The original line-up consisted of Nicole Bogner (female vocals), Christian Stani (male vocals), Werner Fiedler (guitars), Mike Koren (bass), Chris Kamper (keyboards), and Thomas Caser (drums). Inspiration came both from successful symphonic metal band Nightwish and from the myth of Atlantis. The equal combination of male and female vocals distinguishes Visions of Atlantis from Nightwish though and is more reminiscent of Lacuna Coil.
A first demo, "Morning In Atlantis", was released in 2000. In 2001 they signed with TTS Media Music/Black Arrow Productions, and in 2002 their first album, "Eternal Endless Infinity", was released. 2003 saw a change in line-up, replacing Christian Stani with Mario Plank and Chris Kamper with Miro Holly. Now with Napalm Records, Visions of Atlantis released their second album, "Cast Away", in 2004. Since then a few more band members have left and joined. In 2005 Nicole Bogner was replaced by Melissa Ferlaak (formerly with Aesma Daeva) and Wolfgang Koch replaced Werner Fiedler. In 2006 Martin Harb, who already played with Visions of Atlantis on their tour in Mexico in 2003, replaced Miro Holly.
In May 2007, their third album, "Trinity", was released. In September 2007, they began their first North American tour with Epica.
On the 28th of November 2007 a message was posted on the official Visions of Atlantis website saying that Melissa Ferlaak and Wolfgang Koch have left the band, both citing personal reasons. Following this Visions of Atlantis have announced their ex-guitarist Werner Fiedler has rejoined the band.
On the 1st of February 2009 a message was posted on the official Visions of Atlantis website to present a new lead vocalist of the band, in the person of 20 years old Austrian singer Joanna Nieniewska.
However Joanna was replaced on June of the same year,by the greek singer Maxi Nil (x-Elysion) and now the band is in the studio, preparing their new album which will come out in the first months of 2011.
Official site: https://www.visionsofatlantis.at/
At the Back of Beyond
Visions of Atlantis Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I'm pouring out my grief to you...
Should I escape?
Nothing but silence where I stand,
Just a slight light at the end to pretend
I could escape.
White walls coming closer and closer,
I am your guide out of the dark
At the back of beyond
I hear your cries although they're gone
Through the night, out of the dawn
At the back of beyond
I am by your side but you are still alone.
Strain to scream my heart to you,
From my lips no sound escapes,
Just light from the moon...a twilight cry...
Trying to pick the better side
Stay in darkness, chase the light
Am I wrong, or am I right.
Painful sun is touching your face
A single ray may recall you to life.
The lyrics to Visions of Atlantis's song 'At The Back of Beyond' depict someone who is at the brink of insanity, trying to reach out to someone for help, but receiving no response. The person is in a state of hopelessness and is contemplating escape, but there seems to be no way out. The line, "White walls coming closer and closer, absorb my words without response," symbolizes that the person is trapped and their words are falling on deaf ears. The singer is desperately trying to communicate their emotions, but all they receive is silence.
The chorus of the song, "I am your guide out of the dark, at the back of beyond, I hear your cries although they're gone, through the night, out of the dawn," depicts a ray of hope. Although the singer is still alone, they are reassured that they are not in complete darkness, that someone is there to help them through the tough times. The line "I am by your side but you are still alone," shows that there is someone to guide them out, but ultimately, it is the singer who has to overcome the darkness within themselves.
The last stanza of the song sheds some light on the situation. The "Painful sun touching your face" signifies that there is still hope, a single ray of light might be all that is needed to bring life back into the person. The singer is fighting a battle from within, trying to choose between light and darkness, between life and death. The lyrics are a reflection of the human struggle that we all face at different points in our lives.
Line by Line Meaning
Your rigid eyes stare into gloom,
Your hard, unchanging stare is directed into darkness.
I'm pouring out my grief to you...
I am releasing all of my sadness and sorrow to you.
Should I escape?
Is it possible for me to flee?
Nothing but silence where I stand,
Absolute quietness surrounds me.
Just a slight light at the end to pretend
I could escape.
Only a faint glimmer at the end of this path to pretend that I might escape.
White walls coming closer and closer,
Blank walls are closing in on me.
Absorb my words without response.
Ignoring what I say, without any kind of response.
I am your guide out of the dark
At the back of beyond
I hear your cries although they're gone
Through the night, out of the dawn
At the back of beyond
I am by your side but you are still alone.
I am here to help you through the darkness, though we are both in the unknown place of the farthest kind. I can hear your pleas, though they are not audible, from the dusk until the dawn's light breaks. I am with you, but you remain lonely.
Strain to scream my heart to you,
From my lips no sound escapes,
Trying hard to shout and express my emotions to you. But from my mouth, no sound comes.
Just light from the moon...a twilight cry...
All that exists is a dim light from the moon, and it's wailing at the onset of twilight.
Trying to pick the better side
Stay in darkness, chase the light
Am I wrong, or am I right.
Attempting to determine the path to choose – remaining in the darkness or pursuing the light. I am unsure if I am making the proper decision.
Painful sun is touching your face
A single ray may recall you to life.
The scorching sun is blazing on your skin, and you may be brought back to life by a single ray of sunlight.
Contributed by Natalie E. Suggest a correction in the comments below.