The band unleashed their self produced, full-length debut in 1999. Despite a modest budget, "The Curse of Twisted Tower" won over many dedicated fans that appreciated Twisted Tower Dire's traditional yet unique sound. From 1999 to 2000, the band embarked on a relentless, self-financed world tour in support of "Curse". This tour included U.S. appearances at the Milwaukee Metal Fest, March Metal Meltdown, The Powermad Fest, Phantasmagoria Metal Fest, and The North Carolina Metal Fest. A European stretch of the tour followed with fellow metal heathens The Lord Weird Slough Feg and Solstice including several club dates and appearances at the Wacken Open Air Festival and the Bradford Metal Inquisition.
In 2001, Twisted Tower Dire released the critically acclaimed "The Isle of Hydra" on The Miskatonic Foundation and Hellion Records. The album featured mature song writing abilities and improved production, but retained a certain underground grit. In support they played several shows in the Mid Atlantic Region and beyond, including an appearance at the Classic Metal Festival and a second appearance at the Milwaukee Metal Festival. In July 2002, Twisted Tower Dire returned to Deutschland to continue their relentless assault on small clubs and festivals abroad with a headlining appearance at The Headbanger's Open Air Festival.
In September of that year, Twisted Tower Dire signed to Germany's Remedy Records. Their third release "Crest Of The Martyrs" was unleashed upon the masses on May 26th, 2003. The song "Axes & Honour" was released as a limited vinyl single and picture vinyl single. The release of "Crest" was accompanied by a European tour including festival gigs at the Metal Bash Open Air Fest and the Wacken Open Air Fest.
Twisted Tower Dire has gone through countless trials and changes through its 10 year history but the seminal vision has remained the same from early basement practices to today. The "Tower Brethren" continue to fight for the legacy of Classic Heavy Metal with their strongest line-up and forthcoming 4th album “Netherworlds” in 2007.
On February 6, 2010, Tony Taylor, their former vocalist, died in a motorcycle accident.
The band appreciates the support of its dedicated fans and hopes to see you soon in the audience banging your head!
Current Members
* Jonny Aune – vocals
* Scott Waldrop – guitars
* Dave Boyd – guitars
* Jim Hunter – bass
* Marc Stauffer – drums
Former members
* Anthony "Tony" Taylor – vocals (deceased)
* Hayes Elkins – guitars
* Mike Engel – bass
* Nick Mertaugh – guitars
* Jim Murad – bass
* Tom Phillips – vocals
* Janet Rubin – vocals
Discography
* The Curse of Twisted Tower (1999)
* The Isle of Hydra (2001)
* Crest of the Martyrs (2003)
* Netherworlds (2007)
Fight to Be Free
Twisted Tower Dire Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
My hands are bound and tied
Echoes of all of those
Who have come to watch me die
The hooded man is whispering
"Forgive what I must do"
All is well when this day ends
No blame will come on you
I'll die for what's right and I'll fight to be free
Free from the madness forever haunting me
I'll give all I can, spill my blood upon the sand
No one can change what is meant to be
Fight to be free
Archers on the tower's walls
I pray your aim is true
Fell the guards first at my side
And then I'll make my move
Swords men hidden within the crowd
Be quick and draw your blade
Use your skills for my release
And martyrdom some other day
The lyrics of Twisted Tower Dire's "Fight to Be Free" tell a gripping story of a person who is facing imminent execution, but is resolved to die for what is right and to fight for freedom. The first verse describes the singer being led through darkened halls with bound hands as spectators gather to witness their death. The hooded man whispers a message of forgiveness before the singer declares that they will fight to be free and die for their cause. The second verse is a call to arms for other fighters to join the cause, and the singer urges archers to strike true to bring down the guards. The final lines express a readiness to fight in the moment and to embrace martyrdom at some other time.
The song can be interpreted as an allegory for fighting oppression and injustice. The singer may represent anyone who is being oppressed or marginalized, and the call to arms represents the need for solidarity and support in the fight against oppression. The use of medieval imagery and language adds a layer of intrigue to the story and underscores the timeless nature of the message.
Line by Line Meaning
Leading me through darkened halls
I am being led down a dark path without a clear understanding of what is to come.
My hands are bound and tied
I have been stripped of my power and my ability to defend myself.
Echoes of all of those
Who have come to watch me die
I can hear the overwhelming presence of the people who anticipate my demise.
The hooded man is whispering
"Forgive what I must do"
I am being asked to forgive the actions that will occur regardless of my answer.
All is well when this day ends
No blame will come on you
Once this ordeal is over, you will not suffer any repercussions for your involvement in my situation.
I'll die for what's right and I'll fight to be free
I am willing to die for the belief that I have the right to be free and make my own choices.
Free from the madness forever haunting me
I long to be released from the torment that has been plaguing me.
I'll give all I can, spill my blood upon the sand
I will give everything I have, even my own life, in order to achieve my goals.
No one can change what is meant to be
I believe that my path is already set and nothing can alter my destiny.
Fight to be free
I am willing to battle against all odds in order to attain the freedom that I desire.
Archers on the tower's walls
I pray your aim is true
I hope that those who hold the power will wield it carefully in order to avoid unnecessary collateral damage.
Fell the guards first at my side
And then I'll make my move
I hope to have trusted allies close by when I attempt to make my escape.
Swords men hidden within the crowd
Be quick and draw your blade
I am relying on those with the skills necessary to aid in my escape to act quickly.
Use your skills for my release
And martyrdom some other day
I hope that those who help me will be able to do so without sacrificing themselves in the process.
Contributed by Jeremiah D. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Owen Wright
I thought that I've heard every power metal band out there. But I was wrong!! This album is an absolute masterpiece. Just how power metal should be, POWERFUL unlike these flower metal euro power bands. Stay true \m/
Jose Aguilar
Heaviest than others!!
Joey Draper
I've always been a huge fan! \,,/
DESS1966
Best Album