Sui… Read Full Bio ↴SuidAkrA is a melodic death/black/folk metal band from Germany.
SuidAkrA's very beginnings lie back in the small and otherwise extraneous town Monheim in the year of 1994 when vocalist / guitarist Arkadius Antonik and drummer Stefan Möller founded the band. In those years they called themselves ‘Gloryfication’. After two demos and the addition of Marcel Schoenen to the band, their name was subsequently changed. Their musical basis and background was a stylistic mixture of black metal and traditional heavy metal, enriched by some folk elements. The self-produced record ‘Lupine Essence’ was the first considerable result published in 1997 before the band was signed by the record label Last Episode. 2000 copies of ‘Lupine Essence” were sold and SuidAkrA had become well known in the underground.
Auld Lang Syne 1998
After gathering enough material for a second album, ‘Auld Lang Syne’ was recorded in 1998. This album was a lyrical concept aroused from the ideas of Celtic mythology. SuidAkrA played their first gig at the Wacken Open Air Festival 1998 and supported Haggard & Tristania on tour both in and outside Germany.
Lays From Afar 1999
SuidAkrA was not wholly satisfied with the sound of ‘Auld Lang Syne’, so Stage One Studio and producer Andy Classen were chosen for the recording sessions of the new album. ‘Lays From Afar’ tells a coherent story based on mythological facts and pure fantasy. The album was an enormous leap forwards in the band's musical development, which is evident in the ease with which they merge a broad variety of styles.
The Arcanum 2000
The band chose once again the Stage One Studio for their next album ‘The Arcanum’. Again, the main themes were Celtic mythology and the individual power of imagination. SuidAkrA's creative hand proved to have enough power to bring together fans from all various sub-genres, be it gothic, power metal, black metal, etc. For the first time in the band’s history, they recorded a cover song; a killer rendition of the Skyclad classic, ‘The One Piece Puzzle’. After the release of ‘The Arcanum’, Marcel announced his departure from the band, reducing his activities to a mere consultant role in writing the lyrics and taking part in the songwriting.
SuidAkrA 2001
In the midst of 2001, Möller left the band and the remaining members now attempted to find a competent new drummer. It took Arkadius but one day after their official departure to find Lars Wehner. Lars showed to be a great addition to SuidAkrA, and because of his superb technical abilities, some of the musical gaps the band faced in the past could now be successfully bridged.
Emprise To Avalon / SuidAkrA 2002
In 2001, SuidAkrA signed with Century Media Records, who would provide their full commitment to the new album. By the end of November, the new songs had grown in complexity to underpin the band's high expectations. In December 2001, the band locked itself up for a third time at Stage One Studio to work on their fifth album titled ‘Emprise To Avalon’. SuidAkrA’s second concept album was dealing lyrically with the legend of King Arthur. Immediately after the recordings, bassist Marcus Riewaldt joined to enhance the band further. In summer 2002 SuidAkrA successfully played the two famous German festivals, SummerBreeze and Wacken, each for the second time.
Signs For The Fallen 2003
For the first time in the band's history, all members had a hand in writing the new material, in order to collectively work on each song much more intensively than past efforts. In April 2003, the band went back to Stage One Studio for the fourth time, to record ‘Signs For The Fallen’. Before the July 28, 2003 release date, audiences in Europe had a chance to preview some of the new tracks, when SuidAkrA performed live in support of Soilwork and Children Of Bodom in May. After ‘Signs For The Fallen’ was released, the band was finally sent out to wreak havoc on the ‘Darkness In Disguise’ Tour through Germany, Austria and Hungary. Once again, SuidAkrA was able to prove their qualities as a great live band with each subsequent performance.
Command To Charge / SuidAkrA 2005
In 2004, the band continued to work hard with numerous single gigs and summer festival appearances, both in Germany and internationally. After half of the material for the new album was written, SuidAkrA split with Century Media Records due to differing views about the future of the band, and decided to complete the album and record it at their own expense and risk. Change was also to occur when it came to choosing the right studio to record the album; after four successful collaborations with Andy Classen at the Stage One Studio, there had to be a change of scenery. SuidAkrA found the right combination of pressure and power for the new record at the Gernhart Records studio, with producer Martin Buchwalter. Additionally, Matthias Kupka joined the band, taking on clean vocal and second guitar duties. Finally, in November, 2004 SuidAkrA’s new album ‘Command To Charge” was recorded and a new label found in Armageddon Music. After the release in May 2005, SuidAkrA took part on the ‘Wacken Road Show’ German Tour, and made numerous appearances at international festivals like Atarfe Vega Rock Festival (ES), Summer Breeze (D), Metal Camp (SL), Metal Mania (PL), Bloodstock (UK) etc. In addition, the band promoted the new album live in its entireity in France, Belgium, Austria and Czech Repubic.
