In 2004 they released their first album Sinthetic, a powerful mixture of orchestrated, yet electronic black metal, which earned great reviews worldwide.
They recorded their second album Intoxicate O.S. with S. Jämsen at Perkele Studios Deathchain, Barathrum, Turmion Kätilöt).
Current line-up:
Henry Hämäläinen - Vocals
Juha Sirkkiä - Guitars
Olli Savolainen - Synthesizers
Eero Mantere - Bass
Erno Räsänen - Drums
Aapeli Kivimäki - Guitars
Past members:
Juha Harju - Vocals (Ajattara, Deathchain, Shade Empire, ex-Trollheim's Grott)
Janne Niiranen - Guitars (Chaosweaver, Project Silence)
Tero Liimatainen - Guitars
Antti Makkonen - Drums
Harvesters of Death
Shade Empire Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
The living cannot teach the dead
But the dead can instruct the living
Empty faces
Bodies moving but hearts are not beating
Nor is their blood warm
Legion that shuns no sacrifice
Their lives have already been given
They are ready to merge in cosmos
Walking on a black earth towards a dead sun
Abandon human face and flesh
Incorporeal, but surrounding all of us
Abandon human face and flesh
The other dimension twisted where
The words of man do not reach
Where the serpent will devour itself
To fulfil the prophecy they are ready to
Set the world on fire!
Harvesters of death
Walking among men
For a few short moments before the end
Walking on a black earth towards a dead sun
Legion that shuns no sacrifice
Their lives have already been given
Certain of their destiny
They are ready to merge in cosmos
Harvesters of death
Walking among men
For a few short moments before the end
The lyrics of Shade Empire's song, "Harvesters of Death," describe a group of people who have abandoned their human identity and have become something otherworldly. They have left behind their "empty faces" and "bodies" and are walking toward a "dead sun" with a sense of purpose. This purpose is to fulfill a prophecy by sacrificing themselves and "setting the world on fire." The song hints at a knowledge that is only available to the dead, and that this group has discovered some cosmic truth that can only be obtained by letting go of their human identity.
The "Harvesters of Death" serve as a metaphor for any group that has given up their individuality and become a unified force for a larger purpose. The lyrics suggest that these individuals have transcended their humanity and have become something more powerful. The line "Legion that shuns no sacrifice" implies that they are willing to do whatever it takes to achieve their goals, even if that means sacrificing their own lives. The song paints a dark, almost apocalyptic picture of this group walking toward their destiny, ready to merge with the cosmos.
Line by Line Meaning
Humanity carries the knowledge of the beast
Humans possess the same dark and savage instincts as the wildest animals.
The living cannot teach the dead
There is no use trying to convey knowledge to those who have already passed away.
But the dead can instruct the living
In contrast, the dead can teach us important lessons about life, death, and the mysteries that lie beyond.
Empty faces
Many people in this world are lost, hollow, and lacking in purpose.
Bodies moving but hearts are not beating
Some individuals may appear outwardly alive, but they are spiritually dead and detached from their emotions.
Nor is their blood warm
These people lack passion, courage, and the vitality that comes from truly living.
Legion that shuns no sacrifice
There are groups of people who are willing to do anything, including giving up their lives, in pursuit of a greater cause.
Their lives have already been given
These individuals have accepted their own mortality and are prepared to die for their beliefs.
Certain of their destiny
They are convinced that their fate is written in the stars, and nothing can deter them from their intended path.
They are ready to merge in cosmos
These devoted individuals are prepared to transcend their earthly existence and merge with the infinite universe.
Walking on a black earth towards a dead sun
Their journey is symbolic of a bleak and hopeless quest for a higher purpose that may never be found.
Abandon human face and flesh
The time for vain human desires and fleshly pursuits is over, and those dedicated to their mission must forsake their earthly identities.
Incorporeal, but surrounding all of us
Although they may renounce their physical bodies, their ideological influence and impact on the world will continue.
The other dimension twisted where
This realm they seek to enter is a twisted and enigmatic place beyond the limits of human understanding.
The words of man do not reach
In this mysterious realm, ordinary human language and communication are futile.
Where the serpent will devour itself
The mysteries of this otherworldly dimension are beyond human comprehension, including the paradoxical concept of a serpent devouring itself.
To fulfil the prophecy they are ready to
The faithful devotees are willing to do whatever it takes to make the prophesied event come to pass.
Set the world on fire!
This could imply that their ultimate goal is to destroy all that exists and start anew, or to bring about a great transformative event.
Harvesters of death
These individuals are like reapers, gathering souls to feed the greater cosmic forces.
Walking among men
Although they are different, they continue to exist in the same world as ordinary people.
For a few short moments before the end
Their purpose is only temporary, as they prepare for the end of the world or a great change that will sweep across society.
Contributed by Jayden G. Suggest a correction in the comments below.