Late-'70s/early-'80s prog metallists Triumph endured countless comparisons … Read Full Bio ↴Late-'70s/early-'80s prog metallists Triumph endured countless comparisons to Rush throughout their career, and with good reason; they were both quite similar musically and lyrically, comprised of three members each, and hailed from Canada (although it must be said that Rush were the originator, and were much more commercially successful). Formed in Toronto during 1975, the trio consisted of guitarist/singer Rik Emmett, drummer/singer Gil Moore, and bassist/keyboardist Mike Levine, and issued its self-titled debut a year later via the independent Attic label. Although the album was largely ignored, it became a favorite of a radio DJ in San Antonio, Texas, which led to a regional following solidified by a tour of the state.

The exposure also gave way to a deal with RCA Records, which reissued the debut as well as Triumph's sophomore effort, 1977's Rock & Roll Machine, which spawned the group's first semi-hit single, a cover of Joe Walsh's "Rocky Mountain Way." It was also around this time that the group became known for its concerts, which relied heavily on pyrotechnics and an intricate light show (just in case their following couldn't figure this out themselves, the trio penned a track called "Blinding Light Show").

With their stock rising among hard rock fans, Triumph inked a new recording contract with MCA, which led to their most successful period both artistically and commercially. Such resulting albums as 1979's Just a Game and 1980's Progressions of Power inched the group closer to breakthrough success, which was obtained by a pair of back-to-back gold-certified albums: 1981's Allied Forces (often considered the group's best album, which spawned the hit anthem "Fight the Good Fight") and 1982's Never Surrender. Such further albums as 1984's Thunder Seven, 1985's Stages, 1985's The Sport of Kings, and 1987's Surveillance failed to meet the expectations set by Triumph's earlier releases, yet the group was able to retain its following. Come 1988, Emmett opted to leave the group to pursue a solo career, but instead of calling it a day, Moore and Levine decided to carry on with a new frontman/guitarist, while an 11-track best-of set, Classics, was issued a year after Emmett's exit.

Their first choice, ex-Thin Lizzy/Whitesnake member John Sykes, was too busy getting his project Blue Murder off the ground at the time, so the gig ultimately went to former Frozen Ghost/Aldo Nova associate Phil X (it was also around this time that the group built its own recording studio in Mississauga, Ontario, called Metalworks). The Phil X-led version of the group only managed to issue a single release, however, 1993's Edge of Excess, before Triumph split up for good. In the wake of their breakup, several archival releases popped up in record stores, such as 1995's In the Beginning and 1996's King Biscuit Flower Hour (the latter of which chronicled a 1981 concert), while Rik Emmett continued on with his solo career, issuing albums on a regular basis throughout the '90s.

In 2007, it was announced that Triumph were to be inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame. Subsequently, the original lineup of Emmett, Levine, and Moore reunited for several high-profile live shows leading up to their induction into the Hall of Fame during the 2008 Juno Awards. In 2012, the band released the DVD/CD set Live at Sweden Rock Festival, which documents Triumph's reunion concert from 2008.

There are other artists with the same name:

2. A Scottish Christian rock band who released at least three albums. They were later known as Triumph UK to distinguish themselves from the Canadian band.
Discography:
* 1986 Triumph
* 1987 Don't Look Back
* 1989 Cry Freedom

3. Also a Brazilian Black Metal Band, formed in 1998 in Sao Paulo
They released:
* 1999 Discord is Our Impulse, Anarchy is Our Revolution
* 2000 Dies Irae
* 2000 …Walking To The Triumph…
* 2002 Dominium (The Torment To He)
* 2003 The Beginning of Chaos
* 2004 Triumph…

4) Triumph is a eurobeat group that very occasionally appears on the Super Eurobeat compilations.

5) Triumph is a band, spawned in Vanløse, Denmark by two friends named Hjalmar and Niklas. They started to create their first songs immediately after attending a Slipknot concert in Copenhagen. Their first two songs were made only by natural body sounds (Farts and Burps) recorded on their computer. A few days later, Jonas and Johannes, two associates joined them and the quartet worked on music releases. Apparently, their greatest hits are "God Tur Til Færøerne" (a song dedicated to Niklas), and "En Kæmpe Bunke Lort".