Caledonia / SuidAkrA 2006
The Caledonia era began in September 2005, when long time former band member Marcel Schoenen rejoined the band after a number of years. Marcel, being mainly responsible for the lyrics and clean vocals, brought back much of the folk influence heard on the previous albums that are an integral part of the SuidAkrA sound.
Starting fresh in 2006 with the 'Emprise To Avalon' (2002) and 'Signs for the Fallen' (2003) line-up, SuidAkrA are ready to stake their claim once again in the world of metal with their 8th upcoming studio album, 'Caledonia'. While 'Command To Charge' was a new adventure for SuidAkrA, 'Caledonia' once again returns to the roots of an inspired, well-balanced mixture of raw death metal, plenty of harmonies, a mesmerizing pagan / folk atmosphere and bombastic catchy heavy metal. SuidAkrA's ability to blend these various sounds into a hard, fast-paced yet intricate song structure is what really sets them apart from the rest. Their variations prove that melody and brutality can be worked together to provide a unique experience for the listener.
Imagine 'Caledonia' as a sonic guide through the fierce ancient Scottish highlands. A purely enchanted tragedy is quite effective when combined with an aggressive soundtrack, intermezzo acoustic pieces, highly varied vocals and literate, narrative anthems. Also returning is the haunting sound of bagpipes, a traditional instrument used by Scots for many generations. The idea behind the lyrical concept of 'Caledonia' is to fathom the mystical side of the tribe of the Picts (the natives of ancient Scotland), their war against the attacking Roman Empire and the co-existence of two completely different worlds. The story's main focus is the spiritual and cultural aspects when these two worlds collide.
Well-known Belgian artist Kris Verwimp (Arch Enemy, Immortal, Thyrfing, etc.) once again managed to suitably capture the essence of the storyline with an amazing artwork design.
Crógacht 2009
While so-called "pagan metal" bands seem to be popping up around every corner lately, trying to conform to current trends instead of coming up with ideas of their own, SUIDAKRA have stayed true to the sound that they have become known for. Reaching new heights in their fourteen year history, the German celtic metallers return full steam ahead with their 9th studio album, "Crógacht". Combining fast melodic death metal, Irish folk music, and a torrent of harmonies, they prove yet again the ability blend several different influences into their unique sound. To put a spin on things, new elements are introduced, like traditional instruments (bagpipes, banjo, tin whistles), a sixteen member choir and epic orchestral arrangements.
Recorded at Gernhart Studios with producer Martin Buchwalter, "Crógacht" delivers the most powerful candy for the ears. But the eyes and mind will also be pleased, as famous Belgian graphic artist Kris Verwimp is responsible not only for the magnificent artwork in the digipack and 16-page booklet, but also for the lyrics of this fascinating concept album. "Crógacht", meaning bravery, is based in its entirety on one of the most dramatic tales in Irish mythology. It tells the story of the hero Cuchulainn’s epic journey to the Isle of Skye, where he seeks to learn the arts of war from the Scythian warrior woman Scáthach. The decisions he then has to make set the events in motion that will lead up to his son Conlaoch’s tragic fate...
With overwhelming reactions to their 2006 release, "Caledonia", and their May 2008 DVD / Best of CD, "13 Years Of Celtic Wartunes", SUIDAKRA have performed at over 200 live shows (including the world famous Wacken Open Air five times), and successfully completed several tours in Europe, Russia and a first-ever American tour. SUIDAKRA will take part in the four week Pagan Knights North American tour starting in February 2009 before rocking stages all over Europe and beyond.
Be prepared!
