The bands first studio-experience was in 1994/95, when they recorded the Vergelmir demo-tape at the famous Sweet Silence Studio (Metallica, Blind Guardian etc.) in Copenhagen. Although the demo-tape didn't quite get the desired production, it accomplished it's task, as it circulated through the European metal-underground where it was well received in countries like Italy and Germany.
The next major event in the history of Wuthering Heights was in 1996/97 when they were one of the bands featured on the compilation-CD "Extremity Rising Vol.2" made by Serious Entertainment. The song used on that CD was "Sorrow In Memoriam", which nicely sums up all that Wuthering Heights is about: Huge compositions, great orchestral parts, folk-influences, intriguing lyrics, up-tempo (speed) and progressive metal.
In summer of 1997 the band finally got a deal with a German record label, who (for some reason) were convinced that the band played gothic/epic metal. This co-operation resulted in the demoCD "Within", which saw the band heading in a more progressive power/speed metal direction, leading to the break-up with this label.
After only a couple of weeks the band were offered deals with different record companies all over the World, and in the beginning of 1998 Wuthering Heights started up the co-operation with the American progressive rock/metal label The Laser's Edge/Sensory.
After having signed an album-by-album deal with The Laser's Edge/Sensory, the recording of the debut album "Within" - part one of an up-coming trilogy - took place in August/September 1998 in the Aabenraa Studios with producer Jacob Hansen.
At that time Wuthering Heights featured guitarist Erik Ravn, keyboarder Rune S. Brink, bassist Kasper Gram, drummer Morten Nødgaard and well known Swedish vocalist Kristian "Krille" Andrén (ex-Fifth Reason, Street Talk, Tad Morose and Memento Mori).
Artwork for "Within" was done by none other than the highly acclaimed Kristian Wählin, (known for his work with Memory Garden, King Diamond, Dissection, Bathory, Morgana Lefay a.o.).
After the release of "Within" in October 1999, Wuthering Heights experienced tremendous response from media and fans all over the World. A great deal of interviews were arranged, mainly with Erik Ravn, and the name started to spread throughout the worldwide metal scene.
In late 1999 and the first half of 2000 the band played several gigs in and around their hometown of Copenhagen, using Peter Jensen (ex-Communic, Sinphonia) as stand-in / extra guitarist, and even though this was not the band's proper element (after all, with one member living 2000 kilometres away, it is hard to practice all the time), the concerts went great and the fans seemed to love it.
During the fall of 2000 problems occurred in the Wuthering Heights camp, which resulted in drummer Morten and bassist Kasper leaving the band. But since this was, and still IS, Erik's "baby", Wuthering Heights decided to go on without these two members.'
Finding new musicians for Wuthering Heights could be a hard task, especially since there were no immediate plans for making it a "touring band", however Intromental Management helped the remaining members (Erik, Rune and Krille) out by enlisting the services of Danish drummer extra-ordinaire Morten G. Sørensen (Pyramaze, ex-Aurora), Swedish lead guitarist Henrik Flyman (Evil Masquerade, ex-Zool, Moahni Moahna) plus Italian bassist Lorenzo Dehó (Time Machine / Khali) guesting on the album.
This line-up recorded and released the next WH masterpiece entitled "To Travel For Evermore". The famous Jailhouse Studio was the surroundings for the recordings of the album, which took place in June 2001 with producer Tommy Hansen (Helloween, Pretty Maids, Twilight, Beyond Twilight, Chroming Rose etc.).
The album is nothing short of a brilliant epos of majestic and symphonic speed/progressive metal. This time with more focus on the technical aspects, better melodies and a huge production! The release of the album was July 10th '02 in Japan (with the bonus track "When The Jester Cries") by Toshiba-EMI, September 3rd '02 in the USA by Laser's Edge/Sensory, September 20th '02 by Sail Productions in Korea and following shortly afterwards with releases in Europe (by Lucretia Records), Russia (by CD-Maximum) as well as the remaining territories.
After the release of "To Travel For Evermore", Erik and the band got really busy with interviews and promotion, but unfortunately they never made it out on tour. Instead Erik soon composed the material for the third disc, "Far From The Madding Crowd", which they recorded in Jailhouse Studios with Tommy Hansen in the summer of 2003.
This time the band found a new singer in Nils Patrik Johansson from the Swedish band Astral Doors (and also featured in Lions Share and Rickard Andersson's Space Odyssey). Nils Patrik is the perfect fit for Wuthering Heights, with his great vocal range, sometimes reminding of Russel Allen, Jorn Lande or even Ronnie James Dio. Erik handled the bass on the recording himself.
"Far From The Madding Crowd" is less progressive and more melodic than "To Travel..." - in many ways it is more of a classic hard rock album with big inspiration from Thin Lizzy to be found throughout the album - but it's still very much what you would expect from any Wuthering Heights release. This time the band have injected even more of the folk-music roots into the songs, and the album functions lyrically as the last part of the trilogy about the lonely wanderer.