6) Triumph from Reno, Nevada (USA) is a One Man Band, also knows as Evan Richardson (member of Ritual Genocide (USA)), plays War Black Metal. Created in 2020, the first album was released on 30/12/2020
https://rateyourmusic.com/artist/triumph-4
https://triumph2.bandcamp.com/album/edict-of-iron-ascendancy

Writing On The Wall
Triumph Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

I can hear it, I can feel it
And I have no choice, I answer to the call
I can see it and I believe it
There is wisdom in the writing on the wall

Shout it from the rooftops
Sing it to the sky
Stand up all for one and one from all

I feel the tide is turning as I
Watch the days go down
I can read the writing on the wall

All the faceless, all the nameless
Up against the wall: they spell it out for you
Are you searchin', lookin' for an answer?
Can you meet the challenge risin' up at you?

The changing of the old guard, means we
Welcome in the new: but
Every summer surely has its fall
The path of least resistance
Has led me right to you
(And) The writing is on the wall

[Chorus]

Writing on the wall: writing on the wall
Stand up and be counted: all for one and one for all
The writing is on the wall

I am up here walking on a tightrope
But I never pause to think that I could fall

I've got one short dance
On this planet
But I'll carve my message deep into the wall

So shout it from the rooftops sing it to the sky
Stand up all for one and one from all

I feel the tide is turning as I watch the days go down
I can read the writing on the wall

Overall Meaning

In Triumph's song "Writing On The Wall," the lyrics speak of a call to action, an awakening in response to the imminent change that is coming. The writer feels this change deeply and believes it is written on the wall. The lyrics suggest that the message is clear, and it's up to humanity to take up the challenge and stand together against what's coming.

The song starts with the singer jumping into action, answering to a call they feel pressing upon them. They can see and feel the change, and it seems that it's not a choice but a necessity to respond in kind. The lyrics suggest that the new guard is taking over from the old, but every summer has its fall. This idea of change is not just an abstract concept but something that is visible and written on the wall, without any ambiguity.

The chorus encourages people to stand up, be counted, and work as one to face the changes that are coming. In the end, the lyrics speak of the limited time we all have on this planet and the need to make our mark on it. "Writing On The Wall" is a call to action, a rallying cry to stand together, and be vigilant in the face of what's coming.

Line by Line Meaning

I can hear it, I can feel it
I sense something profound and can't ignore it

And I have no choice, I answer to the call
It's urgent and I must heed it

I can see it and I believe it
I have clarity and conviction in what I perceive

There is wisdom in the writing on the wall
There is an insightful message conveyed in what's happening

Shout it from the rooftops
Announce it publicly and emphatically

Sing it to the sky
Express it joyfully and with heightened emotion

Stand up all for one and one from all
Unite and fight together in solidarity

I feel the tide is turning as I
I sense that a significant change is occurring

Watch the days go down
Observe the passage of time and events

I can read the writing on the wall
I can discern the underlying meaning and significance

All the faceless, all the nameless
All the anonymous, powerless people

Up against the wall: they spell it out for you
They are making it abundantly clear to you

Are you searchin', lookin' for an answer?
Are you seeking a solution to a problem?

Can you meet the challenge risin' up at you?
Are you capable of rising up to the challenge?

The changing of the old guard, means we
The transition of power indicates that

Welcome in the new: but
We embrace the new, however

Every summer surely has its fall
Every good thing must come to an end

The path of least resistance
The effortless course that avoids obstacles

Has led me right to you
Has brought me to you easily

The writing is on the wall
The message is clear and evident

Stand up and be counted: all for one and one for all
Be courageous and take a stand together

I am up here walking on a tightrope
I am on a precarious path

But I never pause to think that I could fall
But I have confidence in my abilities and don't dwell on the possibility of failure

I've got one short dance
I have one brief life

On this planet
In this world

But I'll carve my message deep into the wall
But I'll leave a lasting impact and legacy

So shout it from the rooftops sing it to the sky
So express it loudly and unabashedly

I feel the tide is turning as I watch the days go down
I sense a shift happening as time goes by

I can read the writing on the wall
I can understand what's happening and its implications

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: AL ANDERSON, RAUL MALO

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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01Too Much Thinking5:38

02A World Of Fantasy5:07

03A Minor Prelude0:41

04All The Way3:45

05Battle Cry5:00

06Overture (Processional)1:53

07Never Surrender6:39

08When The Lights Go Down5:08

09Writing On The Wall3:39

PT3M39S

Triumph

10Epilogue (Resolution)2:43

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Comments from YouTube:

@theturningpointtrio9217

5y↑9

Triumph fan for life. This song and many others give me strength and hope

@johnsrous1616

3y↑3

Triumph was such a phenomenal band that could paint a perfect picture of how life could be if you just worked at it. Never Surrender is better than any anti-depressant ever could be.

