NOTE: Not to be confused with an experimental jazz band from France, also named Exultet. This page is about a metal band from Italy. Myspace even have Exultet (France)'s 2011 album "Kern" listed in the discography of Exultet (Italy)'s page. The two bands have nothing to do with each other!
BAND NAME: Exultet
GENRE: Epic Unblack Metal with Medieval/Symphonic/Folk Influences
STATUS: Unknown
LOCATION: Italy (Carini (Palermo), Sicily)
Formed in October, 2003.
Contact:
exultetband [AT] libero [DOT] it
Although the band is Christian, most of their lyrics are more historical than theological, focusing on medieval battles and history in relation to the Christian church at that time. "The lyrics are not of conflict between civilization or religion, I only described the historical events that actually happened, without giving too much emphasis on my personal beliefs . . . In the future certainly will realize a true and complete lyrical Christian metal album!" [1]
The name Exultet is taken from scrolls, used most often in medieval Italy. These scrolls contained the "Exsultet" (aka the Praeconium Paschale / Easter Proclamation) on one side, from which a deacon (or priest, etc) would sing. On the reverse side of the scrolls (the side that would be facing the congregation), there were elaborate artworks depicting the events being sung. More information on the "Exsultet" and these scrolls can be found [here]. In relation to the band, these scrolls are meant to symbolize the band's beliefs, and passion for art.
Formed in October, 2003.
Contact:
exultetband [AT] libero [DOT] it
Although the band is Christian, most of their lyrics are more historical than theological, focusing on medieval battles and history in relation to the Christian church at that time. "The lyrics are not of conflict between civilization or religion, I only described the historical events that actually happened, without giving too much emphasis on my personal beliefs . . . In the future certainly will realize a true and complete lyrical Christian metal album!" [1]
The name Exultet is taken from scrolls, used most often in medieval Italy. These scrolls contained the "Exsultet" (aka the Praeconium Paschale / Easter Proclamation) on one side, from which a deacon (or priest, etc) would sing. On the reverse side of the scrolls (the side that would be facing the congregation), there were elaborate artworks depicting the events being sung. More information on the "Exsultet" and these scrolls can be found [here]. In relation to the band, these scrolls are meant to symbolize the band's beliefs, and passion for art.
Lineup:
Farz - All instruments, Vocals
Past members:
Argoth - Drums, Percussion
Links:
Official site @ archive.org (exultet-band.com) -- Basically just some lyric pages.
Discography:
Urbs Felix (album)
November, 2004, Independent, CD, limited 500 copies
(year uncertain), Sullen Records, CD-R, limited (???) copies
Layout photos above are from the 2004 independent version.
Guest appearances:
Carmela Gulino - Vocals ("chorus", track 2)
Carmela Gulino - Vocals ("chorus", track 2)
Sonny Insinna - Vocals ("chorus", track 7)
1) Intro - Saracen Raids
1:48, lyrics:
So many Saracen raids conquer Sicily.
Summer '877 it begins the battle for the conquest in Siracusa,
last soul of the Moslem resistance!
2) Last Soul of the Moslem Resistence
6:32, lyrics:
The city is attached day and night from gigantic rams,
the walls and towers are struck by enormous boulders.
From the sea they come deriving ships from Costantinopolis,
but they are defeated by the Saracen fleet.
Siracusa is besieged from eight months
it is prey to the hunger and the illnesses,
the city is by now in knee but it continued to withstand heroically,
Last soul of the Moslem resistance.
The Saracens gathered against the tower of the Porto Grande,
by now weakened by the repeated attacks.
For twenty days and twenty nights the soldiers of Islam
they were attacked furiously in impetuous assaults
Dawn of May 21, the war cars Arabs attack
the tower of the Porto Grande opening a breach of it.
A rain of stones falls on houses and streets,
while the Saracens overwhelm the few soldiers
what by now they defended the city sowing death and destruction.
A last nucleus of Byzantine soldiers
it tried to do front the enemy but they were done asunder,
Siracusa, last soul of the Moslem resistance
…it’s conquered!
3) The Norman Ascent - Part I
2:42, lyrics:
The Norman, solicited by the Sicilians,
after the occupation of the south Italy,
ones turned the look to the neighbor island commanded by him Islamic.
It was the January of 1061: the beginning of the enterprise.
4) The Norman Ascent - Part II
7:22, lyrics:
The Norman soldiers driven from the brothers of Altavilla,
Ruggero and Roberto il Guiscardo,
it was small of number in comparison to the arabic,
but they had never counted the number of the enemies
they were adventurous men, that they entrusted to their audacity.
The two brothers assembled more possible ships
to transport their modest army, but the Moslem from Panormus also acted
having to Messina come troops of reinforcement
and above all a naval fleet to prevent to the enemy the strategic passage.
Il Guiscardo then it disembarked to Messina with few soldiers
they attracted all the Moslem naval forces and they made
the free street to north to the big one of the army driven by Roberto.
Comes to the doors in Messina
Ruggero it lined up his few soldiers
and it waited fearless the arrival of the Saracens.
the Arabs gave the immediate assault
but they were taken of surprise to the shoulders
from Roberto and the large one of its army
Taken from the panic the Moslem they put in escape
with the Norman riders that pursued them.
The a few Saracen soldier of the city,
when they saw the own fleet tricked
and their defeated army, they were surrendered.
Ruggero gave to Roberto the keys of the city of Messina,
almost conquered without fighting and they thanked God for easy victory..
5) Un Habir vs Lion'Erd
8:42, lyrics:
The blinding sun illuminates bare earth,
the made red hot air has the Norman line up trembled
visible in distance with the shines of their armors.
An imposing figure Arab on a white horse
it precedes of a few footsteps the Saracen line up,
Un Habir saw the insignias of the Duke Lion’ Erd,
to take sides with his ready army to the battle.
A Saracen messenger arrives to the gallop,
arrests the horse in front of the commander: The Arabic attack is ready to the assault.
To the first movement all the Arabs are reliable, the first attack is on the right side
but the Norman defense rejects this first offensive,
to the center the Arabs advance without lining up the troops,
while the infantry of Lion’Erd faces them with a slow very effective advance.