Current line-up
Arkadius Antonik - Guitars/Harsh vocals
Marcus Riewaldt - Bass
Lars Wehner - Drums
Discography
Dawn (1995)
Lupine Essence (1997)
Auld Lang Syne (1998)
Lays From Afar (1999)
The Arcanum (2000)
Emprise To Avalon (2002)
Signs For The Fallen (2003)
Command To Charge (2005)
Caledonia (2006)
13 Years of Celtic Wartunes (2008)
Crógacht (2009)
Quest
Suidakra Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
[Arthur:]
Still the giants dance
At salisbury plain
Still my spirit wanders
To reach this higher aim
We call the gods
For a quest of truth and wisdom
As long as you see the giants dance
My spirit wanders through the land
[Gwalchmei:]
Led by the strength of bran
And the timeless kings of Avalon
The four winds of the land
I will strive for the caldron
[Bedwyr:]
Led by the swiftness of winds
I will wander through the farest glens
My sentence is my deed
Is there a view of sense unknown?
[Arthur:]
Craving for some armament to outlast
This cold royal path
I can hear them call
The king must fall
Strayed by the four winds
Over the land and far away
Through the dark and cold
Hear my song of grief
But there's a tune that gone astray
While the world grow old
[Menw:]
Each tone that ever met the wind
Finally reaches Math and so me
Sight and breathless I am
Believe and trust is a value for the weak
The lyrics to SuidAkrA's song 'The Quest' seems to center around Arthur and his knights embarking on a journey or quest to seek truth and wisdom. The opening lines, "Still the giants dance at Salisbury plain. Still, my spirit wanders to reach this higher aim" paint a picture of the knights standing in awe of the giants dancing at Salisbury Plains, inspiring them to seek higher knowledge. The knights in this song are Gwalchmei, Bedwyr, and Menw, who are all on a journey to find something. Gwalchmei is led by the strength of Bran and the kings of Avalon, while Bedwyr is led by the swiftness of winds.
The theme of the quest appears again in the lines, "For a quest of truth and wisdom" and "I will strive for the cauldron". This journey is not easy, as portrayed by the lines "Through the dark and cold. Hear my song of grief" and "Craving for some armament to outlast this cold royal path". It seems like the end goal is to bring down the king, indicated by "I can hear them call. The king must fall". However, the line "But there's a tune that has gone astray, while the world grows old" portrays a sense of loss amidst the journey.
Overall, the song appears to be a journey of bravery, questioning, seeking, and eventual loss of something important.
Line by Line Meaning
Still the giants dance
The past haunts us, making it difficult to move forward
At salisbury plain
The specific setting doesn't matter - the effect is universal
Still my spirit wanders
Our spirits are restless, always searching for more meaning and purpose
To reach this higher aim
We strive for something greater, something beyond ourselves
Straight to foreign shores of distance
Our quest takes us to unknown lands and unfamiliar territory
We call the gods
We seek guidance and help from a higher power
For a quest of truth and wisdom
Our journey is one towards knowledge and understanding
As long as you see the giants dance
We are forever tied to our past, and it will continue to influence us
My spirit wanders through the land
We are wanderers, searching for meaning and purpose
Led by the strength of bran
We are guided by powerful and ancient forces beyond ourselves
And the timeless kings of Avalon
We look to leaders and legends of the past for inspiration
The four winds of the land
We are driven forward by natural forces and elements
I will strive for the caldron
Our journey has a specific goal or destination in mind
Led by the swiftness of winds
Our journey is fueled by speed and a desire to move forward
I will wander through the farest glens
We are explorers, seeking out the furthest reaches of the world
My sentence is my deed
Our actions speak louder than words, and we are defined by what we do
Is there a view of sense unknown?
We are willing to take risks and explore the unknown
Craving for some armament to outlast
We need something to protect us on this challenging journey
This cold royal path
Our journey is difficult and requires a lot of sacrifice
I can hear them call
We are trying to ignore the negative voices and stay focused on our goals
The king must fall
We are willing to challenge authority and break down outdated systems
Strayed by the four winds
Our journey takes us to unexpected places and events
Over the land and far away
Our journey takes us to far-off lands and new adventures
Through the dark and cold
Our journey is difficult and requires strength and perseverance
Hear my song of grief
We are experiencing pain and sorrow on this journey
But there's a tune that gone astray
We have lost our way and need to find our path again
While the world grow old
The world continues to change and evolve around us
Each tone that ever met the wind
Everything we do has an impact, even if we cannot see it
Finally reaches Math and so me
Our actions and choices have consequences that affect us all
Sight and breathless I am
Our journey takes our breath away and leaves us in awe
Believe and trust is a value for the weak
Some people view trust and faith as a weakness, but we know they are essential on this journey
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind