The only constant members of Sieges Even were brothers Oliver Holzwarth (Blind Guardian) and Alex Holzwarth (Rhapsody of Fire, ex-Avantasia, ex-Angra) who performed bass and drums respectively. Original guitarist Markus Steffen originally departed in 1992, but later returned.
Sieges Even's early works are often criticised for resembling closely those of tech-metal pioneers Watchtower and then their forerunners Rushbut by the time of the band's fourth album, Sophisticated (1994), they had left those comparisons behind.
Shortly after 1997's Uneven the band split, primarily due to the prior commitments of the Holzwarth brothers. However, by 1999 the brothers had begun meeting up with Steffen again and sounding out fledgling new projects. Of these, the project to reach the most advanced stage was arguably Looking-Glass-Self featuring vocalist Andre Matos, however even this project did not progress much further than a four track promo cd when the group parted ways.
It took the trio two years to replace Matos in Looking-Glass-Self, but Dutch unknown Arno Menses was eventually chosen, triggering a name change to VAL'PARAISO just one year before the 2004 first show once again under the Sieges Even banner. The following 2005 album The Art of Navigating by the Stars was considered a long overdue comeback and was highly regarded by fans and music press.
The band's new lease of life, however, didn't last long as following just two studio albums and the live album Playgrounds with the final line-up the band decided to split due to internal differences in September 2008. Markus Steffen and Arno Menses, however, continue their partnership in Subsignal
Behind Closed Doors
Sieges Even Lyrics
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Just another door that hides stagnant life,
just another wall that entombs creative drive...
Seemingly endless hours
Riding on a search of lucidity
Seemingly endless hours
Behind closed eyes an elevated plan takes shape (but notice)
Behind closed doors a new lies obscured
As clouds enshroud the city, delaying thought and sun,
words submit poetic eyes and pave the way for comprimisire.
Behind crafty lies, behind listless eyes
Behind distant skies a man sees coloured ways
Writing prophets foil the plan and innovative deeds.
As idle hands fail to unlock the door dreams die silently.
Behind closed eyes
Behind closed doors... integrity lies obscured
The lyrics of Sieges Even's song "Behind Closed Doors" showcase the struggles of a person who are searching for clarity in their life. The first two lines, "Just another door that hides stagnant life, just another wall that entombs creative drive," speak about the doors and walls that limit an individual's ability to explore their ideas and potential. These barriers deprive them of their ability to freely think, which, to them, is like being trapped in an endless cycle. The lyrics express a sense of dissatisfaction and frustration with the current state of things.
The lines, "Seemingly endless hours/ Riding on a search of lucidity/ Seemingly endless hours/ Hoping to escape obscurity," reflect the struggle of the person to find meaning in their daily activities, but it seems to take an eternity. The lyrics reveal their desire to escape obscurity and to be recognized for their talents and potential. However, even in their elevated plan for the future, they are still obscure, but the doors behind which they plan remain shut.
The choruses emphasize the idea of "behind closed doors", which obscures the truth and the desire to find clarity, integrity, and purpose. The lyrics suggest that creative potential can be realized when people take risks, challenge the status quo, and hold firm to their beliefs, but too often, people are afraid to embrace these risks or can't see that the potential is there. The lyrics carry a message of perseverance and a desire to break free from the constraints that limit individuals from reaching their full potential.
Line by Line Meaning
Seemingly endless hours...
The time spent trying to find clarity and escape obscurity seems never-ending.
Just another door that hides stagnant life,
just another wall that entombs creative drive...
The obstacles preventing creative expression are everywhere, from mundane doors to oppressive walls.
Behind closed eyes an elevated plan takes shape (but notice)
Behind closed doors a new lies obscured
A person's inner vision sees promise and potential, while the outside world hides unexplored opportunities.
As clouds enshroud the city, delaying thought and sun,
words submit poetic eyes and pave the way for comprimisire.
Even when faced with darkness and stagnation, words and expression can still inspire progress.
Behind crafty lies, behind listless eyes
Behind distant skies a man sees coloured ways
Despite the lies and apathy encountered in the world, people can still envision new possibilities.
Writing prophets foil the plan and innovative deeds.
As idle hands fail to unlock the door dreams die silently.
Even when writers and visionaries try to inspire change, complacency and inaction can still stifle progress.
Behind closed eyes
Behind closed doors... integrity lies obscured
Despite an individual's personal values and aspirations, external forces can obscure their pursuit of the truth and creative expression.
Contributed by Lucy N. Suggest a correction in the comments below.