The battle already seems compromised for Un Habir,
but fortunately for him after repeated clashes,
the attack on the Norman side succeeds.
While to the center the Arabs finally get ready in double line
slowing down it line up of Duke Lion’Erd,
causing between their brave dead numerous lines.
The Arabs by now superior of number they defeat the really hostile ones severely,
causing the collapse of the command of infantry.
Saracens rage by now on all sides
causing last to the collapse of another command.
General Lion’Erd attacks the Moslem still bravely,
but he is rejected and finally surrounded and killed,
while the Norman soldiers confused escape…
Un Habir, at the end of the last attack,
It observes gratified the own victorious soldiers.
6) Arabic Dance
2:52, instrumental
7) January 1072
10:15, lyrics:
After having conquered big part of Sicily
with small battles and with use of a few soldiers,
the Norman headed at Panormus, but this time the attack was prepared
with a true army and a big naval fleet.
The first fight was naval, with extreme fury and numerous Moslem ships were sunk.
Norman Victory in sea was useful they forced the enemies to defend the bring,
weakening so the general defense of the city.
It was the first January of 1072.
To the dawn it was raised a dark noise, the Norman infantry was ready to attack
covered from a hail of arrows and boulders, when to surprise an gate was opened
and the Arabs they went out from there with impetus
facing the Norman infantrymen.
The Moslems, believing that all Norman attack arrived from the sea,
they forgot to defend south of the city.
And it was what the Guiscardo wanted.
Roberto, with three hundred knights, attacked the walls to south in Panormus.
The Norman, supported the stairs, were in an instant inside the city,
they killed the few guards that there were,
and opened the doors from the inside to Ruggero
and to the large one of the Norman army.
For great part of the night the combat infuriated body to body
and it seemed that the day after had to restart the battle,
instead to surprise arabs of surrendered.
Some Moslem commanders presented to the brothers of Altavilla
and they arranged the surrender.
Treated the surrender with the saracens,
Ruggero and Roberto entered to Panormus with many knights.
Comes to the Cathedral they removed the Moslem symbols,
Sicily had returned Christian earth.
8) Urbs Felix - Outro
3:22, instrumental
(artwork
not
available)
Covers Demo (2005, NOT SURE IF LEGIT)
Format unknown
Found this on a download site. Is this a real release??
1) No One Helps You 5:58
2) Nuclear 4:37
3) The Norman Ascent II 7:22
4) Un Habir Vs Lion Erd 6:28
1:48, lyrics:
So many Saracen raids conquer Sicily.
Summer '877 it begins the battle for the conquest in Siracusa,
last soul of the Moslem resistance!
2) Last Soul of the Moslem Resistence
6:32, lyrics:
The city is attached day and night from gigantic rams,
the walls and towers are struck by enormous boulders.
From the sea they come deriving ships from Costantinopolis,
but they are defeated by the Saracen fleet.
Siracusa is besieged from eight months
it is prey to the hunger and the illnesses,
the city is by now in knee but it continued to withstand heroically,
Last soul of the Moslem resistance.
The Saracens gathered against the tower of the Porto Grande,
by now weakened by the repeated attacks.
For twenty days and twenty nights the soldiers of Islam
they were attacked furiously in impetuous assaults
Dawn of May 21, the war cars Arabs attack
the tower of the Porto Grande opening a breach of it.
A rain of stones falls on houses and streets,
while the Saracens overwhelm the few soldiers
what by now they defended the city sowing death and destruction.
A last nucleus of Byzantine soldiers
it tried to do front the enemy but they were done asunder,
Siracusa, last soul of the Moslem resistance
…it’s conquered!
3) The Norman Ascent - Part I
2:42, lyrics:
The Norman, solicited by the Sicilians,
after the occupation of the south Italy,
ones turned the look to the neighbor island commanded by him Islamic.
It was the January of 1061: the beginning of the enterprise.
4) The Norman Ascent - Part II
7:22, lyrics:
The Norman soldiers driven from the brothers of Altavilla,
Ruggero and Roberto il Guiscardo,
it was small of number in comparison to the arabic,
but they had never counted the number of the enemies
they were adventurous men, that they entrusted to their audacity.
The two brothers assembled more possible ships
to transport their modest army, but the Moslem from Panormus also acted
having to Messina come troops of reinforcement
and above all a naval fleet to prevent to the enemy the strategic passage.
Il Guiscardo then it disembarked to Messina with few soldiers
they attracted all the Moslem naval forces and they made
the free street to north to the big one of the army driven by Roberto.
Comes to the doors in Messina
Ruggero it lined up his few soldiers
and it waited fearless the arrival of the Saracens.
the Arabs gave the immediate assault
but they were taken of surprise to the shoulders
from Roberto and the large one of its army
Taken from the panic the Moslem they put in escape
with the Norman riders that pursued them.
The a few Saracen soldier of the city,
when they saw the own fleet tricked
and their defeated army, they were surrendered.
Ruggero gave to Roberto the keys of the city of Messina,
almost conquered without fighting and they thanked God for easy victory..
5) Un Habir vs Lion'Erd
8:42, lyrics:
The blinding sun illuminates bare earth,
the made red hot air has the Norman line up trembled
visible in distance with the shines of their armors.
An imposing figure Arab on a white horse
it precedes of a few footsteps the Saracen line up,
Un Habir saw the insignias of the Duke Lion’ Erd,
to take sides with his ready army to the battle.
A Saracen messenger arrives to the gallop,
arrests the horse in front of the commander: The Arabic attack is ready to the assault.
To the first movement all the Arabs are reliable, the first attack is on the right side
but the Norman defense rejects this first offensive,
to the center the Arabs advance without lining up the troops,
while the infantry of Lion’Erd faces them with a slow very effective advance.
The battle already seems compromised for Un Habir,
but fortunately for him after repeated clashes,
the attack on the Norman side succeeds.
While to the center the Arabs finally get ready in double line
slowing down it line up of Duke Lion’Erd,
causing between their brave dead numerous lines.
The Arabs by now superior of number they defeat the really hostile ones severely,
causing the collapse of the command of infantry.
Saracens rage by now on all sides
causing last to the collapse of another command.
General Lion’Erd attacks the Moslem still bravely,
but he is rejected and finally surrounded and killed,
while the Norman soldiers confused escape…
Un Habir, at the end of the last attack,
It observes gratified the own victorious soldiers.
