Fans of dark music appreciate the contrast between memorable cold female voice and a colorful male death metal growls, and also mix of heavy guitar riffs with exquisite keyboards (classic of the genre), symphonic arrangements and the general atmosphere of the songs. Musicians take their inspiration in different mythologies, legends, history of ancient civilizations, mysticism and philosophy, which is reflected in English texts-paintings, painted in deep colors.
History of Sanctorium began in the summer of 2005 when guitarist Victor and drummer Andrew, who had already played together, decided to form a new band. At the same time, their classmates, bassist Vladimir and violinist Sergei, joined them. Since mid-September 2005 the band started rehearsing in this line-up.
After rhythm section rehearsals, the band felt the need in vocals and keyboards, and in November they were joined by vocalist Daria (Eirene) and keyboardist Catherine. At the same time, the name of the band was finally selected.
In the end of March 2006, the band began to record their home demo. A month later, a four-track demo was completed, and the group began to think about live performances.
The first concert Sanctorium took part was at Legend club on May 12, 2006, after which they decided to take a second guitarist, Roman.
In the next several years, the band replaced more than half of its members: guitarists, bassists, keyboardists. The reasons were both personal and professional.
In 2008, the band finished recording their debut EP “Gate of Sin” at the studio "Egorov" with Vladimir Mehnin as sound producer.
Sharing a stage with the band Sirenia at Point club in Moscow stands out as one of the main achievements of 2009. After that the band decided to dismiss members and to make full reorganization.
Only in 2012, the newborn Sanctorium appeared on stage again with new members playing the old songs and writing new ones and also recording the first full-length album. In 2013, the band won the title "Discovery of 2012" at the Russian Symphonic and Opera Metal Awards, and in April 2013 they played with Xandria on a concert in Saint Petersburg.
At 8th February 2014 Sanctorium finally released their debut album «The Depths Inside» on Gravitator Records (Moscow).
Prayer
Sanctorium Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
On the fallen in the battle
We have fought
For the king, for the land
But defeated
We're dead...
Lord, we pray that You (would have) protected our kins
Let them live
For the light in the sky
Give them love
That never die
For the days that we had lived in peace
I pray my God
Protect my man from chilling touch of death
For the sky and never-ending light
I beg you my God
Please let us meet in our future days
I have never imagined that cold death
Can so quickly restore flame of faith
We have died
For the king, for the land
But our souls are not dead
The opening lines of Sanctorium's song "Prayer" describe the aftermath of a battle, where the sun is shining on the metal weapons and armor of the fallen soldiers. The lyrics speak of fighting for the king and for the land, but ultimately being defeated and dying. The chorus then addresses the Lord, asking for forgiveness for their sins and protection for their kins.
In the next verse, the singer says a prayer for their loved ones who are still alive, asking for them to be blessed with the light in the sky and love that never dies. They reminisce about the days they lived in peace and then plead with God to protect their loved ones from the "chilling touch of death" and allow them to meet again in the future. The final verse describes how the experience of facing death has restored the flame of faith in the singer, and how even though their bodies may have died, their souls will live on.
The lyrics of "Prayer" convey a sense of honor and duty to one's country and ruler, but also a deep longing for protection and peace for oneself and loved ones. The religious themes of forgiveness, faith, and eternal life are also prominent.
Line by Line Meaning
Sun is shining on the metal
The sun shines on the weapons and armor left from the battle, serving as a reminder of the destruction.
On the fallen in the battle
The sun also shines on the fallen soldiers, who lost their lives in the fight for their kingdom and land.
We have fought
The soldiers had bravely fought in the battle, risking their lives for their cause.
For the king, for the land
Their cause was to protect their king and homeland, as loyal subjects.
But defeated
Despite their best efforts, they were not able to overcome the opposing forces and lost the battle.
We're dead...
As a result of the defeat, the soldiers are now dead and have passed on to the afterlife.
Lord, forgive us have mercy to our sins
The soldiers pray to the Lord to forgive them for any sins or wrongdoings they may have committed in their lives or during the battle.
Lord, we pray that You (would have) protected our kins
The soldiers ask for the Lord to protect their loved ones and fellow countrymen from harm or danger.
Let them live
The soldiers hope that their loved ones will be able to continue living, despite their own deaths.
For the light in the sky
They pray that the bright light in the sky, perhaps the sun or a symbol of heaven, will guide and protect their loved ones.
Give them love
They wish for their loved ones to receive love and care, even in their absence.
That never die
The love and care should be everlasting, never fading away.
For the days that we had lived in peace
The soldiers recall the happier times in their homeland, before the conflict and violence occured.
I pray my God
They pray to God, asking for protection and guidance.
Protect my man from chilling touch of death
They ask for protection for their loved ones, to prevent them from suffering the same fate as the soldiers.
For the sky and never-ending light
The soldiers look towards the sky and the bright light, hoping for peace and eternity.
I beg you my God
Their prayer becomes more urgent, as they plead to God for mercy and guidance.
Please let us meet in our future days
They hope to meet their loved ones again in the afterlife or a future life, as they have faith in a continuous existence.
I have never imagined that cold death
The soldiers reflect on the sudden reality of death, which they had never truly comprehended before the battle.
Can so quickly restore flame of faith
Despite the grim situation, the soldiers find solace in their faith in God and hope for their fellow countrymen.
We have died
The soldiers acknowledge their own deaths, but also recognize that they will live on in spirit and memory.
For the king, for the land
Their cause and loyalty will continue to live on, even in their absence.
But our souls are not dead
Finally, they affirm that their souls live on, even after their physical bodies have perished.
Contributed by Camden L. Suggest a correction in the comments below.