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BAND NAME: Vanguard
GENRE: Experimental / Symphonic Deathcore / Viking Black Metal (most releases), Metalcore / Deathcore / Post-Hardcore ("Bring Hope" EP)
STATUS: Changed name
(Active under new name, Being as an Ocean)
LOCATION: USA (San Diego, California)
Metal Archives says they formed in 2005. However, a comment on one of their old Myspace pages mentions an old "name before Vanguard" and a female singer. I don't have any info about this - including if it's even true or not. Any help? At any rate, changed name to "Being as an Ocean" in 2011. I don't know any of their music under that name, but what people say online is they play more hardcore-oriented music and dropped the symphonic black metal influences.
Lineup:
Joel "Einar" Quartuccio - Vocals, Lyrics
Tyler "Baldur" Ross - Guitars, Orchestrations
Ralph "Eyvindur" Sica - Bass, "Mourner"
Shad Hamawe - Drums
+ The band's old Myspace mentions these two people, I don't know anything about them:
Bjarki Styrr - Drums ("Titan of the Toms"), Vocals, Management.
Olaf - Storyteller, Narrations
+ Myspace lists these two people as "guest appearances" but I don't know what they were guests on:
Dan Williams - Vocals
Ryan Ellis - Guitars
... but Ryan Ellis is mentioned as a full member on Metal Archives. Any help?
Links:
Myspace @ archive.org (28 September, 2008), "vanguardsymphony"
Myspace @ archive.org (December, 2008), "vangaurdsymphony"
Myspace @ archive.org (23 July 2009), "vanguardca"*
Myspace @ archive.org (1 May 2009), "vanguardca"
*Notice on this link, the band got a comment from Asking Alexandria!
Discography:
NOTE: Metal Archives says this band did a cover of [Dark Lay Still]'s song "White Blades through Black Hearts". No particular release is mentioned. I can't find any references to this. Anyone have more info on this?
Dragon Slayers (EP, 2006, Independent)
Format: CD-R, slimcase
One-panel insert. The reverse is blank.
1) Contest of Harmony
1:31, instrumental
2) Dragonslayer
7:42, lyrics:
A monster storms throughout the towns,
Its beastly head adorned with crowns.
Yon beast takes form, incarnate dread,
Commanding scores of living dead.
A Valiant Knight of ancient truth,
Will slit this devil's throat, forsooth.
And bloodied now in crimson stray,
He stands to sing of her decay.
It lusts for murder.
To feast on human flesh
Is its taste.
This putrid, wrathful, dragon scourge.
The behemoth of the frigid night,
Sets pure, untainted hearts to flight.
Tales of closure, apprehend,
For every battle has its end.
The gilded knight will rise through flame,
To tame the dragon,
Once Again.
3) The Dark Ages
3:13, lyrics:
In these days, but few remain.
And those that fight are met with pain.
The beasts own mark, in flesh engraved.
To refuse is death, and yet will save,
The ones who bear the Saviour's name.
In honored graves let dead be lain.
Putrescence suffocates this land.
The time for purification is at hand.
Hark, Our Shining Lord stands triumphant,
At the end of these dark ages.
(Redeemer of Souls.)
4) Adagio
1:20, lyrics:
We do not wrestle against flesh and blood,
But against principalities, against powers,
Against the rulers of the darkness of this age,
And against spiritual hosts of wickedness
In the heavenly places.
Therefore take up the whole armor of God,
That you may be able to withstand in the evil day,
And having done all, to stand.
Let the wicked be disgraced;
Let them lie silent in the grave.
O Lord, oppose those who oppose me.
Declare war on those who are attacking me.
Put on your armor, and take up your shield.
Prepare for battle, and come to my aid.
5) Legions of Light
7:56, lyrics:
The Horde advances,
Atop winged beasts.
In midst of the battle,
Lucifer speaks.
"Spill Angelic Blood!"
Rise up!
Rise up!
