After the acclaimed goth rock band Dreadful Shadows decided to split and go their separate ways, Sven and Norman collaborated with ex-Dreadful Shadows producer Thommy Hein on a project called Helix. However, since the Helix name was under copyright by another band, they were forced to rename themselves Zeraphine - taken from the Hebrew bible's concepts of the 'seraph' (or seraphim), which is a class of angel in traditional Judaism. This concept was purposely taken as an ironic gesture, given Sven's lyrics are often critical of organized religion. Once Zeraphine, the band signed onto the Drakkar Entertainment record label.
Originally, additional band members Manuel Senger (guitars), Michael Nepp (bass), and Marcellus Puhlemann (drums) joined the project as studio musicians. This changed after their debut album was released, and each member began contributing music and ideas to all following releases.
Zeraphine's debut album, 'Kalte Sonne' (2002), gained notoriety for it's lyrics; unlike Dreadful Shadows, whose songs were written entirely in English, Sven elected to pen an album completely in German, citing that "I simply tried to transfer my style of writing to my mother tongue and I liked it quite a lot. I always thought it would be impossible." Their following album, 'Traumaworld' (2003), saw Sven return to English, with only two songs written in German. Tonally, the album's lyrics were harsher, as the band drew inspiration from their feelings on the Iraq war. However, when it came to promoting the album, the more upbeat 'Be My Rain' (2003) was chosen as the single. A music video was made for 'Be My Rain' (consisting of live footage), and a limited promo CD was released, featuring album, radio, and club mixes of the title track, and a cover of the Depeche Mode song 'In Your Room'.
In 2004, Zeraphine joined HIM on an acclaimed tour of Europe, which exposed the band to an even wider audience. In anticipation for the tour, Zeraphine hit the studio again to record the single 'New Year's Day' (2004), featuring a cover version of the U2 song, and two other original tracks. Promptly after the tour finished, Zeraphine again entered the studio and churned out another single, 'Die Macht In Dir' (2004), which promised a full album at the beginning of the following year; The single, as well as the title track, consisted of alternative versions of 'Kaltes Herz', 'Die Macht In Dir', (and on the limited edition release) 'Until I Finally Drown'. 'Blind Camera' (2005) was released with a positive response by both fans and critics, and sent Zeraphine on the road once more, headlining their own trip across Europe. A particular point of well-reception was the balance in German and English lyrics - nearly half the songs on 'Blind Camera' are written in German. The record itself was written as a semi-concept album, dealing with themes such as perception and reality.
In 2006, Zeraphine announced that they were severing their ties with their label, Drakkar Entertainment, so that they could have more creative control over their next record. 'Still' (2006), released on the Phonyx Records label (a record label managed by the band themselves, and producer Thommy Hein), was handled with noticeably less 'polish' than their previous albums. This was per the band's decision to move to a less studio-oriented, more live sounding style of recording. Two editions of the album were released, a regular and an enhanced version; the enhanced featuring an additional song, and the music video (and outtakes) to the title track and single, 'Still'. The record's title is meant to represent both it's German and English meanings, commenting on the duality of the album's lyrical content.
The band was decidedly less active in 2007, when Sven and Norman rejoined Dreadful Shadows for live shows exclusively. Also during this time, Sven began working on a side project, an electronic solo project titled Solar Fake. A compilation album was also released during this time, titled 'Years in Black' (2007), by Phoynx Records and Drakkar Entertainment; It contained songs from all four albums, and while no unreleased material was put on it (an update on their official website cited such an act as a 'fan rip-off'), the currently out-of-print radio mix of 'Be My Rain' was added in place of the album version. Zeraphine continued to tour and do festivals throughout 2007 and 2008, with a few new songs slipping into setlists during the later half of 2008.
As of March 2009, it is rumored that the band is working on a fifth album.
Nur ein Tag
Zeraphine Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Versperren mauern mir den weg
Wenn nichts als leere übrig bleibt
Erinnerung, besessenheit
Auf der suche nach dem zweiten ich verbrannt
Nur ein tag für dich und mich, und nach uns kommt weiter nichts
Nur ein tag, nur einen nur ein tag, nur einen tag, und die welt versinkt im licht
Nur ein tag, nur einen tag, auch wenn die erde dran zerbricht
Ich hab keine angst in der dunkelheit die mich umgibt
Hier kann man die tränen gar nicht sehen
Die wellen brechen über mir
Am meeresgrund lauf ich zu dir
Ich such' nicht mehr und dennoch find ich dich
The lyrics of Zeraphine's song 'Nur ein Tag' are both reflective and poignant. The opening line 'zwischen mir und den tagen dieser ewigkeit' translates to 'between me and the days of eternity', setting up a sense of distance and separation which runs as a consistent theme throughout the song. The singer is blocked by walls that represent the limitations and obstacles in their path. When all that's left is emptiness, the only thing that remains is memory - a form of obsession that drives them to seek out a second self, even if it means burning themselves out in the process.
The chorus provides a turning point in the song, offering a glimmer of hope amidst the darkness. It speaks of a single day which holds the potential to change everything for the better. This day will only belong to the singer and their loved one; everything else will fade away into the background. It is a moment of pure connection and intimacy, a chance to escape from the confines of the world and find solace in each other's company. The earth may shatter around them, but they will remain steadfast and true.
Overall, the song 'Nur ein Tag' can be interpreted as a depiction of the human struggle for meaning and connection in an otherwise bleak and unforgiving world. It highlights the importance of those brief golden moments of joy and unity that are capable of sustaining us through the darkest of times.
Line by Line Meaning
Zwischen mir und den tagen dieser ewigkeit
I am stuck between myself and the endlessness of time
Versperren mauern mir den weg
Barriers and walls are blocking my path
Wenn nichts als leere übrig bleibt
When all that's left is emptiness
Erinnerung, besessenheit
Memories and obsession
Auf der suche nach dem zweiten ich verbrannt
I am burnt out searching for my second self
Nur ein tag für dich und mich, und nach uns kommt weiter nichts
Just one day for you and me, and nothing else will follow
Nur ein tag, nur einen nur ein tag, nur einen tag, und die welt versinkt im licht
Just one day, only one day, and the world will be engulfed in light
Nur ein tag für dich und mich, und der traum wird dein gesicht
Just one day for you and me, and the dream will become your face
Nur ein tag, nur einen tag, auch wenn die erde dran zerbricht
Just one day, only one day, even if the earth crumbles
Ich hab keine angst in der dunkelheit die mich umgibt
I have no fear of the darkness that surrounds me
Hier kann man die tränen gar nicht sehen
Here, tears cannot be seen
Die wellen brechen über mir
The waves break over me
Am meeresgrund lauf ich zu dir
At the bottom of the ocean, I run to you
Ich such' nicht mehr und dennoch find ich dich
I am no longer searching, yet I still find you
Contributed by Levi M. Suggest a correction in the comments below.