6) Arabic Dance
2:52, instrumental
7) January 1072
10:15, lyrics:
After having conquered big part of Sicily
with small battles and with use of a few soldiers,
the Norman headed at Panormus, but this time the attack was prepared
with a true army and a big naval fleet.
The first fight was naval, with extreme fury and numerous Moslem ships were sunk.
Norman Victory in sea was useful they forced the enemies to defend the bring,
weakening so the general defense of the city.
It was the first January of 1072.
To the dawn it was raised a dark noise, the Norman infantry was ready to attack
covered from a hail of arrows and boulders, when to surprise an gate was opened
and the Arabs they went out from there with impetus
facing the Norman infantrymen.
The Moslems, believing that all Norman attack arrived from the sea,
they forgot to defend south of the city.
And it was what the Guiscardo wanted.
Roberto, with three hundred knights, attacked the walls to south in Panormus.
The Norman, supported the stairs, were in an instant inside the city,
they killed the few guards that there were,
and opened the doors from the inside to Ruggero
and to the large one of the Norman army.
For great part of the night the combat infuriated body to body
and it seemed that the day after had to restart the battle,
instead to surprise arabs of surrendered.
Some Moslem commanders presented to the brothers of Altavilla
and they arranged the surrender.
Treated the surrender with the saracens,
Ruggero and Roberto entered to Panormus with many knights.
Comes to the Cathedral they removed the Moslem symbols,
Sicily had returned Christian earth.
8) Urbs Felix - Outro
3:22, instrumental
(artwork
not
available)
Covers Demo (2005, NOT SURE IF LEGIT)
Format unknown
Found this on a download site. Is this a real release??
1) No One Helps You 5:58
2) Nuclear 4:37
3) The Norman Ascent II 7:22
4) Un Habir Vs Lion Erd 6:28
Requiem of a Dream (album, July, 2006, Independent)
Format: CD, limited 300 copies
Guest appearances:
Sonny Insinna - Lyrics (track 11)
1) Introduction...
1:01, instrumental
2) Sound of a Requiem
5:08, lyrics:
In the fire it burns the fear.
The memory runs away in dark places
In the fire it burns the fear
In dark places it consumes the tragedy,
in a nightmare without return.
A man walking
to the loneliness of soul
Without it everything would be simpler.
Only the sound of a requiem
can wake up you from the reality
you are not protagonist of your existence.
Only the sound of a requiem
can wake up you from the reality
Only the voice of an angel
can wake you up from the sleep
You have never in hand your life
someone believes that you are not worthy.
In the fire it burns the fear.
The memory runs away in dark places.
The sound of a requiem... and you are finally quiet.
3) Mothers of the Black Veil
10:01, lyrics:
Many are the themes of your history in which you would have preferred not to have part
You can hear the buzzing of a fly
The sweet coming and going of your breath
The beating of your heart and the blood circulating
The only true sounds you realize you've ever known
The beating of your heart and the blood circulating
The only true sounds you realize you've ever known
I drag myself up the stairs with my dying legs
I hear the mourning of the mothers of the black veil
I ask myself the sense of this sadness
No one answers to my silent questions
I drag myself up the stairs with my dying legs
I hear the mourning of the mothers of the black veil
I ask myself the sense of this sadness
No one answers to my silent questions
But a sad truth appears from their red and wet eyes: they knew.
... and I was the only one that didn't want to understand.
I drag myself up the stairs with my dying legs
I hear the mourning of the mothers of the black veil
Many are the themes of your history in which you would have preferred not to have part
You can hear the buzzing of a fly
The sweet coming and going of your breath
The beating of your heart and the blood circulating
The only true sounds you realize you've ever known
... and I was the only one that didn't want to understand.
I have a devastated and a frightening complexion
My eyes are tired
I realize I have searched in the wrong places
I made several steps before I surrender
A cold hand touches my shoulder and I realize that my search has ended
4) Bizarre Baroque
5:50, instrumental
5) No One Helps You
8:30, lyrics:
You don't know who will help you
No one does steal the energy
From the person next to you
Do it to feel alive and don't ever turn around anymore
You have to have the courage
From your eyes shines the light
Only until nothing else remains to be asked.
consume slowly those few moments
In which your heart beats on its own
You don't know who will help you,
No one does consume slowly
Your heart beats, your heart beats.
Don't waste your only chance
No one will ever help you,
No one does consume those few hopes
Which you have conquered and don't ever turn around
You have to have the courage
You don't know who will help you,
No one does consume slowly, your heart beats.
You don't know who will help you,
No one does consume slowly, your heart beats.
Consume slowly, your heart beats.
6) The Long Road
5:41, lyrics:
A breeze around you seems to hate you.
Follow an empty desolated road
You don't realize of its length
The sun doesn't leave any shadow on your face
You stop to observe your life
Fascinated and hypnotized
You hardly take your glance away from all
To continue your walk.
A long endless road full of faces you will never meet.
A long endless road
Full of faces you will never meet.
You control a sudden loss
With the only strength of your will but, it's hard.
You control a sudden loss
With the only strength of your will but, it's hard.
The long road takes you up two tracks
Old and rusted by time.
The two tracks take you to a dead end.
Close your eyes and wait your end.
Reality is cruel and takes you only to a dead end... Goodbye!
7) Interludio
2:33, instrumental
8) Mantled by Sadness
6:14, lyrics:
You are lost in a thickset forest
And you can't find your way out
It seems so strange, that night
Your mind imposed a nightmare
To which you can't find an answer
You are always sure of the things you see and hear,
It can't be any other way
The show goes on, it must go on
And you are the main character.
Your life is short and burns rapidly
Like wood in a fireplace.
You are lost in a thickset forest
And you can't find your way out and never will.
You are lost in a thickset forest
And you can't find your way out and never will.
9) The Last Dream
5:47, lyrics:
I knew it was the last dream.
The sky is of a strange violet colour
Light up from above by
The first spectral fingers of dawn.
The sound of my breath becomes deep and regular
The only company is the constant
And perky sound of the rain
Liquid drill which digs the stone of my thoughts.
We become infants before such conception of reality
It is impossible to live beyond the infinite.