The blackest of blood
Saturates this field.
The corpses surfeit,
Yet neither will yield.
White wings stained in red
Greet the sharpest of fangs.
Eternal dominion,
The victor shall claim.
The demons now strike
With malicious intent,
Yet the light presses on,
And shows not relent.
Enter Legions.
Vindication in white.
And the Lamb that was slain.
Doth now lead the fight.
2:00, see below for lyrics
Erek and Ivor (album, 29 June, 2008, Independent)
Format: Digital + possibly CDdigital links expired
A digital version was [posted on Myspace], available from no less than 4 websites: [Bitlet], [Mediafire], [MegaUpload], and [some unspecified fourth website]. Unfortunately none of them work anymore, as Myspace was using "msplinks" to redirect links back then, and to my knowledge, not a single "msplinks" link still works.
Metal Archives also mentions a CD version. I can find no concrete references to this.
There's a female vocalist on this album but I don't know her name.
1) Incursion
2:09, lyrics:
(Herryk and the Köl Army)
"Kill them all.
I don't want to have to see this place again.
Burn it down and rape what's left.
Rain down fire, set ablaze this ground and break this down."
Black steel gleams, a prerequisite to bloodshed.
Set the charge. The stage is set for a massacre.
"Finish them off! Slit their throats agape!
Peasants' corpses shall litter the ground!"
Peasants forced running from their homes.
Who will stand against such evil?
"Lay him on the threshing floor!"
None are left to fight.
All are left on the ground, in their own gore.
No more resistance from this town!
"For Diabolus!"
2) ...and the Story Begins
00:34, lyrics:
(Olaf)
"Our story, children, begins with a massacre. For days the hunt yielded nothing to Erek. The cruel forest drove him down the mountain. Little did he know that his world would change by night..."
3) By Night
1:30, instrumental
4) A Purpose Enacted
6:09, lyrics:
(Erek)
"Riding towards my destiny,
and I can barely keep my wits.
This rhythmic pounding plays a lullaby in my head,
plunging me deeper into my stupor.
The night hastily approaches; the end of my journey still lies far ahead.
The Desert's horizon becomes a blur.
Thinking back to the family I once had sharpens my vision,
brings clarity to my pursuit.
Ignorance is a cancer; knowing will bring release.
Crossing this arid plain, my body gives way to exhaustion.
My salvation, an encampment in the distance.
These nomads bid me welcome; food, rest, and a fire's warmth,
a perishing stranger my only comrade.
He screams, as to prolong his imminent demise,
"Women, children, slaughter them all! Taking this village will be effortless."
This is no man, I see through his guise.
"Blonde hair, made red!"
This mark washes away all doubt,
They're responsible, he must die!
The blade bestowed me by the man you took
will find its vengeance, drenched in your blood.
The edge on his filthy throat, every inch I open, I am becoming whole.
He takes his final gasping breath.
I must depart, lest my deeds be discovered.
I now know how to exact my vengeance.
Revitalized by death,
I ride once more.
Thinking back to the family I once had sharpens my vision,
brings clarity to my pursuit.
These Köl are a cancer, vengeance will bring release."
5) Ruthargen Spirits
1:34, lyrics:
(Olaf)
"Erek rode and rode, fearful of those who might have found evidence of his vengeful deed back in the nomad camp. A night and day passed without any sign of human civilization. Fatigue gripped Erek Finally, a dim, glimmering light caught Erek's eye, a tavern. The allure of the fire and the promise of ale, drew Erek in. He was searching for anything to take the anguish, of which he still carried in excess, away. Erek entered the tavern to find old men and Ivorian soldiers toasting to good health and the life of the Great King. Soon a drunken, old bard began to tell eerie tales of a behemoth who resided in the wood at the base of Shadow Mountain. Almost instantly, the bard was silenced by the rest of the merry patrons, but no sooner had the old man been stifled, then Erek's mind began to swim with thoughts of witchery and netherwordly creatures. Although intrigued, Erek soon forgot the ravings and fell into a drunken stupor. A few years passed in this fashion. Erek's only comfort, a pint of ale. Realizing that living in debauchery would not dampen his longing for revenge, Erek resumed his quest to find one who could train him in the art of war, so that he would be ready, when the time came, to enact his purpose once more."
