On this site of reflection, you came to me as a ghost
Near this monument of the fallen, where one hears the sad last post
Celebration in the city of Ypres, again a new year was born
Not on this place of eternal silence, where quietly souls mourn
For time did not matter on this site, of the graveless dead
Near the leafless trees, we somehow met
On this site of reflection, you came to me as a ghost
Near this monument of the fallen, where one hears the sad last post
Born in different times, we never knew each other,
Born in different times, we never even met
But on this night when the world celebrates, believe met:
But on this night when the world celebrates, I regret your dead
On this site of reflection, you came to me as a ghost
Near this monument of the fallen, where one hears the sad last post
Thousands of names engraved, poor souls fate did not spare
The night was cold, the wind unkind, still wondering what brought me there
Born in different times, we never even met
But on this night when the world celebrates believe me: I regret your dead
Tragic appearance, your uniform torn, your skin full of dirt
We did not speak, nor laugh or cry, did not utter a single word
We kept an honourable distance, borders of time cannot be crossed
As there is between the living, who hold on to live at any cost
And the dead, whose lifes and dreams along with their bodies lost
Here you appear, probably a trick of the mind that I might have lost
From album "Rvbicon", 2006.
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Copyright © Ancient Rites
@AncientRites89
"Ancient Rites" is black metal band from Diest, Belgium; formed in 1988.
Current line-up:
Gunther Theys - vocals, previously also bass
Erik Sprooten - guitars
Jory Hogeveen - guitars
Patrick Mallo - bass
John Berry - drums
Copyright © Seasons Of Mist
Copyright © Floga Records
"Rvbicon"
Copyright © JonaarS, September 2nd, 2006 for Odium
Rvbicon is the new album of Belgian Black Metal pioneers Ancient Rites, being their fifth full-length in total. What has changed in the five (!) years after the previous release? First of all, Ancient Rites has two new members, a keyboard-player and a man who handles the bass in stead of frontman Gunter Theys, who from now on does vocals exclusively. The band who started out with three members is now a seven-headed band! They’ve also found a new label: "Seasons of mist". There are some more changes and progressions to be noticed.
First of all, the music. Where Dim carcosa was said to be quite melodic, Ancient Rites has chosen to be even more melodic. The music itself has some Power Metal influences, very melodic guitar riffs and strong drums. The keyboard supports the music and gives it a surplus value. Still, this remains Black Metal, in a melodic way of speaking. The fans of the early days may not like the new approach, but this album is a great representation of the bands capacities.
Then, Gunthers vocals have changed a bit too. Overall he demonstrates again that he’s a great singer, with a lower approach in comparison with Dim Carcosa. But of course he also does the clean vocals. Besides, the female vocals on some songs (Ypres and Thermopylae) are very impressive and suit great with the music!
Luckily, the themes and lyrics haven’t changed! They still deal about European history, heritage and religion, something Ancient Rites is known for. Templar is about religion wars, both sides wanting the same and thinking the same: ‘Allah akhbar! God wills it! Cross and half moon in total war’. The title song Rvbicon is about everyone who has to cross his Rubicon, which means to take an important decision, going to a point of no return. The phrase exists since Caesar crossed this river with his standing army, which was prohibited. Another famous phrase has been said then by Caesar: ‘Alea iacta est’ (‘the die is cast’). Ypres is a homage to the ones who have fallen in WWI(?). Every lyric is a small masterpiece, always introduced with notes, giving more information about the topics.
Comparing Rvbicon with previous albums, I have to say it’s a very strong album, on the same (high) level as Dim carcosa. This release was worth waiting five years! A very complete album that grows every time you listen to it. Ancient Rites have done it again, the grandmasters of Belgian metal!
2 окт 2024