The media and fans loved this amazing album, released in December 03 by Toshiba-EMI in Japan, followed by Sensory Records in USA, Hellion Records in South America and Locomotive Music in Europe in January 2004.
In 2004 Wuthering Heights went through some line-up changes, as Andreas Lindahl jumped in on keyboards (instead of Rune Brink), Martin Arendal took the place as lead guitarist (instead of Henrik Flyman) and Teddy Möller joined as bassist.
The band performed the first gig outside of Europe ever, at the prestigious ProgPower Festival in Atlanta, GA, USA in August 2004. The response was overwhelming and a LIVE CD was recorded which was later on released as a bonus disc with the US release of the 4th album, serving as a document of this great event.
In the summer of 2005, the band did their first gig on European soil in many years, as they played the Park Rock Festival in Sweden iin front of a very enthusiastic crowd. Some of the band´s performance was even broadcast in Swedish primetime TV. At this gig Toke Skjønnemand stood in for Martin Arendal, who unfortunately had to take a couple of months off from music to nurture his injured hand.
During 2005 Erik began composing the 4th disc, "The Shadow Cabinet". Deciding to go with the same line-up as they performed with in USA 2004, Wuthering Heights was not only rejuvenated, but also experiencing a better internal harmony and friendship than ever before.
During the spring of 2006 the album was recorded using 4 different studio settings throughout Denmark and Sweden, and mixed once again by Tommy Hansen at Jailhouse Studios.
"The Shadow Cabinet", released in October and November 2006, (through Soundholic, Locomotive and Sensory for Japan, Europe and USA respectively), stands as the album that solidified Wuthering Heights' status as one of the most interesting bands to emerge on the international heavy metal scene in recent years.
After 3 years of silence from the Wuthering Heights camp, the time has come for the 5th album, "Salt", to be released. With the same line-up as on "The Shadow Cabinet", Erik and the boys have created their absolutely strongest album to date.
"Salt" sees the band moving into new conceptual territory as the whole thing takes a somewhat maritime twist. While writing the lyrics for the album, Erik found that the imagery of the sea was a great vehicle for his increasingly dark tales of personal and global armageddon. And consequently the music has traded some of its celtic delicacy for the rawness of the sailor´s tunes. The title "Salt" sums up many different aspects of the album´s lyrics - from salty seawinds to salty tears, from the salt of the earth to the salty taste of whisky! And musically the band delivers these "shanties from hell" with burning intensity. Never before has the end of the world sounded this uplifting.
Current Members
ERIK RAVN - GUITARS
NILS PATRIK JOHANSSON - VOCALS
MARTIN ARENDAL - GUITARS
TEDDY MÖLLER - BASS
ANDREAS LINDAHL - KEYBOARDS
MORTEN G. SØRENSEN - DRUMS
Former Members
John Sønder : guitar 1989-1990
Morten Birch : bass 1989-1994
Kenneth Saandvig : drums 1990-1998
Martin Røpcke : guitar 1991-1992
Jannik B. Larsen : guitar 1992-1994
Troels Liebgott : vocals 1993-1996
Tim Christensen : keyboards 1993-1996
Tim Mogensen : bass 1994-1995
Louise : violin 1994-1995
Rune S. Brink : keyboards 1996-2004
Morten Nødgaard : vocals 1996-1997, drums 1998-2000
Kasper Gram : bass 1996-2000
Kristian "Krille" Andrén : vocals 1998-2002
Peter Jensen : guitar 1999
Henrik Flyman : guitar 2002-2004
Discography:
1999 - Within
2002 - To Travel for Evermore
2004 - Far from the Maddening Crowd
2007 - The Shadow Carbinet
2010 - Salt
2007 - Roaming Far From Home (Bootleg)
Weather the Storm
Wuthering Heights Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
The maelstrom will take us down
It's a rainy day for the end of the world
Yet I see a lighthouse far away, it's winking at me
(Like an image of an image)
If you see it too, then it must be real
Then at last here we stand
As the waves are closing in
We have been here before
Though it looks dark for sure
This time the end seems ready to begin
This could be the ultimate day
Yet there's nothing to say
We'll hold on to each other
And take on the world
The living spirit trapped and hurt
By boundaries of written word
Walks forlorn in twilit halls
But I see deep in your eyes
A fire burning bright and high
A mirror of a future that still calls
At ease I go into the night
With you by my side
We are one
And we'll take on the world
Who knows if we'll see each other again
Who knows if this is the end
If we'll see tomorrow my friend
But we are together
Let that be the hope that we cling to
Let that be the rope we hold on to
And when the sun comes over the hills
I suspect we will be here still
'Cause together we'll weather the storm
We'll weather the storm
Rain and snow may fall, the wolves may call
Still we will be strong
Winds may shatter the land, still we will stand
Because we belong
Who knows if we'll see each other again
Who knows if this is the end
If we'll see tomorrow my friend
But we are together
Let that be the hope that we cling to
Let that be the rope we hold on to
And when the sun comes over the hills
I suspect we will be here still
'Cause together we'll weather the storm
We'll weather the storm
And after the rage of the storm is calmed
And all again is free
I will call for you
And you will call for me
And we'll walk hand in hand
On a glimmering path towards the stars
Of a shimmering hue we are
With you, I believe we are forever
Who knows if we'll see each other again
Who knows if this is the end
If we'll see tomorrow my friend
But we are together
Let that be the hope that we cling to
Let that be the rope we hold on to
And when the sun comes over the hills
I suspect we will be here still
'Cause together we'll weather the storm
The lyrics of "Weather the Storm" by Wuthering Heights presents the image of a ship caught in a storm, while the end of the world is looming. Amid the chaos, the singer sees a lighthouse in the distance, which offers a glimmer of hope. The song implies that the storm might not be literal, and it could be representing a metaphorical "storm" in someone's life. The following stanza refers to the "living spirit" which is trapped and hurt by the boundaries of written word. So the song might be about overcoming adversity and not giving up.