6) Heart and Strength
4:57, lyrics:
(Herryk and Magnor)
"Stand! We'll make a stand for all these wretched Köl to see. Fight with heart and with a vengeance. This day determines who we are, and what we'll be."
"I know these weaklings; I've even seen this young commander once before. King Ivor's people are unequipped and ill prepared to go to war."
"My fellow warriors! For years and years you've been trained by me. The task before us isn't simple, but in these trenches we defend a dynasty."
"Your words are nothing! On empty hearts and feeble minds they fall like ash. Our goal is simple, I can assure there will be no turning back."
"We fight for Ivor! How could you think that all your malice and your greed would ever gain you the wild heart and strength of will that you men need."
"All Kölic forces at the ready! We storm the gates on my command. Magnor is weakest when unaware we are at hand."
"Protect your brother! The bravest soldier left alone is first to fall. We die together. We stop them here or not at all."
Vital fluid, drenching their swords.
Their blood lust is unquenchable.
Hordes sending souls to hell.
Look around and see this battle, oh you, Christian soldier.
"You will not be victorious!
I'll strike you down with a single blow!
Oh great Köl leader, you will perish!
Your atrocities will be avenged.
With your death, my malice will be appeased.
Squaring off, you don't have a chance.
I see through your infantile defense.
This is too easy. Vengeance is empty without a challenge.
I'll take it none the less.
I see my opening.
Your as good as dead. Impaled swiftly in the gut. Your life fades."
7) Death to a Sinful King
2:18, lyrics:
(Erek)
"Towards the castle I ride,
a palace of deception and greed,
to be given a knightly honor,
bestowed by the one I've hated most.
Entering the gates, I contemplate His demise.
Bloody reconciliation. Trumpets blare at my approach.
They joyfully sing my praises, but little do these worshipers know,
their kingdom will lie in ruins.
I approach the King, admiration in His eyes.
He addresses me as champion, Saviour of the Land.
Then, on bended knee, I unsheathe my father's blade.
I thrust the dagger in.
With furious vengeance, I cleanse this swine of his transgressions.
Bleed!
Your sins are cleansed by the spilling of your own blood.
This will not be over quickly.
You will be drained in front of your throne.
Your servants look on in horror.
I run."
8) Shadow Mountain
2:27, lyrics:
(Olaf)
The royal guards pursuit drove Erek into the forest at the base of the infamously possessed Shadow Mountain. The soldiers refused to follow suit and enter the forests limits. However, the sanctity of Shadow Mountain brought little rest to young Erek, for the bard's drunken ravings played on in his mind, transforming redwoods into bumbling ogres, and the calls of the forest birds into the cries of the Behemoth foretold. Erek marched on over the sunken roots of the redwood forest, equally as scared of a scurrying rodent as the terrified creature was of him. This madness carried on until Erek's mind was driven to the point of insanity. The forest casting visions of his family's ruin across his mind's eye, draining his body of all energy and his spirit of all hope.
9) Lamentations
3:15, lyrics:
(Erek)
"Lamentations and specters, tormenting my very soul.
My mind is a wreck with terrors beyond my reckoning."
"They died because of you!
You were no where to be found while they were being torn limb from limb.
Their bodies set ablaze as they screamed in agony!
Their blood is on your hands! Listen to their cries, Erek!
Hear them suffer! It's your fault; you were not there!"
"No, no, I could not have saved them!"
"Lies, lies!"
"No, it was out of my hands!"
"You let them die!"
"Get behind me, Deceiver! Leave me foul, apparition!
I have destroyed the one truly responsible for their fall"
("I must leave this place immediately lest my mind become consumed by darkness.")