@richardallonzo6734

6y↑13

Anyone who might diss Rik's vocal range and writing skills probably also overlooked the fact that he's actually also performing as one of the world's greatest guitarists while he's singing.

@darrinross6488

4y↑1

He has written some of the most beautiful, complicated guitar work. And I love his voice.

@jeffreycarpenter9817

You might be able to name a better singer and you might be able to name a better guitar player, but you can't name a better singer/guitar player!

@msinthrop

9y↑11

Thank you for the post....The band never gets enough credit for always sending positive vibes in their music..CLASSIC BAND!

@KellyMark

9y↑1

You are most welcome! I love Triumph! That is why i have everything on my channel. If you are at all Interested check it all out :)

@abelecolleen8713

Loved this song since 1982..

@joaobatistareis687

Gostei

@alemanapoy8013

7y↑3

we miss a lot this band

@mokodo20

7y↑2

i really like triumph but why the song is very short?..

@brianshaffneraclc

2y↑1

It has no guitar solo, which is unusual for a Triumph song; virtually all of them do. And, in some ways it isn't hard to imagine a longer, more prog version of this song, ala FtGF or NS. But I think, the shorter, more compact structure makes it stand out among their songs, and insures the music doesn't distract from the powerful message of the lyrics.

@MusseBjorn

9y↑6

aaaahhhh....
Memories, memories, memories....

@KellyMark

I hope they are all good memories! thanks for watching :)

@Sacoyya

WOW! I'm with you Musse. I remember when I first heard this. In the Air Force, stationed at RAF Lakenheath in England. Thumbs up to Kelly. Thank you.

@KellyMark

9y↑1

You are most welcome Sacoyya :)

@arcoirisluz7668

ESCREVENDO NA PAREDE

@theturningpointtrio9217

5y↑6

The comment on Rik's vocals is so overtly moronic that it doesn't even qualify a response!

@ONLINEMARTY

9y↑5

+Benoit Vanhees you do not understand singing at all. Dio could sing as high as this guy. You would then have to discount Robert Plant, Freddy Mercury along with a ton of other bands. People have different ranges that is a natural fit for their voices. It is called Tenor. He is singing tenor range. No different than Steve Perry. If he would have sung it an octave lower then that would be a baritone like Barry Manilow. The for Saga was a Tenor as well. If Saga was so excellent where are they now? All the other bands you sight are Tenor singers as well.

@justlikepriest

8y↑1

+Marty Thompson "Video killed the radio star" my friend that's what happen to all the good bands, Now we get the Lady GAGA

@Retroscoop

9y↑3

When sung one octave lower, and with a powerful voice à la Dio, it would have been a gigantically good song. Now it sounds like secretly recorded in a CIA torture room. Gosh, what's the idea of singing so high pitched, is that singer tired of being a man, is it a primal scream of someone who deep inside wished he was a woman or what ??? Prrrr.... Rush is yet another example of that high pitched league, if there weren't excellent bands like Saga out there with more "normal" singers, you'd start thinking there must be quite some heavy air pollution in Toronto... Instrumentally, it's very catchy, a strong melody and all that, but my oh my that weird weird singing... What's my answer to that ? Well, Dio, the singer of Nightranger, UFO, 38 Special etc., there are so many excellent ones waiting to be discovered here on Youtube or commonly known ones.

@paulsawyer4741

6y↑2

Idiot.

@brianshaffneraclc

2y↑2

To each their own dude. You either dig this approach, or you don't. Dio was an amazing talent, but completely the wrong singer for anything penned by Rik Emmett, in my book. As for Rush, they outsold and outlasted (maybe not Dio, he was cut short; RIP) every single act you mention, so a large segment of the music buying public doesn't agree. And Rik's voice is smoother and more melodic than Geddy's, and was the center of all of Triumph's widely played songs during the early & middle 80s. They were all over FM radio in the US during those years.