The infamous British poet/occultist Aleister Crowley once stated “Do what thou wilt shalt be the whole of the law.” And, perhaps, to honour this motto and to indicate his interest in the occult Fredrik named the band after one of the books written by the Great Beast 666.
The first recording, the demo tape “Songs from the Hill of the Heartless Giant”, was released 1992. After two more demos, “Watch the Shadows Dance” (1993) and “This Sombre Dreamland” (1994), the band was signed for their first full length album. "Images of forgotten memories" was released in 1996 and it was followed in 1997 by "Fruits and Flowers of The Spectral Garden."
At this time the band felt that they could no longer work under the conditions stated by their record company. So when it was time to begin the recording of their third CD they broke up with the old label and soon found another one. “Where Angels dare not tread” was recorded in 1999 and was supposed to be released the same year. But unfortunate circumstances and events lead to that the album wasn’t released until 2002.
The music was early described in reviews as “gothic” and “dark metal” but this has never been paths deliberately chosen by the band. In some interviews Fredrik has said “As soon as you choose a category for your music you immediately set up the limits restraining your creativity. And, personally, I am not interested in restrictions and limitations. I am interested in creation…” But nevertheless the music has evolved into what may be described as a dark brand of metal with strong Gothic undertones which invokes a gloomy atmosphere and visions of ruin and demise.
Since 1990 the Equinox ov the Gods have gone through a lot of changes in its line up. The band has existed and even played gigs with a rather minimalistic line up consisting of only two people. Nowadays, apart from the founding member Fredrik Wallin (Vocals), the line up is Arttu Malkki (drums), Morgan Svedlund (guitar) and Jocke Wassberg (guitar).
The band has played a number of live performces. Among the most memorable gigs were Wave Gotik Treffen in Leipzig, Germany (2003) and the Devils Night in Östersund, Sweden 2003. A live performance by the Equinox ov the Gods is often a something more than just an ordinary concert. The band strive to give their audience an experience that includes visual aids such as pyrotechnics, props, scenery and stage make up. In an interview Fredrik once described a live performance with the cryptic words “…to play live is in many ways like a shamanic ritual of evocation... to bring forth the beast from within and release it from the chains which holds it through the everyday life…”
Thanatos
The Equinox Ov The Gods Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I am waiting for you
Come whenever it pleases you
By my bed, a lock of my hair
I have said farewell
I won't despair
I've heard your steps
What keeps you waiting?
I was so sure
Now it is time for me to go beyond
Come now, with your torch
Turn it upside down
Dark and gloomy
He comes to us
Unexpected
Thanatos
He takes us to
The underworld
We're his sheep
He is the herd
Peace and silence
He brings to us
At the end of the life
Thanatos
He turns his torch
Upside down
And spreads his wings...
Thanatos
The Equinox Ov The Gods's song "Thanatos" is a haunting tribute to the ancient Greek deity of death, whose name literally means "death" in Greek. The song begins with a sense of anticipation, as the singer waits for Thanatos to appear at their bedside. They have prepared themselves for their departure into the underworld and are ready to follow Thanatos into the afterlife. The lyrics depict Thanatos as a dark and mysterious figure, who comes unexpectedly and takes us to the underworld like sheep in a herd. The image of Thanatos turning his torch upside down and spreading his wings adds to the ominous atmosphere of the song.
The chorus of "Thanatos" paints a picture of peace and silence that Thanatos brings at the end of life. Despite the grim subject matter, the song has an almost calming effect and reminds us of the inevitability of death. However, it also raises the question of what lies beyond the veil of death, an answer that remains elusive and shrouded in mystery.
Line by Line Meaning
I am ready
I am prepared for what is to come
I am waiting for you
I am anticipating your arrival
Come whenever it pleases you
You can come at any time that you wish
By my bed, a lock of my hair
I have left a lock of my hair by my bedside
I have said farewell
I have already said goodbye
I won't despair
I will not become hopeless
I've heard your steps
I can hear you approaching
Outside the door
You are standing just outside the door
What keeps you waiting?
What is causing you to hesitate?
I was so sure
I was certain you would arrive
Now it is time for me to go beyond
It is now time for me to depart from this life
Come now, with your torch
Come now with the symbol of your power
Turn it upside down
Reverse its usual position
Dark and gloomy
Dreary and depressing
He comes to us
Thanatos arrives
Unexpected
Without warning
Thanatos
The personification of death
He takes us to
He leads us to
The underworld
The realm of the dead
We're his sheep
We are his obedient followers
He is the herd
He is the dominant force
Peace and silence
Tranquility and quietness
He brings to us
He provides us with
At the end of the life
When life has reached its conclusion
He turns his torch
He changes the orientation of his symbol of power
Upside down
In an opposite position to its usual state
And spreads his wings...
He extends his wings to transport us to the underworld
Thanatos
The force that takes us from this world into the next
Contributed by Lucas Y. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Nixon Teller
Great album, greatest band! listening from 2008 on repeat.
Stolen Thyme
thanks for uploading - I love this album and can't find it on streaming. Autumn is here!
Occultus Knbrro
Great!!!
2020 someone listening to this album?
sopakè fulpakè
all equinox ov gods album
Occultus Knbrro
@sopakè fulpakè
yes, excellent. The first two are fantastic
jared l'esperance
@Occultus Knbrro Agreed 100% They lost that magical, original sound after this one.
BuzzKirill
Yes, of course. Images of Forgotten Memories is such a dark masterpiece... Fruits & Flowers has some good songs for my taste, as well.
Nixon Teller
2023 is here!
Brendark Shop
i loved!
M. B.
+Brenda Mustaine but now you don't love anymore? :D