"The light seems furthest now..."
10) Merchant's Bay
1:14, lyrics:
(Olaf)
"Upon exiting the torments of the dark shadow mountain, Erek found himself on a shore line. A band of merchants to cast off. Erek pled with the vessel's captain to let him accompany them on their voyage. Ignorant of the warrior's past deeds and agendas, they granted him a place among the crew. They set sail and disappeared into the sunset."
11) Aboard the Maelström
4:48, lyrics:
(Magnor, Erek)
"Harboring the King's assassins; an offense punishable by death.
We bring the fugitives aboard and throw them into the brig.
We set a course for Ruthengard,
these traitors will be brought to justice.
Fame and riches are to be ours.
The gods bless our journey, clear skies, wind in our sails.
Bringing we heroes home.
Nothing can obstruct the chosen's path.
Fate is on our side.
Lightning strikes the mast. Why has this tempest been brought upon us?!
What sin have we committed to deserve this punishment?
We bring the captives topside,
hoping they may be able to ease our endeavors.
We may be able to pull through with their aid.
Useless!
Dashed upon the rocks, our ship is reduced to humble timber.
Few comrades are left alive.
The assassin is nowhere to be found.
Presumed dead.
The god's justice wrought by the waves, as for us, we shall die,
marooned on this island, serving a debt which was not ours.
12) Uncharted Waters
1:19, instrumental
13) Hands of Fate
3:56, lyrics:
(Erek, Nicolette)
So here we are,
two strangers thrown together,
by the hands of fate.
So here we are
two strangers torn by hatred,
brought, by this storm, face to face.
And if the soldiers who left us here to die were to have their way,
there would be no escape from this accursed place.
But what of you Young Erek?
You say you've slain a king,
yet Magnor his servant claims even now
his armies assemble to begin their defense of our Ruthengard.
You don't believe me, I'll prove it to you,
I've slain King Ivor.
Our Ruthengard lies in ruins, you'll see.
Rothgard was a prelude to our great cities demise.
I pray their fortress is reduced to rubble.
Their sins lay bare.
They will suffer at the swords of this foe as punishment for their inaction!
You have so much hate in your heart
There was nothing you could have gone to save your family.
It is not your fault that their spirits have ascended.
Nor can Ivor be blamed for the incursion.
After all you've done have you found peace?
Hatred is a prison, forgiveness can set you free.
We must protect what friends and family we have left.
Yes, we will protect what is ours.
I will fight for Ruthengard.
I cannot bare to lose the family I have left
14) Macabre
3:17, lyrics:
(Malus)
"Vile scourge!
Unworthy of breath.
They've plagued this decrepit earth for too long.
This siege, they'll never see coming until our swords are at their throats.
Slaughtering these bastards will be simple!
Ripping them open, from jaw to nave.
Entrails cascading in crimson flood.
Worthless beings, unworthy of breath.
Disgusting half-breed race, you put up little defense!
We find it humorous.
We snuff out all life with one swift military advance.
Nothing is left.
Nothing but your corpses and excrement.
A macabre display of infutility."
15) March of Malus
1:57, lyrics:
(Malus)
"My brethren!
Now is the time of retribution.
These humans sit comfortably in ignorance.
Their nobles feast, drink, and dance until the morning's light.
Ruthengard will fall to its demise in a drunken stupor.
With their hero turned assassin gone,
their walls will fall with one blow of the Köl war hammer.
Their young men and children will become slaves.
Their old will be piled high in the city square.
Their women will scream in terror!
Oh, they will taste the sword.
Twenty thousand Köl, separate tribes,
united under one banner, will ensure the purification of this land!
Annihilation has come upon them!
Finally, these usurpers will atone for their horrific violations, my brethren! May their blood sacrifice appease Diabolus,
so that the Köl race may once again rule this land.
With the sword, chain, and fire, go forth in hatred and obliterate this vermin!"
