The band recorded an unpublished demo, then the line-up changed in 2003 with the arrival of Emey (ex-Contrast, Unscarred), who replaced Franck on guitar. Subsequently they recorded a second unpublished demo and did some gigs until they split in 2005.
In August 2007 they reformed with the present line up. A month later, based on songs written by bassist Carles Herve, the band recorded a third unpublished demo whose content sounds definitely gothic rock and deathrock, influenced by groups such as Christian Death, Bauhaus, and The Sisters of Mercy.
From that time, Soror Dolorosa's style became more personal and they found an own identity as a band. The songs were now written by the four members together, though still mostly based on the bass guitar. They took on a Cold Wave colouring, more in line with bands such as The Cure or Human League, but also with hints of 70's rock like Deep Purple or Black Sabbath and retaining the Sisters of Mercy-like Gothic Rock influence.
Soror Dolorosa made their first record appearance with "American Chronicle" in March 2008, on the free compilation "Poisoned Dead Frogs" (Manic Depression): http://www.manicdepressionrecords.com/frogs.php
When the third demo was out on myspace, the group was contacted to release an EP through the British label Todestrieb Records. This 6 track EP, entitled "Severance", wasn't released until August 2009 due to production delays and is being distributed through underground ways, while the band promoted it with successful live performances all over France.
Some time in 2009, through the help of Neige (Amesoeurs, Alcest), the band came in contact with Northern Silence Productions, who offered to release their upcoming albums on their newly founded sublabel Beneath Grey Skies, and subsequently produced the debut full length "Blind Scenes", recorded in August 2010 at Drudenhaus Studio.
To use the band's own words: "The album is quite cold, with misty blue moods. 'Blind Scenes' would rather be perceived as scenes unseen, that is to say, out of time and out of the real world. As a state of grace overshadowed by the inevitability of everyday life. The lyrics are heartfelt and talk about regrets, coldness, alcohol abuse, as well as forfeiture, but mostly nostalgia, hence the blue color of the music."
That's also why they chose "Drudenhaus Studio" (CNK, Alcest, Les Discrets, Varsovie, Necroblaspheme), recommended by Neige, who described it as an ideal place to record their music. On the one hand because the studio is analog, and on the other hand because it is located in Brittany's countryside, isolated from the rest of the world, with compulsory rain in August. It was produced by Benoit Roux "Mr. Xort" (ex Anorexia Nervosa), who recorded additional keyboards.
http://sorordolorosa.com
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Soror-Dolorosa/185417498164481
Apollo
Soror Dolorosa Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Echoes from the mountains there is no sound
Who from olympus watch our destinies
Whence that completed forms of all completness
Before the crystal heavens darken,
I watch and dote upon the silver lakes
The semblance of gold rocks and bright gold sands,
Islands, and creeks, and amber-fretted strands
With horses prancing o'er them, palaces
At last into a dark and vapoury tent—
Whereat, methought, the lidless-eyed train
Of planets all were in the blue again.
To commune with those orbs, once more I rais'd
The lyrics of "Apollo" by Soror Dolorosa convey a deep sense of introspection and contemplation on the mysteries of the universe and human existence. The opening lines "Echoes from the evening of a dawn, Echoes from the mountains there is no sound" create a haunting and evocative atmosphere, suggesting a sense of quiet reflection and a connection to nature's vastness and silence. The use of echoes symbolizes a reverberation of past experiences and memories in the present moment.
The mention of Olympus, the home of the Greek gods, in "Who from olympus watch our destinies, Whence that completed forms of all completness" invokes a sense of divine observation and control over human destinies. The idea of completed forms hints at a sense of predestination or a predetermined path that individuals may follow, adding a layer of fatalism to the lyrics. This narrative thread underscores the theme of cosmic forces and the interconnectedness of human life with the divine realm.
The imagery of "crystal heavens" and "silver lakes" in the lines "Before the crystal heavens darken, I watch and dote upon the silver lakes Pictur'd in western cloudiness" paints a vivid picture of a tranquil natural setting bathed in the soft glow of twilight. The description of gold rocks, sands, islands, and palaces further enhances the dreamlike quality of the scene, inviting the listener to immerse themselves in a world of beauty and serenity. The mention of horses prancing and palaces suggests a mythic and fantastical realm beyond the ordinary.
The final lines "At last into a dark and vapoury tent— Whereat, methought, the lidless-eyed train Of planets all were in the blue again. To commune with those orbs, once more I rais'd" evoke a sense of transcendence and cosmic awareness. The imagery of a dark tent and the planets aligning in the sky symbolize a journey into the unknown and a connection to celestial bodies beyond the earthly realm. The act of communing with the planets suggests a seeking of wisdom and enlightenment from the vast cosmos, emphasizing the eternal quest for understanding and meaning in the vast expanse of the universe.
Line by Line Meaning
Echoes from the evening of a dawn
Sounds reminiscent of the beginning of a new day, but tinged with darkness and melancholy
Echoes from the mountains there is no sound
The silence of the mountains echoes emptiness and solitude
Who from olympus watch our destinies
Who among the gods on Mount Olympus observes and controls our fates
Whence that completed forms of all completness
From where do the perfect and whole forms originate
Before the crystal heavens darken,
Prior to the sky darkening with the onset of night
I watch and dote upon the silver lakes
I gaze affectionately at the shimmering lakes
Pictured in western cloudiness, that takes
Imagined within the clouds of the western sky
The semblance of gold rocks and bright gold sands,
Appearing as if made of gleaming gold rocks and sands
Islands, and creeks, and amber-fretted strands
With islands, waterways, and shorelines adorned with amber
With horses prancing o'er them, palaces
With horses dancing over these landscapes, resembling grand palaces
At last into a dark and vapoury tent—
Finally entering a dim and misty enclosure
Whereat, methought, the lidless-eyed train
At which point, I imagined the ever-watchful group of planets
Of planets all were in the blue again.
All the planets were once again visible in the blue sky
To commune with those orbs, once more I rais'd
To communicate with those celestial bodies, I lifted my gaze again
Contributed by Vivian N. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@jeanmaurice451
One of the best bands from France since Corpus Delicti. GREAT band and album!
@alfredvictory2853
Good song!!
@charliehamburgular
Great sound.
@JorgeSolanoVargas
Beautiful song. Beautiful video.
@alinetruytz3177
Amazing band, amazing song!
@norde610
Une des meilleures choses que j'ai pu entendre cette année
@Jayeraa
Quel magnifique clip !
@6363krisindo
MAGNIFIQUE.....
@timmymaquaire7031
Une tuerie ce clip !
@richardlion4448
Awesome track