or cannabis, referencing the Old Man Coffeeshop and Katsu Coffeeshop in Amsterdam's Red Light District
flying through the cloudy day feeling like I'm far away
Describing feelings of detachment and dissociation from reality
nothing like a sky of gray to keep me feeling in my way
Acknowledging potential negative feelings, but finding them easier to cope with than they would be in the city
can you see the city lights chase the shadows from the night? (still the ember burning bright) now we never pass it to the right
Reflecting on the allure and excitement of the city at night and the decision not to give in to temptations anymore
the stars are in the sky another color in my eye feeling happy, feeling high (feeling like I'm still alive)
Feeling euphoric and grateful for the experience, despite potentially dangerous or damaging consequences
Contributed by Ava V. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Timothy Zaleski
I want to thank the band for the greatest memories of my life! Touring Europe, experiencing the Katsu while being with my best friends. The many nights spent on the bus, at the table were absolutely priceless. The nights at the castle (way back) are burnt into my mind forever, a Coma can't destroy them. Thank you Brian McAlpin, you are Godly.
Barone Jimmy Von Xentrix
This song is far beyond beautiful.
PINO 2508
Beste Band ever!
Robert Silentmay
Fucking great music! Thank you.
Neueregel
poly preza o buddy !! alla kalo
Karia Leschke
Too bad it's not really a walz.
Remilia Scarlet
Luckily, the song name is "Northern Lights."
XII
Yes it is
Michael Avidan
No it's not
Robert Silentmay
It is