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.
Waiting for the day to end
Zeraphine Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
With the blade in my heart I’m stumbling
I’m melting into the ground
While the walls around are crumbling
I don’t want to rest ‘til I’m found
Fighting against emptiness and confidence inside of me
And a broken mirror shows me what I am supposed to see
And I thought I’m crying tears, but blood is pouring down from my eyes
But no matter how I feel I can’t respond to their lies
I don’t need these souvenirs to remind me of the bygone time
And however much I try to forget
I can’t get rid of their grime
(I hold my breath)
I can’t get rid of their grime
(I hold my breath)
And the weights on my feet drag me
Down to the bottom of the sea
But it looks so peaceful here and I can’t speak to raise a plea
Everything I tried to see and to find again and to undo my faults
Was never worth the strain, there’s nothing left I could exault
And I thought about dying safely, but as always there’s no guarantee
Whatever they say I still deny and disagree
The words and sentiments
And I’m still standing in-between
But my innermost thoughts remain unseen
So I question a new prospect and I’ll leave it all this time
With all doubts and dissent in my head
I’m waiting - waiting for the day to end
So I question a new prospect and I’ll leave it all this time
With all doubts and dissent in my head
I’m waiting - waiting for the day to end
And the storm was silent thunder
Poison runs through my veins
Don’t need another aching wonder
I’m already almost slain
Dismissing the consequences and one-way chances, ‘cause it’s not good
Some call it fate, some always say they feel misunderstood
And I know I cry no tears, ‘cause blood is pouring down from my eyes
But you’ll never guess my thoughts, you can’t see through my disguise
I don’t need more injuries to remind me of a former life
You cannot stop me anymore, however much you strive
So I question a new prospect and I’ll leave it all this time
With all doubts and dissent in my head
I’m waiting - waiting for the day to end
So I question a new prospect and I’ll leave it all this time
With all doubts and dissent in my head
I’m waiting - waiting for the day to end
The song "Waiting for the Day to End" by Zeraphine is a powerful ballad that explores the struggle of overcoming personal demons and the weight of past mistakes. The opening stanza conveys a sense of desperation as the singer feels lost, overwhelmed, and trapped by their own insecurities. They feel like they're living in a broken reality, where the walls are crumbling and they're unable to find rest until they can pull themselves out of despair. The second stanza describes their struggle as they fight against emptiness and lack of confidence, using a broken mirror as a metaphor for the distorted self-image that they see. The chorus repeats the lyrics "I'm waiting for the day to end", conveying a sense of hopelessness and the desire to start anew.
The second half of the song takes a darker turn, as the singer acknowledges the weight of their guilt and the consequences of their past actions. They feel like they're drowning in their sorrow, despite the calmness of their surroundings. The lyrics "I’m already almost slain/ dismissing the consequences and one-way chances" reveal how they're caught in a cycle of self-destruction, where they're unable to see beyond their own pain and the mistakes of their past. In the bridge, they acknowledge the difference between what others see and what they truly feel, emphasizing the loneliness of their struggle.
Overall, "Waiting for the Day to End" is a poignant examination of the human experience, exploring themes such as self-doubt, guilt, and the desire for redemption. The song's haunting melody and poetic lyrics create a powerful atmosphere that captures the emotions of the singer.
Line by Line Meaning
With the blade in my heart I’m stumbling
I am deeply hurt and struggling to keep standing
I’m melting into the ground
I feel overwhelmed and helpless
While the walls around are crumbling
My surroundings are collapsing and falling apart
I don’t want to rest ‘til I’m found
I refuse to give up until I find what I am searching for
Fighting against emptiness and confidence inside of me
I am battling with feelings of emptiness and lack of self-confidence
And a broken mirror shows me what I am supposed to see
I see a reflection of my damaged self and what is expected of me
And I thought I’m crying tears, but blood is pouring down from my eyes
I am in so much pain that it feels like I am bleeding from my eyes
But no matter how I feel I can’t respond to their lies
I cannot react or defend myself against the falsehoods told about me
I don’t need these souvenirs to remind me of the bygone time
I do not require mementos to remember the past
And however much I try to forget
I attempt to erase memories of the past
I can’t get rid of their grime
I cannot rid myself of the impact left by past experiences
(I hold my breath)
I am waiting or pausing in anticipation
And the weights on my feet drag me
I am weighed down and feel immobilized
Down to the bottom of the sea
I feel like I am descending to the depths of despair
But it looks so peaceful here and I can’t speak to raise a plea
Despite the sense of calm and tranquility, I cannot find my voice to ask for help
Everything I tried to see and to find again and to undo my faults
I strive to regain control and rectify my mistakes
Was never worth the strain, there’s nothing left I could exault
All my efforts have been in vain and there is nothing left to be proud of
And I thought about dying safely, but as always there’s no guarantee
I contemplate an escape from my pain, but there is no promise of a peaceful end
Whatever they say I still deny and disagree
I refuse to accept the opinions and beliefs of others
The words and sentiments
The ideas and emotions
And I’m still standing in-between
I am caught in a state of indecision and uncertainty
But my innermost thoughts remain unseen
My deepest feelings and thoughts are kept hidden
So I question a new prospect and I’ll leave it all this time
I consider a new path and decide to let go of the past
With all doubts and dissent in my head
Despite my hesitation and disagreement
I’m waiting - waiting for the day to end
I am patiently waiting for the day to pass
And the storm was silent thunder
My internal turmoil and pain is overwhelming despite the external calmness
Poison runs through my veins
I am consumed by negative emotions and feelings
Don’t need another aching wonder
I do not need another source of pain and confusion
I’m already almost slain
I am defeated and almost broken
Dismissing the consequences and one-way chances, ‘cause it’s not good
I am ignoring the potential outcomes and limited opportunities because they do not seem worthwhile
Some call it fate, some always say they feel misunderstood
People attribute my situation to destiny, while others do not understand my perspective
But you’ll never guess my thoughts, you can’t see through my disguise
Others cannot decipher my true emotions or intentions
I don’t need more injuries to remind me of a former life
I do not require further harm to remind me of past experiences
You cannot stop me anymore, however much you strive
Despite others' attempts to interfere or hinder me, I am moving forward
Contributed by Alexandra G. Suggest a correction in the comments below.