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)
The Isle of Hydra
Twisted Tower Dire Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Pointing our longboats on to the land of our dreams
Heeding the call of which I cannot evade
Face the wrath of the dragon of Hydra, his fortunes to claim
The battle's drawing nearer, I'm sure he feels my presence
One shall be the victor, and one shall fall
The isle of Hydra green on a blanket of blue
My pulse, it quickens, I know what danger lurks there
In the heart of a mountain of fire it must be his lair
Then in a span of ten heartbeats from out of the night
The thundering wings of the dragon returning from flight
The odor of ash and brimstone choking the room
We hide cloaked in darkness, awaiting the hour of Doom!
There's a calm just before the storm
A place that beckons to my soul
I'm blessed by the light, I'm strong for the fight
I will not be denied!
The lyrics of Twisted Tower Dire's song, "The Isle of Hydra," tell the story of a journey to the titular island to face a dragon named Hydra. The first verse describes the journey by sea to the island, with the singer feeling called to face the dragon despite the danger it presents. The second verse describes the approach to the island and the moment of anticipation before the dragon's arrival. Finally, the refrain expresses the singer's determination to face the dragon and emerge victorious.
The lyrics make use of vivid imagery, with the "dark unknown depths of the sea" and the "mountain of fire" creating a sense of danger and mystery. The dragon, of course, is a classic symbol of danger and strength, and the battle between the dragon and the singer becomes a metaphor for any difficult challenge in life. The idea of facing a seemingly unbeatable foe and emerging victorious is a powerful one that can resonate with listeners.
Overall, "The Isle of Hydra" is a prime example of heavy metal storytelling, with its epic tale of adventure, danger, and triumph over adversity.
Line by Line Meaning
Parting the waves of the dark unkown depths of the sea
Navigating the treacherous and mysterious depths of the unknown, we forge ahead, splitting the waves with our longboats
Pointing our longboats on to the land of our dreams
We set our sights on the mythical land of our dreams and sail towards it with unwavering determination
Heeding the call of which I cannot evade
Unable to ignore the call to adventure, I answer it with courage and determination
Face the wrath of the dragon of Hydra, his fortunes to claim
Knowing the danger that lies ahead, we prepare to face the wrath of the dragon of Hydra, seeking to claim his treasure and fortunes
The battle's drawing nearer, I'm sure he feels my presence
As we approach the dragon's lair, the tension builds and I know that a confrontation is imminent
One shall be the victor, and one shall fall
Inevitably, one of us will emerge victorious from the coming battle, while the other will fall in defeat
Out on the horizon now coming clearer to view
As we draw closer to the island of Hydra, it becomes more visible on the horizon
The isle of Hydra green on a blanket of blue
The lush, green island of Hydra stands out against the backdrop of the blue sea
My pulse, it quickens, I know what danger lurks there
As I approach the island, I feel a sense of danger and anticipation, knowing what awaits me there
In the heart of a mountain of fire it must be his lair
I realize that the dragon's lair must be located in the heart of the mountain, surrounded by fire and danger
Then in a span of ten heartbeats from out of the night
Suddenly, the dragon appears out of nowhere, taking us by surprise
The thundering wings of the dragon returning from flight
The sound of the dragon's wings beating the air echoes through the mountains as he returns from flight
The odor of ash and brimstone choking the room
The smell of burning ash and brimstone fills the air, making it difficult to breathe
We hide cloaked in darkness, awaiting the hour of Doom!
Hiding in the shadows, we wait and prepare for the inevitable battle with the dragon
There's a calm just before the storm
Before the intense battle, there is a fleeting moment of calm and stillness
A place that beckons to my soul
I am drawn to the danger and adventure that await me, as if it is calling to my very soul
I'm blessed by the light, I'm strong for the fight
Filled with a sense of divine protection and strength, I am ready for the coming battle
I will not be denied!
With unwavering determination, I vow to overcome any obstacle and claim victory in the coming battle
Contributed by Sophia K. Suggest a correction in the comments below.