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

Voices
Theatre of Tragedy Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Two views of the locations merging into three or more
An endless flow of words and miles and miles of stars

Re-focus on distant stars
Brings less voices to entertain us
We will always be here
Keep cheap platitudes again

Disagree with my own self
No such thing as 'Who am I?'
Growing weary

Subdue these sounds forever
Someone visited my mind in wonder
Somewhere behind walls and halls another sight surrounds me
Voices say: "If you could set me free?"

Ignorant of the sublime
Someone said that the world is really strange
As revolving doors kept spinning
Up and down

In the world that I knew
I'll always be there
Read to me a story now
Can you sing your lullaby?
Growing weary

I'll be yours now

How can I be sure if I am me and you are you
It's hard to say: "Go away"

Overall Meaning

The song "Voices" by Theatre of Tragedy is a deep exploration of the human psyche and the complexities of one's identity. The singer seems to be grappling with conflicting views of reality and selfhood. The lyrics start by describing a merging of two views into three or more, which could be interpreted as a reference to the fragmentation of identity that some people experience. The phrase "an endless flow of words" could also suggest a struggle to find meaning or understanding in the chaos of the world. The line "refocus on distant stars" hints at a desire to escape from this confusion and find clarity, but it is unclear whether this is really possible.

As the song continues, the singer becomes increasingly introspective. They seem to question their own identity, saying "disagree with my own self" and asserting that there is "no such thing as 'Who am I?'" The repetition of the phrase "growing weary" suggests a sense of fatigue or exhaustion. The line "subdue these sounds forever" could be interpreted as a desire to silence the constant chatter of the mind, but again it is unclear whether this is actually possible.

In the second half of the song, the lyrics become more abstract. The singer mentions someone visiting their mind "in wonder" and refers to "voices" pleading to be set free. These lines could be interpreted as a metaphor for the singer's own subconscious desires or for external pressures that they feel trapped by. The final lines of the song express a sentiment of uncertainty and confusion, with the singer asking how they can be sure of their own identity.

Line by Line Meaning

Two views of the locations merging into three or more
Two perspectives coming together to form three or more viewpoints

An endless flow of words and miles and miles of stars
A never-ending stream of words and vast distance between stars

Re-focus on distant stars
Redirect focus to faraway stars

Brings less voices to entertain us
Less distractions to keep us entertained

We will always be here
We will persist despite challenges

Keep cheap platitudes again
Avoid meaningless statements

Disagree with my own self
Internal conflict or contradiction

No such thing as 'Who am I?'
Existential question without a clear answer

Growing weary
Tired of the situation or surroundings

Subdue these sounds forever
Silence the noises permanently

Someone visited my mind in wonder
A mysterious presence in one's thoughts