With a glance of hope I turn around
Turning my back to the pasted
But the way now is dark
Between darkness, someone or something is watching me
With its eyes light up and full of fear
The terror of that image makes me feel
Strangely less tired and younger.
I sink myself in hope.
The seen changes and all returns dark and unknown
I knew it was the last dream.
10) ...Epilogue
5:15, instrumental
11) Nu-Clear 2006 (Metanoia cover)
4:37, lyrics:
My life caught fire enchanted by the vision
That pushed up the sky with human violence.
I became the only member of my memories.
Audience thinking of all as an illusion
In that instant when everything slows down
It runs towards his prey.
I feel it on my neck,
I feel it on my skin,
I feel it coming on together with a child's cry.
Run man with your broken dream.
Run away through this burning field.
My eyes see you coming with your cruel breath.
You don't care about our knowledge,
You come over with your destruction
To take away dreams and reason,
To die 'cause of human greed.
I feel it on my neck,
I feel it on my skin,
I feel it coming on together with a child's cry.
(In my eyes) and that shout nearest
(In my eyes) going to find that child
(In my eyes) two lovers hand in hand
(In my eyes) for the last "I love you"
Celtiberia Belica - War I (compilation, 2007, Celtiberia Belica Records)
Format: CD
5) Exultet - The Norman Ascent, Part II 7:22, see "Urbs Felix" for lyrics
Sorg - White Metal Compilation Vol. II (2007, label unknown)
Format unknown
13) Exultet - Sound of Requiem 5:08, see above for lyrics
Constantinopolis (demo / EP)
summer 2008, Independent, CD, limited 300 copies
(year uncertain), Sullen Records, CD-R
Layout photos above are taken from the 2008 independent version.
1) Introduzione
3:44, instrumental
2) Mehmet il Conquistatore
8:18, lyrics:
Mehmet seguiva il suo sogno
conquistare Constantinopolis
nuova capitale dell'impero ottomano.
Sotto la sua spada caddero Nicea, Pergamo, Gallipoli
e infine i Turchi giunsero alle porte di Constantinopolis.
Mehmet il conquistatore, per assediare i nemici
fece costruire una gigantesca piazzaforte.
L'imperatore Costantino XI voleva subito incrociare le armi
per impedire a Mehmet di attuare il progetto,
ma alcuni membri del consiglio lo dissuasero
ritenendo le mosse del sultano non particolarmente pericolose.
Era il peggior consiglio che si potesse dare.
Boghas-Kesen, la più, possente fortezza mai costruita
sorse rapidamente ed inespugnabile.
La stretta mortale su Constantinopolis ebbe così inizio...
3) Constantinopolis
5:39, lyrics:
L'Europa Cristiana aveva già abbandonato
al suo destino la vecchia capitale da anni in rovina.
Solo Giovanni Giustinani Longo, genovese capitano di ventura
insieme a 700 mercenari, raggiunse Constantinopoli
per unirsi agli alleati assediati.
Con meno di 5000 soldati contro i 120.000 musulmani
parve subito un'impresa.
Unica risorsa positiva era l'equipaggiamento
e le abilità belliche degli italiani, oltre alle mura,
che sino all'avvento di Mehmet erano risultate inespugnabili.
Giustiniani, il miglior condottiero della città, prese da subito
il comando supremo della difesa di Constantinopolis.
Dispose le poche truppe a sua disposizione sul fronte
ed aspettò le mosse dei turchi. L'attacco era imminente...
4) Allah Humana
5:13, lyrics:
Marzo 1453 d.C.
Alle prime luci dell'alba apparvero avvolte dalla nebbia
le sagome delle grandi navi da guerra, simili a spettri.
Le ruote dele macchine d'assedio iniziarono a cigolare.
Di lì a poco tutt'intorno alla città tuonarono i cannoni,
mostri di ferro, i più potenti ed enormi mai visti.
La prima ondata turca avanzò sul terreno.
Una fitta grandinata di pietre e colpi di cannone
si scagliarono sulle mura esauste della città
aprendone un varco.
Il panico attanagliò i difensori.
I pochi genovesi rimasti uscirono allo scoperto
e si arresero ai turchi
che entravano a Constantinopoli conquistandola.
L'impero romano d'Oriente aveva cessato di esistere.
5) Epilogo
1:15, instrumental
Christian Black Metal - The Ultimate Collection (compilation)
31 December, 2008, Sullen Records, format unknown
????, Sullen Records, iTunes
7) Exultet - I soldati della croce 6:23, see below for lyrics
3:44, instrumental
2) Mehmet il Conquistatore
8:18, lyrics:
Mehmet seguiva il suo sogno
conquistare Constantinopolis
nuova capitale dell'impero ottomano.
Sotto la sua spada caddero Nicea, Pergamo, Gallipoli
e infine i Turchi giunsero alle porte di Constantinopolis.
Mehmet il conquistatore, per assediare i nemici
fece costruire una gigantesca piazzaforte.
L'imperatore Costantino XI voleva subito incrociare le armi
per impedire a Mehmet di attuare il progetto,
ma alcuni membri del consiglio lo dissuasero
ritenendo le mosse del sultano non particolarmente pericolose.
Era il peggior consiglio che si potesse dare.
Boghas-Kesen, la più, possente fortezza mai costruita
sorse rapidamente ed inespugnabile.
La stretta mortale su Constantinopolis ebbe così inizio...
3) Constantinopolis
5:39, lyrics:
L'Europa Cristiana aveva già abbandonato
al suo destino la vecchia capitale da anni in rovina.
Solo Giovanni Giustinani Longo, genovese capitano di ventura
insieme a 700 mercenari, raggiunse Constantinopoli
per unirsi agli alleati assediati.
Con meno di 5000 soldati contro i 120.000 musulmani
parve subito un'impresa.
Unica risorsa positiva era l'equipaggiamento
e le abilità belliche degli italiani, oltre alle mura,
che sino all'avvento di Mehmet erano risultate inespugnabili.
Giustiniani, il miglior condottiero della città, prese da subito
il comando supremo della difesa di Constantinopolis.
Dispose le poche truppe a sua disposizione sul fronte
ed aspettò le mosse dei turchi. L'attacco era imminente...
