Subterranean Masquerade's music first came into the world back in 2000 with a cover version of Peter Murphy's classic "Cut's you up". The cover, released as part of an 80's metal cover compilation album, was recorded with guest appearances by Tomas Lindberg of At the Gates, Kobi Farhi of Orphaned Land and produced by Dori Bar Or from Eternal Gray.
The first official band release came in the form of a semi-acoustic two track EP (17 minutes long) entitled "Temporary Psychotic State", this recording featured Paul Khur of Novembers doom as the lead vocalist as well as JWW of Agalloch on bass guitar and Andy Winter from the band WINDS on some of the keys and synths. Released later that year by THE END RECORDS, the EP was received with highly positive reviews from media and fans alike.
In the midst of working on a full length album, the band entered the studio to record a DEAD CAN DANCE cover track. Combining lyrics from several other Dead Can Dance tracks as well as lengthy instrumental passages, the band's rendition of "Summoning of the Muse" was featured on a tribute album released by Black Lotus records.
"Suspended Animation Dreams" was released in 2005, "This was the most exhausting album I ever recorded… it brought oblivion to my personal life and took me to places I never wished to see.", recalls mastermind Tomer Pink. The album was mixed by Neil Kernon and have gained recognition as one of the most elaborated and accomplished metal albums ever recorded. Immediately upon completion of the album, Tomer packed his life in the US and decided to go on a journey and travel the world, study the art of sound engineering and wait for the right time to come back.
8 years after releasing S.A.D., Subterranean Masquerade entered the studio to record a new two-track EP with a new lineup including Matan Shmuely on drums, guitarist Or Shalev and bassist Mike Feldman of Novembers doom. They expended its sound with world-music-oriented instruments and beats, adding folk music harmonies and at the same time strengthening extreme metal guitar riffage and drum blasting.
"Home" EP included a new track and a cover version of THE MISSION's "Beyond the Pale" and released on Tomer's new record label TAKLIT MUSIC as a limited edition 7" vinyl only, making it a well-worth return to the front just before starting to record the new album.
6 months in the making, Subterranean Masquerade are finally ready with "THE GREAT BAAZAR", a new full length of everything you learned to expect from the band and a step further into the world of rich instrumentations and styles, a concept story about a man leaving home to find what's important in life and a dialog between so called "Good" and "Evil". the album featuring Kjetil Nordhus (Green Carnation, Tristania) as the band's new singer. "This is a great honor for us and a massive step forward for the band, I've been a fan of Kjetil work since the early Green Carnation albums, this is a dream come true! The album also featuring Orphaned Land's singer Kobi Farhi on vocals as a guest appearance.
"This is the first time I feel like we are a real band and not just a studio project" says Tomer. Adding keyboardist Shai Yallin and bassist Golan Farhi as band members Subterranean Masquerade are ready to take the carnival from your stereo to the road. Get ready for THE GREAT BAAZAR
Wolf Among Sheep
Subterranean Masquerade Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And smile when they look direct at you
Be there, a friend
A shoulder to cry on, the dry soul of the west
At night, be quiet
In the park tear yourself apart
Let yourself loose, before the morning comes
Free your mind before the chains leave their mark
For more....
Be nice, behave
Take one for the team,
At lunch, be bright
Talk about philosophy and what comes next;
The man or the monkey in space
So it's not surprising
That they almost drowned when it starts to rain
As if the shield is melting,
And all they know is fading
By the light of the moon don't we all look pale?
Inhaling - taking deep again!
The song "Wolf Among Sheep" by Subterranean Masquerade is a commentary on societal pressure and conformity, urging people to break free from the expectations placed on them. The lyrics demand that the listener "be nice, behave" and put on a happy face, even when they are feeling broken inside. They speak to the expectation that individuals must pretend to be friendly and empathetic, despite the fact that their own well-being may be suffering. The line "the dry soul of the west" can also be interpreted as a reference to the Western world's collective sense of numbness, a result of the endless pursuit of luxury, comfort, and material possessions.
The lyrics then take a turn, encouraging the listener to let loose and be themselves at night. The song uses a metaphor of tearing oneself apart in the park, where society's expectations can't reach. This can mean letting go of the facade put up during the day and embracing one's true identity. The lyric "face the sky, see the big cheese smile" can be seen as a reference to the moon, which serves as a reminder that everyone's true selves are illuminated by the same light. The song also suggests that one should free their mind before society leaves its mark, encouraging listeners to embrace their individuality and reject conformity.
Line by Line Meaning
Be nice, behave
Act in a pleasant and appropriate manner
And smile when they look direct at you
Show a friendly expression when making eye contact
Be there, a friend
Provide emotional support as a companion
A shoulder to cry on, the dry soul of the west
Offer help and comfort to someone in need
At night, be quiet
Avoid making noise during the evening
In the park tear yourself apart
Experience intense emotion and conflict in a public space
Face the sky, see the big cheese smile?
Look upward and question the nature of authority
Let yourself loose, before the morning comes
Release inhibitions and enjoy the present moment
Free your mind before the chains leave their mark
Liberate your thoughts before restriction becomes permanent
For more....
Continue following these instructions
Take one for the team,
Sacrifice personal desires for the benefit of the group
At lunch, be bright
Be lively and energetic during the midday meal
Talk about philosophy and what comes next;
Discuss existential topics and possibilities
The man or the monkey in space
Consider whether humanity or primate ancestors will prevail in space travel
So it's not surprising
This outcome is expected
That they almost drowned when it starts to rain
They struggle to cope when faced with adversity
As if the shield is melting,
Their protection is dissolving
And all they know is fading
Their understanding and familiarity is disappearing
By the light of the moon don't we all look pale?
In the absence of direct sunlight, our pallor is prominent
Inhaling - taking deep again!
Breathe deeply and begin again
Contributed by Charlotte B. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Viera Hugo
We really need another Subterranean Masquerade album :(
nope nope
Release a vinyl of this pleaseeeee!!!! Holy shit it takes me back getting into progressive metal!
Viera Hugo
Finally :D Can't wait to buy it!
FieryLittleRaven
I'm addicted ! Look what you've done lol ^^
Subterranean Masquerade
:-) I spent the all day mixing the new Submasq EP. check out our facebook page for up-dates.. facebook/submasq
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cool
גור אריה
Who is the lead vocal?
Marcin Rostkowski
Paul Kuhr from Novembers Doom
Erik Nardini
:)
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(y)