After some demo releases between 2000 and 2002 the band signed a record deal with Finnish Lion Music for worldwide release of their debut album. Soon after, the band signed a contract with Marquee/Avalon Records for Japan.
The debut album, mixed by progressive rock mastermind Arjen Lucassen (Ayreon/Star One/Stream Of Passion), was recorded in early 2003 and released on October 22 of that year.
From late 2001 on, Sun Caged started building up an impressive status within their genre by playing lots of shows, including several remarkably sizeable ones. Interest from bookers and fans of progressive metal grew considerably. This also led to several interviews in prominent magazines and to some shows as a supporting act for bands like Vanden Plas and Queensryche.
Those who try to describe Sun Caged's music will find this a considerable task. Influences range from progressive metal to fusion and jazz, and atmospheric and ambient jaunts. The band's progressive blend is going to excite lots of listeners because of its diversity and excitement.
Sun Caged has also drawn comparison to such artists as Ayreon, Meshuggah, Iron Maiden, Kansas, Styx, Faith No More, Liquid Tension Experiment, Dream Theater, Pain Of Salvation, and Cynic.
The band released their second album, “Artemisia,” in March 2007.
Sun Caged had some lineup changes in the past; see below for past and present members:
Previous Band Members:
Dennis Leeflang - Drums (1998 - 2003), Discography: Scar Winter Demo (1999), Killer Banshee and CIAW session (2000), Dominion Demo (2001), Promo Demo (2002), Sun Caged (2003, Lion Music), Tribute To Jimi Hendrix (2003, Lion Music)
Rob Van Der Loo - Bass (1998 - 2006), Discography: Scar Winter Demo (1999), Killer Banshee and CIAW session (2000), Dominion Demo (2001), Promo Demo (2002), Sun Caged (2003, Lion Music), Tribute To Jimi Hendrix (2003, Lion Music), Demo for Second Album (2005)
Sascha Burchardt - Vocals (2001 - 2002), Discography: Dominion Demo (2001)
Joost Van Den Broek - Keyboards (2000 - 2004), Discography: Killer Banshee and CIAW session (2000), Dominion Demo (2001), Promo 2002 Demo, Sun Caged (2003, Lion Music), Tribute To Jimi Hendrix (2003, Lion Music)
Andre Vuurboom - Vocals (2002 - 2004), Discography: Promo Demo (2002), Sun Caged (2003, Lion Music), Tribute To Jimi Hendrix (2003, Lion Music)
On a Project Basis:
Laura Van Driel - Vocals (1999 - 2000), Discography: Scar Winter Demo (1999), Killer Banshee and CIAW session (2000)
Nick Hameury - Vocals (1999), Discography: Scar Winter Demo (1999)
Gregoor Van Der Loo - Vocals (1999), Discography: Scar Winter Demo (1999)
Thijs Cuppen - Keyboards (1999), Discography: Scar Winter Demo (1999)
Full circle
Sun Caged Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
The human part of nature
To eliminate any chance for the unknown
What is a certain future but a life already dead and gone
A bird that's flown
Coming full circle on this ride
A diabolic humor self-fulfilling surreality
A space I'm standing under
Now in my hand I hold a Klein Bottle
Surrounding eternity...so far from empty in here
Coming full circle on this ride
How many times around you decide
Emanated
Regulated
Consummated fear you wed
Let something yet be left behind
Of this baggage you cannot hide
The song Full Circle (The Wheel) by Sun Caged delves into the relationship between humans and nature while also exploring the themes of free will and the concept of eternity. The lyrics suggest that humans try to control everything around them and eliminate any uncertainty, but this has led to a dull and lifeless existence. The line "What is a certain future but a life already dead and gone" implies that by trying to have a predetermined future, we are limiting our potential for growth and experiences.
The chorus "Coming full circle on this ride, how many times around you decide" is a reference to the cyclical nature of life and how we have the option to break free from the pattern and decide our own path. The lyrics suggest that instead of being afraid of the unknown, we should embrace it and find ways to expand our horizons.
The song also incorporates the themes of surrealism and eternity, with the line "A diabolic humor self-fulfilling surreality" suggesting that life can be like a twisted joke that we are living out. The mention of the Klein Bottle, a theoretical mathematical object, further emphasizes the idea of the infinite and the unknown. The final lines "Let something yet be left behind, of this baggage you cannot hide" suggest that we should leave behind our fears and insecurities and not carry them with us throughout life.
Line by Line Meaning
The human part of nature
The innate human qualities that are reflected in Mother Nature.
To eliminate any chance for the unknown
To eradicate every possibility of encountering unpredictable situations.
What is a certain future but a life already dead and gone
Having a predetermined future is analogous to one that has already ended and expired.
A bird that's flown
To have missed out on an opportunity; too late to take action now.
Coming full circle on this ride
Returning to the same place or state, repeating a cycle.
How many times around you decide
It is up to oneself to choose how many times to repeat the same cycle.
A diabolic humor self-fulfilling surreality
A twisted sense of humor that only serves to perpetuate a delusional state of reality.
A space I'm standing under
The physical location one is present at the moment.
Now in my hand I hold a Klein Bottle
Possessing a shape that is a reflection of its own dimension, a metaphor for the cyclical nature of existence.
Surrounding eternity...so far from empty in here
The aura around every living being that extends beyond physical boundaries is never devoid of any vitality or purpose.
Emanated
Originating from a source or point of creation.
Regulated
Being in order and controlled, limiting any erratic behavior.
Consummated fear you wed
Being married to the fear that has devoured oneself completely.
Let something yet be left behind
Don't let go of everything completely; retain a small part of it for future reference.
Of this baggage you cannot hide
Carrying a burden won't go away on its own; it needs to be dealt with accordingly.
Contributed by Connor S. Suggest a correction in the comments below.