4) Allah Humana
5:13, lyrics:
Marzo 1453 d.C.
Alle prime luci dell'alba apparvero avvolte dalla nebbia
le sagome delle grandi navi da guerra, simili a spettri.
Le ruote dele macchine d'assedio iniziarono a cigolare.
Di lì a poco tutt'intorno alla città tuonarono i cannoni,
mostri di ferro, i più potenti ed enormi mai visti.
La prima ondata turca avanzò sul terreno.
Una fitta grandinata di pietre e colpi di cannone
si scagliarono sulle mura esauste della città
aprendone un varco.
Il panico attanagliò i difensori.
I pochi genovesi rimasti uscirono allo scoperto
e si arresero ai turchi
che entravano a Constantinopoli conquistandola.
L'impero romano d'Oriente aveva cessato di esistere.
5) Epilogo
1:15, instrumental
31 December, 2008, Sullen Records, format unknown
????, Sullen Records, iTunes
7) Exultet - I soldati della croce 6:23, see below for lyrics
I soldati della croce (promo, 2010, label unknown)
Format: CD
Format: CD
All I know about this is the cover art and format.
Whether the tracklist is the same as the album version, if it was released on a label, etc are unknown.
I soldati della croce (album, year uncertain, Sullen Records)
Format: CD, limited 250 copies
1) Intro
1:43, instrumental
2) Il Concilio di Clermont
3:45, lyrics:
Alessio I, Imperatore di Bisanzio
e capo politico della Chiesa Greca-Ortodossa,
vedendo il proprio regno a rischio
chiede aiuto all'Occidente
per respingere la nuova minaccia Islamica.
Papa Urbano II è ben conscio del fatto che
le armate Turche sono ormai alle porte dell'Europa
ma soprattutto da tempo ha bisogno di un piano
per dara alla Chiesa un nuovo prestigio politico.
Il Pontefice, durante il Concilio di Clermont del 1096,
si appella in maniera carismatica e coinvolgente
all'Europa Cristiana per intraprendere
una Guerra Santa contro l'Islam
garentendo a tutti coloro che ne faranno parte
anche l'accesso diretto al Cielo.
Una Crociata che in realtà ha il solo scopo di rafforzare il Papato
E riportare Roma al centro della politica mondiale
3) I soldati della croce
6:23, lyrics:
Nel Maggio del 1097 giunge a Constaninopoli
un esercito di 60.000 uomini comandato
dal Duca Goffredo di Buglione e da Boemondo d'Altavilla.
Ma Alessio è furibondo e terrorizzato.
L'Imperatore Bizantino aveva chiesto un gruppo di 300 cavaliere d'elite
da poter mandare ove riteneve che la minaccia fosse più grave
ma dal Papa Urbano II riceve invece migliaia di fanatici armati
ammassati pericolosamente alle porte della propria città
come un esercito di locuste.
Alessio però conclude con i comandante Crociate un accordo
che prevede supporto logistico alle truppe Cristiane
in cambio della consegna delle città
appartenute in precedenza all'Impero Bizantino.
I Crociati, consapevoli delle difficoltà che li attendono,
sono costretti ad accettare l'accordio, così passano il Bosforo
Ed entrano in territorio nemico.
4) La resa di Nicea
5:35, lyrics:
La lotta e gli scontri sono terribili
ma il morale de Cristiani è alto
perchè la prima vittoria è ormai a portata di mano.
Sebbene i Crociati sanno di dover restituire le città conquistate ad Alessio I
è loro intenzione impadronirsi degli oggetti di valore.
(Alessio, Nicea)
Nel frattempo però l'Imperatori bizantino
mette in atto un piano per impadronirsi della città
e depredarla per proprio conto.
Alessio, con Nicea prossima a capitolare
Contatta segretamenti i Turchi consigliandoli ad arrendersi a lui,
piuttosto che essere fatti a pezzi dai Franchi,
descritti come "uomini assetati di sangue".
I Crociati, traditi e infuriati verso i loro alleati,
continuano a lora marcia verso la Terra Santa.
5) La battaglia di Dorileo
8:44, lyrics:
L'esercito di Boemondo
dopo tre giorni di marcia
si accampa in una valle paludosa
nei pressi della città di Dorylaeum
e all'alba successiva vengono attaccati
da una pioggia di frecce.
Colto di sorpresa Boemondo cerca di schierare la propria cavalleria
ma il veloce assalto Turco respinge le timide controffensive Cristiane.
Boemondo allora stringe i propri uomini corazzati
in una linea difensiva disperata a protezione di civili e donne.
Gli arcieri a cavallo Turchi continuano a colpire i Crociate che però
grazie alle possenti armature, si defendono coraggiosamente.
Poi finalmente la parte più grande dell'armata Crociata
con in testa Goffredo, giunge sulla valle
e si scaglia con inaudita ferocia sui Turchi
prendendoli ai fianchi e alle spalle.
Dopo ore di sanguinosa lotta i Musulmani,
Vistosi travolti e sconfitti, sono costretti a ritirarsi.
6) I monti Anti-Taurus
1:35, instrumental
7) L'assedio di Antiochia
6:08, lyrics:
Dopo otto durissimi mesi di assedio
i Crociati non hanno ancora trovato una breccia nella difesa
e le condizione nel campo sono disperate.
La carestia e la peste mietono numerose vittime tra uomini e cavalli
ma l'assedio prosegue.
Esploratori Cristiani inoltre riferiscono di una grande armata Turca
che avanza verso Antiochia.
I Crociati sono alle strette: devono irrompere nella città, ed in fretta.
Boemondo trova e corrompe un traditore tra i Musulmani
una guardia Armenia che controlla una delle Torri in difesa della città.
Col favore della notte i Crociati poggiano le scale
lungo le merlature della Torre incustodita inziando ad arrampicarsi.
Quando i Turchi si accorgono del tradimento è troppo tardi.
I primi Franchi entrati corrono ad apire le porta della città
all'esercito che aspetta fuori.
Una volta dentro i Crociati scaricano tuta la loro rabbia
massacrando indiscriminatamente tutti i Musulmani
comprese donne e bambini.
La città si inonda di sangue ma è presa.
Boemondo si incorona Principe di Antiochia.