The chorus is repeated thrice and brings about the theme of unity and hope. It's unclear whether the singer will see their loved ones on the other side of the storm, or if this is the end. But the lyrics insist that, together, they'll overcome whatever comes their way. It's a song that encourages people to not give up even in the darkest of situations.
Line by Line Meaning
Dark sails on the horizon
There is an impending sense of danger or trouble that is approaching.
The maelstrom will take us down
The danger that is approaching will be powerful and could potentially harm or destroy us.
It's a rainy day for the end of the world
Even though the situation seems dire, there is still some hope and possibility for survival.
Yet I see a lighthouse far away, it's winking at me
Despite the darkness and danger, there is a glimmer of hope and safety in the distance.
(Like an image of an image)
The hope and safety may not be entirely clear or certain, but it is still worth holding onto.
If you see it too, then it must be real
If others acknowledge the hope and safety, it adds to its reality and strength.
Then at last here we stand
We have reached the final moment or stage of the situation.
On this last bit of dry land
We have found some stability in the midst of chaos and danger.
As the waves are closing in
The danger and threat are still present and approaching rapidly.
We have been here before
This situation is not entirely new or unfamiliar to us.
Though it looks dark for sure
The situation appears grim and hopeless.
This time the end seems ready to begin
There may not be any further chances for survival or success.
This could be the ultimate day
This could be the day where everything comes to an end.
Yet there's nothing to say
There is no certainty or guarantee in this situation.
We'll hold on to each other
We will find comfort, support, and strength in our unity and partnership.
And take on the world
We will face and confront whatever comes our way together.
The living spirit trapped and hurt
There is a part of us that is struggling and suffering.
By boundaries of written word
The rules, laws, and limitations set by society or others are restricting and harmful.
Walks forlorn in twilit halls
We are wandering aimlessly and with sadness in an uncertain and unclear space or situation.
But I see deep in your eyes
Despite the difficulty and pain, there is a sense of hope and strength within us.
A fire burning bright and high
This hope and strength is powerful and strong within us.
A mirror of a future that still calls
This hope and strength is a reflection of a better and brighter future that could still be possible.
At ease I go into the night
Despite the danger and uncertainty, we can find peace and calm in each other.
With you by my side
Our unity and partnership is the source of our strength and support.
We are one
Our unity and partnership has made us a stronger and more resilient force.
Rain and snow may fall, the wolves may call
The dangers and threats are still present and looming.
Still we will be strong
Despite the danger and threats, we will remain strong and resilient.
Winds may shatter the land, still we will stand
Even in the face of destruction and devastation, we will remain steadfast and unwavering.
Because we belong
Our unity and partnership give us a sense of belonging and connection that will sustain us.
Who knows if we'll see each other again
There is no certainty or guarantee of our survival or reunion.
If we'll see tomorrow my friend
There is no guarantee of our survival or success in the future.
But we are together
Even in the face of uncertainty and danger, we have each other and that is a source of hope and strength.
Let that be the hope that we cling to
Our unity and partnership is the hope and strength that will sustain us through difficulty and danger.
Let that be the rope we hold on to
Our unity and partnership is the lifeline that we will use to pull ourselves through difficulty and danger.
And when the sun comes over the hills
There is a sense of hope and possibility that things will get better.
I suspect we will be here still
We will endure and survive.
'Cause together we'll weather the storm
Our unity and partnership will sustain and support us through the danger and difficulty.
And after the rage of the storm is calmed
The danger and difficulty will eventually come to an end.
And all again is free
We will have survived and overcome the danger and difficulty.
I will call for you
We will reunite and find each other once again.
And you will call for me
We will reunite and find each other once again.
And we'll walk hand in hand
Our unity and partnership will remain strong and unbroken.
On a glimmering path towards the stars
We will move towards a brighter and better future.
Of a shimmering hue we are
Our unity and partnership is a bright and shining example of hope and resilience.
With you, I believe we are forever
Our unity and partnership is eternal and will sustain us through anything.
Contributed by Eliana O. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@milesonbeatsmilesonbeatsbr1305
Damn...just damn