Theatre of Tragedy was a gothic metal band, originally assembled in 1993 in… Read Full Bio ↴Theatre of Tragedy was a gothic metal band, originally assembled in 1993 in Stavanger, Norway by Hein Frode Hansen, Raymond István Rohonyi and Lorentz Aspen, together with Tommy Lindal, Pål Bjastad, and Liv Kristine.

Their earlier albums have provided a great deal of influence to the gothic metal genre. The band was one of the first ones who made use of contrasting vocals - male bass vocals and death growls and female soprano singing.

On their first three albums (Theatre of Tragedy, Velvet Darkness They Fear, Aégis) Theatre of Tragedy presented lyrics written predominantly in Early Modern English, a precedent to modern English used in and around Shakespearean times.

Starting from the album Musique, however, the band made drastic changes to their style, which became significantly inspired by electro-rock and electro-pop, abandoning Early Modern English lyrics writing, heavier guitar riffing and death growls in the process. This style change was consequently continued on the following album, Assembly.

After a long break and after changing the female vocalist due to musical differences, and furthermore their management and the record label, Theatre of Tragedy released their new album Storm, the first one with their new singer, Nell Sigland (from The Crest).
On this album, the electronic influences are reduced again in favour of simplicity and naturalism. According to Hein Frode Hansen, Storm is to be seen as the missing link between Aégis and Musique.

The new album Forever is the World, reverts back to the gothic metal roots, but keeps the atmospheric metal styling of Storm. The band said the album was very much written by Nell as well as other band members, moreover it was partially written before Storm was. It is seen to be more organic than their last 3 albums and has been both praised and criticised by fans, though most publications seem to praise it from being different to the symphonic metal that is very much popularised in today's music industry.

The band split on October 2nd, 2010, exactly 17 years after forming. The final curtain show was played in Stavanger, Norway and was recorded live for a later DVD release.

Final lineup:
* Raymond István Rohonyi - Vocals & Programming
* Nell Sigland - Vocals - (The Crest)
* Frank Claussen - Guitars
* Vegard K. Thorsen - Guitars
* Lorentz Aspen - Keyboards
* Hein Frode Hansen - Drums - (ex-Phobia)

Former members:
* Liv Kristine Espenæs Krull - Vocals - (Leaves' Eyes, Liv Kristine, Atrocity (guest), Cradle of Filth (guest))
* Tommy Lindal - Guitars
* Tommy Olsson - Guitars
* Pål Bjåstad - Guitars
* Geir Flikkeid - Guitars
* Eirik T. Saltrø - Bass

Albums:
1995 - Theatre of Tragedy
1996 - Velvet Darkness They Fear
1998 - Aégis
2000 - Musique
2001 - Closure: Live
2002 - Assembly
2003 - Two Originals (Compilation)
2006 - Storm
2009 - Forever is the World

Singles and EPs:
1994 - Theatre of Tragedy Demo (Demo)
1996 - Der Tanz Der Schatten (Single)
1997 - A Rose for the Dead (EP)
1998 - Cassandra (Single)
2000 - Image (Single)
2001 - Machine (Single)
2001 - Inperspective (EP)
2002 - Let You Down (Single)
2002 - Envision (Single)
2006 - Storm (Single)
2010 - Addenda (EP)

Official site: www.theatreoftragedy.com

Fade
Theatre of Tragedy Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Silky tidal waves
In the midst of summer
Trap door of our house
Sliding up and down
Days of childhood gleam
Do you still remember?
Nowhere have I seen
Shadows disappear

Ever since then

And I fade like the dew before the sun
Silence of our ceased memories
In our dreams, everything is just the same
Withering motions

Starkly impending days
A retrospect of golden sounds
The scent of falling rain
Recurring memories abound
The time that is to come seems like yesterday
Someone was there to see

End of the road
We all wait for this day
Everything has changed
I never wanted to stay

But now, everything was in vain
Withering motions

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Theatre of Tragedy's song "Fade" use vivid and poetic language to describe a sense of loss and nostalgia. The song begins with a description of "silky tidal waves" and a "trap door" that slides up and down, evoking a sense of movement and change. The singer reflects on the "days of childhood gleam" and wonders if the listener "still remembers" those moments. There is also a sense of mystery and wonder, as the singer describes how "nowhere have I seen shadows disappear" and how they "fade like the dew before the sun."

In the second half of the song, the lyrics take on a more melancholy tone, as the singer reflects on the passage of time and the way that memories can feel hazy and distant. They describe "starkly impending days" and the "scent of falling rain," which seem to trigger the recollection of past experiences. The singer acknowledges that "everything has changed" and that they "never wanted to stay," yet there is also a sense of sadness and regret as they sing about how "now, everything was in vain."

Overall, the lyrics of "Fade" express a complex mix of emotions, including nostalgia, longing, and regret. The poetic language and vivid imagery contribute to a sense of dreamlike intensity, creating a mood that is both haunting and beautiful.

Line by Line Meaning

Silky tidal waves
Soft and gentle waves of water

In the midst of summer
During the summer season

Trap door of our house
A door in the floor of our residence

Sliding up and down
Opening and closing with ease

Days of childhood gleam
Fond memories of youth

Do you still remember?
Do you recall those times?

Nowhere have I seen
I have not witnessed anything like it

Shadows disappear
Darkness fades away

Ever since then
From that time onwards

And I fade like the dew before the sun
I feel myself fading away like morning dew in the sun

Silence of our ceased memories
Quietness of memories that have ended