8) La conquista di Gerusalemme
8:14, lyrics:
Durante l'assedio vengono portati diversi assalti alle mura
ma tutti respinti.
La condizione dei Cristiani è ormai al limite,
stanchi e senza viveri.
In soccorso dei Crociati arriva però una flotta Genovese che
abili carpentieri, smantellano le navi con cui sono giunti
e costruiscono due imponenti Torri d'assedio.
Il 14 Luglio 1099 i Crociati, per cercare una breccia tra le mura,
alte sedici metri, lanciano due attacchi con le nuove Torri,
una a nord ed una a sud.
Dardi, pietre e frecce piovono dall'alto e il combattimento è cruento ed intenso.
A sud i difensori versano sulla Torre d'assedio olio incandescente
riuscendo ad incendiarla.
Goffredo però, con la sua Torre a nord, trova astutamente un punto
che presenta meno difese e riesce a penetrare a Gerusalemme.
I Turchi fanno un ultimo tentativo per arginare l'attacco ma vengono respinti.
Entrati in città i Crociati massacrano in un solo giorno
Quasi tutti gli abitanti della città,
riempiendone le vie di cadaveri squarciati e mutilati.
Con la presa di Gerusalemme la Crociata porta il suo obiettivo a termine,
ma dietro ad esso si nasconde una lunga scia di sangue innocente.
La notizia del massacro scuote il mondo Musulmano
e non passerà molto tempo prima che il furore dell'Islam
si scateni contro il Regno Cristiano di Gerusalemme...
I soldati della croce (album, year uncertain, Sullen Records)
Format: CD, limited 250 copies
1) Intro
1:43, instrumental
2) Il Concilio di Clermont
3:45, lyrics:
Alessio I, Imperatore di Bisanzio
e capo politico della Chiesa Greca-Ortodossa,
vedendo il proprio regno a rischio
chiede aiuto all'Occidente
per respingere la nuova minaccia Islamica.
Papa Urbano II è ben conscio del fatto che
le armate Turche sono ormai alle porte dell'Europa
ma soprattutto da tempo ha bisogno di un piano
per dara alla Chiesa un nuovo prestigio politico.
Il Pontefice, durante il Concilio di Clermont del 1096,
si appella in maniera carismatica e coinvolgente
all'Europa Cristiana per intraprendere
una Guerra Santa contro l'Islam
garentendo a tutti coloro che ne faranno parte
anche l'accesso diretto al Cielo.
Una Crociata che in realtà ha il solo scopo di rafforzare il Papato
E riportare Roma al centro della politica mondiale
3) I soldati della croce
6:23, lyrics:
Nel Maggio del 1097 giunge a Constaninopoli
un esercito di 60.000 uomini comandato
dal Duca Goffredo di Buglione e da Boemondo d'Altavilla.
Ma Alessio è furibondo e terrorizzato.
L'Imperatore Bizantino aveva chiesto un gruppo di 300 cavaliere d'elite
da poter mandare ove riteneve che la minaccia fosse più grave
ma dal Papa Urbano II riceve invece migliaia di fanatici armati
ammassati pericolosamente alle porte della propria città
come un esercito di locuste.
Alessio però conclude con i comandante Crociate un accordo
che prevede supporto logistico alle truppe Cristiane
in cambio della consegna delle città
appartenute in precedenza all'Impero Bizantino.
I Crociati, consapevoli delle difficoltà che li attendono,
sono costretti ad accettare l'accordio, così passano il Bosforo
Ed entrano in territorio nemico.
4) La resa di Nicea
5:35, lyrics:
La lotta e gli scontri sono terribili
ma il morale de Cristiani è alto
perchè la prima vittoria è ormai a portata di mano.
Sebbene i Crociati sanno di dover restituire le città conquistate ad Alessio I
è loro intenzione impadronirsi degli oggetti di valore.
(Alessio, Nicea)
Nel frattempo però l'Imperatori bizantino
mette in atto un piano per impadronirsi della città
e depredarla per proprio conto.
Alessio, con Nicea prossima a capitolare
Contatta segretamenti i Turchi consigliandoli ad arrendersi a lui,
piuttosto che essere fatti a pezzi dai Franchi,
descritti come "uomini assetati di sangue".
I Crociati, traditi e infuriati verso i loro alleati,
continuano a lora marcia verso la Terra Santa.
5) La battaglia di Dorileo
8:44, lyrics:
L'esercito di Boemondo
dopo tre giorni di marcia
si accampa in una valle paludosa
nei pressi della città di Dorylaeum
e all'alba successiva vengono attaccati
da una pioggia di frecce.
Colto di sorpresa Boemondo cerca di schierare la propria cavalleria
ma il veloce assalto Turco respinge le timide controffensive Cristiane.
Boemondo allora stringe i propri uomini corazzati
in una linea difensiva disperata a protezione di civili e donne.
Gli arcieri a cavallo Turchi continuano a colpire i Crociate che però
grazie alle possenti armature, si defendono coraggiosamente.
Poi finalmente la parte più grande dell'armata Crociata
con in testa Goffredo, giunge sulla valle
e si scaglia con inaudita ferocia sui Turchi
prendendoli ai fianchi e alle spalle.
Dopo ore di sanguinosa lotta i Musulmani,
Vistosi travolti e sconfitti, sono costretti a ritirarsi.
6) I monti Anti-Taurus
1:35, instrumental
7) L'assedio di Antiochia
6:08, lyrics:
Dopo otto durissimi mesi di assedio
i Crociati non hanno ancora trovato una breccia nella difesa
e le condizione nel campo sono disperate.
La carestia e la peste mietono numerose vittime tra uomini e cavalli
ma l'assedio prosegue.
Esploratori Cristiani inoltre riferiscono di una grande armata Turca
che avanza verso Antiochia.
I Crociati sono alle strette: devono irrompere nella città, ed in fretta.
Boemondo trova e corrompe un traditore tra i Musulmani
una guardia Armenia che controlla una delle Torri in difesa della città.
Col favore della notte i Crociati poggiano le scale
lungo le merlature della Torre incustodita inziando ad arrampicarsi.
Quando i Turchi si accorgono del tradimento è troppo tardi.
I primi Franchi entrati corrono ad apire le porta della città
all'esercito che aspetta fuori.
Una volta dentro i Crociati scaricano tuta la loro rabbia
massacrando indiscriminatamente tutti i Musulmani
comprese donne e bambini.
La città si inonda di sangue ma è presa.
Boemondo si incorona Principe di Antiochia.
8) La conquista di Gerusalemme
8:14, lyrics:
Durante l'assedio vengono portati diversi assalti alle mura
ma tutti respinti.
La condizione dei Cristiani è ormai al limite,
stanchi e senza viveri.
In soccorso dei Crociati arriva però una flotta Genovese che
abili carpentieri, smantellano le navi con cui sono giunti
e costruiscono due imponenti Torri d'assedio.
Il 14 Luglio 1099 i Crociati, per cercare una breccia tra le mura,
alte sedici metri, lanciano due attacchi con le nuove Torri,
una a nord ed una a sud.
Dardi, pietre e frecce piovono dall'alto e il combattimento è cruento ed intenso.
A sud i difensori versano sulla Torre d'assedio olio incandescente
riuscendo ad incendiarla.
Goffredo però, con la sua Torre a nord, trova astutamente un punto
che presenta meno difese e riesce a penetrare a Gerusalemme.
I Turchi fanno un ultimo tentativo per arginare l'attacco ma vengono respinti.
Entrati in città i Crociati massacrano in un solo giorno
Quasi tutti gli abitanti della città,
riempiendone le vie di cadaveri squarciati e mutilati.
Con la presa di Gerusalemme la Crociata porta il suo obiettivo a termine,
ma dietro ad esso si nasconde una lunga scia di sangue innocente.
La notizia del massacro scuote il mondo Musulmano
e non passerà molto tempo prima che il furore dell'Islam
si scateni contro il Regno Cristiano di Gerusalemme...
At the Gates of Christendom (promo, 8 January, 2015, Martyrdom Records (RIPOFF LABEL))
Format: CD
See the album version for lyrics.
1) Intro-Ottoman Ships Gushed Through the Sea... 1:14
2) Landing in Otranto, 1480 10:49
3) Turkish Invasion 6:10
4) Martyrium, Terror and Death 7:49
5) Holy League 7:43
6) Warships in the Mediterranean 2:30
7) Battle of Lepanto 10:30
8) The Norman Ascent (New Version 2014) 8:02 (bonus track)
2) Landing in Otranto, 1480 10:49
3) Turkish Invasion 6:10
4) Martyrium, Terror and Death 7:49
5) Holy League 7:43
6) Warships in the Mediterranean 2:30
7) Battle of Lepanto 10:30
8) The Norman Ascent (New Version 2014) 8:02 (bonus track)
At the Gates of Christendom (album, 10 February, 2015, Martyrdom Records (RIPOFF LABEL))
Format: CD, limited 100 copies
The lyrics on track 7 are adapted from the book "La battaglia di Lepanto" by Gianni Granzotto.
The album is split into parts:
Tracks 1-4 are "Part 1 - Otranto 1480".
Tracks 5-7 are "Part 2 - Lepanto 1571".
Track 8 is a bonus track -- a remake of the song of the same name from the "Urbs Felix" album.
1) Intro-Ottoman Ships Gushed Through the Sea...
1:14, lyrics:
Constantinople has fallen.
A massive Ottoman fleet, led by Gedik Ahmed Pasha,
Undisturbed crossed the Strait of Otranto.
A big attack on Italy was about to begin.
2) Landing in Otranto, 1480
10:49, lyrics:
The landing was smooth,
There were only sporadic clashes among the soldiers
Of the surprised Aragonese garrison
And the massive enemy forces that landed.
Soon Italians, intimidated by the steady increase
Of the Ottoman strength, abandoned the hamlet
And retreated behind the citadel's walls.
The defendants, in the vain waiting for rescue,
Bravely repulsed the surrender request made by Ahmed.
"The infidels fled and entered into the castle and closing the door
Of the castle they opened the gate of the war.
The guns were breathing like mouths of giants
And when some infidel soldiers wanted to be seen as devils,
Stone balls took away their heads and their bodies clung next to the walls.
The plain next to the city was transformed into a sea of iron waves.
With the shimmer of the ramparts and the splendor
Of the helmets of steel the moon and the sun got frozen in the sky".
The walls, devoid of guns and poorly defended,
Were repeatedly hit by powerful artillery.
3) Turkish Invasion
6:10, lyrics:
When the walls of the citadel ceded
The Turks broke through the doors of the Cathedral,
Where they committed a terrible massacre.
The clergy and many citizens found praying
Were cut to pieces with their scimitars.
"The heroes were furious as the Nile
And attacked with drawn swords that burned like fire,
Blowing out with swords the fire of the vile bodies
Of those infidels dogs from Hell,
And knocked down those arrogants with the tips of the spears.
Those evil, those villains went out as shrubs taken from the fire.
The battlefield was full with the corpses of the soldiers of the West.
Defeated the evil enemy, the winners, soldiers fighting
For the victory of Islam, sold some of the prisoners and killed some others."
Otranto fell after two weeks of heroic resistance.
4) Martyrium, Terror and Death
7:49, lyrics:
Conquistata Otranto i Turchi iniziarono a seminare terrore e morte.
The Italian Christian world was aghast.
Ferdinand I King of Naples, turned to the Pope
Exposing the danger looming over the lands of the Church
If the Turks had invaded the Kingdom of Naples.
The fall and the martyrdom of Otranto
Aroused great emotion among Christians and fears
Of a possible invasion of the Vatican woke up Sixtus IV.
The Pope decreed a truce among the various Italian States
And proclaimed an anti-Muslin crusade,
Inviting all Christian Princes to join against
A unique and formidable enemy.
Otranto was besieged, and the Turks
Felt for the first time threatened by land and by sea.
To resolve the situation, however, was the death of Sultan Mehmed II.
A new crisis arove within the Turkish Empire and Gedik Ahmed was called home.
In Otranto the Ottoman army got deprived of reinforcements
And pressed by the armies and the Christian militias,
Suffered a violent attack which caused considerable loss of life.
On September 10, 1481 the Islamic army handed over the city
Reduced to a pile of rubble, in which only 300 inhabitants had survived.
5) Holy League
7:43, lyrics:
The crescent moon symbol was waving
Threateningly on the Christian world.
From the conquest of Constantinople on the Ottoman advance
Into Europe became increasingly unstoppable.
But the crucial event which woke up the whole West
Was the breaking of the truce between the Serenissima and the Ottomans,
And the subsequent attack on the island of Cyprus,
Crucial base for Venice and the last Christendom's frontier in the Mediterranean.
Pope Pius V reacted immediately to resolve the tension among the Christian
Mediterranean powers and push them into a common effort.
In May 1571, after many difficulties, the Holy League was signed.
The Christian world had the strength to lay all the internal rivalries
And united into a single, robust force capable of fighting
The immense and dangerous wave that Islam threatened
To slam with ferocity on the entire Christian land.
The Holy See was joined by the Spain led by King Philip II,
The eternal rivals of Venice and Genoa, the order of Malta,
Besides many other Italian dukedoms such as Savoy, Urbino, Parma
And the Grand Duke of Tuscany Cosimo de' Medici.
The Holy League's men knew that the impending battle was decisive
For the whole Christendom, and that in case of defeat Italian
And Spanish lands would fall into the hands of the Turks.
Islam seemed ready to strike Rome and the heart of the West.
But now that the era of Ottoman predominance was over,
Giving way to the impressive and compact Christian counter-offensive.
6) Warships in the Mediterranean
2:30, instrumental
7) Battle of Lepanto
10:30, lyrics:
L'armata christiana stava ferma sulla sua linea.
Il solo movimento riguardò le galeazze, che si andarono a schierare
Un miglio davanti a noi, come isole avanzate.
Si aprì una specie di varco sulla parte destra del nostro schieramento
E le due galeazze che dovevano andare a proteggere
Il como dei genovesi si trovarono un po' sperdute nel mezzo del mare.
Ma le altre furono pronte a scatenare tutto l'inferno dei cannoni di cui erano strapiene.
Sui turchi che avanzavano a tutta voga,
Senza più vele ai trinchetti per la caduta del vento,
Piovvero i colpi ed il fuoco in una terribile tempesta
D'improvviso infuriante sul mare tranquillo.
Vidi le palle lanciate dal Duodo sfracassare il fanale più grande della Reale dei Turchi,
Che per altezza dominava il gruppo dei legni nemici avventati all'assalto.
Un secondo colpo frantumò la spalla d'una galera vicina,
Un terzo mandò in pezzi il fasciame di un'altra,
Che si mise ad imbarcare acqua a fiotti sprofondando nel mare come in una sabbia.
Uomini con i turbanti in capo si buttarono a nuoto dagli spalti divelti.
Tra remi spezzati, frammenti di chiglia, tronconi d'alberi dimezzati
Che cadevano da altre galere colpite travolgendo soldati e rematori,
Mentre il fuoco prendeva a divampare su questo e quel bordo
Illuminando le acque di inverosimili bagliori.
8) The Norman Ascent (New Version 2014) (bonus track)
8:02, lyrics:
The Normans led by d'Altavilla brothers,
Ruggero and Roberto also known as Guiscardo,
Were outnumbered by the Arab army,
But they had never counted the number of enemies,
They were brave men, adventurous and skilful strategists.
The two brothers, to carry a modest army,
Assembled as many ships as possible and crossed the strait.
The Saracens sent, from Balarm, reinforcements
And a large naval fleet to intercept them along Messina's coasts.
Ruggero, with his small part of the army,
Headed straight to the Sicilian city, attracting all the Arab force
Towards himself, thus allowing Roberto to land further north.
Ruggero, deployed his few soldiers,
Waited without fear the arrival of the Saracens.
The Arabs assaulted immediately, but were caught behind
by Guiscardo and the rest of the Norman army.
Panicked Muslins began fleeing.
The few Saracen soldiers within the city, when they saw their fleet deceived
And their army defeated, surrendered.
Ruggero gave Roberto the keys of the city of Messina,
Conquered almost without fighting and thanked God for an easy victory.
_____________________________________________
IncompletePage, CouldUseBetterImages, UncertainInfo, SimilarTo
INFO:
1) A LOT of uncertain release dates.
Metal Archives says "Urbs Felix" was rereleased in November, 2011. The band's discography says 2012. Same with "Constantinopolis"; MA says 2011, the band's discography says 2012. For "I soldati della croce", MA says 2010, the band's discography says 2011. ................ 2) There were plans to release a split with a "Roman" band called "Myrrha Dei". Did this split ever materialize? If so, does anyone have more info about this Myrrha Dei band? Are they Christian? 3) More info on the PROMO version of "I soldati..."? 4) How many copies is the Sullen version of "Urbs Felix" limited to? 5) More info on this "Covers_Demo" from 2005??
IncompletePage, CouldUseBetterImages, UncertainInfo, SimilarTo
INFO:
1) A LOT of uncertain release dates.
Metal Archives says "Urbs Felix" was rereleased in November, 2011. The band's discography says 2012. Same with "Constantinopolis"; MA says 2011, the band's discography says 2012. For "I soldati della croce", MA says 2010, the band's discography says 2011. ................ 2) There were plans to release a split with a "Roman" band called "Myrrha Dei". Did this split ever materialize? If so, does anyone have more info about this Myrrha Dei band? Are they Christian? 3) More info on the PROMO version of "I soldati..."? 4) How many copies is the Sullen version of "Urbs Felix" limited to? 5) More info on this "Covers_Demo" from 2005??
IMAGES:
Better-quality versions of the artwork for both "promo" releases.
Similar to: [SECULAR] Drachenorden, Geasa, Inner Dominion, Kre^u, Ticinum, Grendel (Ita), [CHRISTIAN] Thy Sword, Animae Capronii, (add more later)
2 comments:
I love this band.one of my all time top favourites along with Seventh Avenue(Germany) and Orphaned Land(Israel).I really hope there will be more from them especially in the vein of oriental-influenced metal
This band is so underrated, I can hardly even believe it. I hope they release more, too, and if they do, I hope they finally get the recognition they deserve. With a slightly higher budget, they could easily stand alongside other medieval stuff like Summoning and Caladan Brood.
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