(artwork
not
available)
Ivor's Return (EP, 31 August - 16 September, 2008, Independent)
Format unknown
These songs were supposed to be placed at the end of the "Erek & Ivor" album, but they weren't for currently unknown reasons, and the band released them on this instead.
The release dates come from Myspace comments. On 31 August, someone
asked about the new songs. By 16 September, people were commenting their
thoughts on the songs. So they were posted sometime in that time frame.
Note that the artwork used in [these videos] is not official artwork. Similar to what I've done with a few bands, the uploader needed some sort of thumbnail, so he/she just repurposed the "Erek & Ivor" artwork and added this EP's title to it.
1) Síđastur Orrusta
15:09, lyrics unknown
2) Árisastór Bylta
1:40, lyrics unknown
Bring Hope (EP, 2009, Independent)
Format unknown, possibly CD
1) No Compromise
3:52, lyrics:
I'm so tired of living by my own rules
Tired of walking the path I've blazed
And always ending up the fool
No longer will I let this evil world take advantage of my finite mind
No compromise
I will grab the reins to my life and hand them over to You
For You see clearly
The path that leads to Life and Truth
Blessed are Your corrections and reprimands
Never again will I let myself be told who I am
And what I'm to do
I know who You made me to be
And to that I'll stay ever true
No compromise
Bind the Deceiver from my way
Keep his lies from my ears and his filth from my eyes
Give me confidence in your strength, Lord
For in it, I will never die
No compromise
He died for us!
We'll live for Him!
2) God of This City
4:01, lyrics:
Hey Lauren, keep your headlights on
And we'll keep driving all night long
Twenty people in the back of your car
Windows down singing
We're singing!
This is good
This is pure
And He smiles when He sees it in you
And its not about us
And its not the things we do
But if you wonder what has gotten us this far
It's the love that we have that makes us who we are!
(Oh Lauren, do you see what you've done)
Show them all
Show them all whose wrong
They'll never make us hate a single one
And if you've got it
Then you've got it
Better keep it strong
Show these kids who we are and just where we come from
San Diego's open all night long!
Dear God, I pray over the youth of this city
I thank you for the lives and the hearts that You've given them, Father
But with that privilege, You'd grant them wisdom and discernment
Let us see what we are in this world!
Amen
We'll show them love
We'll show them Your grace
Their hearts will be changed
3) The Harlot's Song
4:21, lyrics:
Drawn in by your socialized beauty
You knew from the beginning
Fully aware of the pain you would cause
I gave you my very being
My everything
You took all that was good in me
And stole my purity
Under the guise of love and passion
You swindled me
Out of relationship and true love
You've become nothing to me
My worst enemy
Everything I've stood against
You are a harlot!
My heart weeps for your soul
You are a harlot!
Over me, you have no more control
You filthy harlot!
And I thought I could be free
That I'd found peace in your arms
Then you cut me down
And all that could be found
Was your wretched deceit and lies
Manipulation and guilt
Were the only reasons for which you cried
You charming succubus!
Now everyone sees your sickness!
May you find solace in this world you've created
As you writhe in this fire you've ignited
And lie awake, sleepless, in this bed you have made
May He find a way inside and heal the damage you've inflicted
May the Father have mercy upon you
May you never hurt another soul again
Not even your own
4) Bring Hope
4:06, lyrics:
The air is think with smoke and fog
We breath in deeply this poison
City lights ignite the night
And try to diverge ours
From this grand lie, that everything's alright
Living in the fast lane, we're slowly dying
We need to take some time to fully live
Remember what truly matters
We will bring hope!
This city teems with life
Yet is shrouded in Death
Evils deep and ancient inhabit this place
But the Redeemer is in the midst of it all
Changing, healing, distributing grace
He is in this city
He is moving
What do you have to fear, Oh Children of God?
For you are seated firmly at His right hand!
Let us become the instruments of grace that we were born to be
This is His time!
Revival!
We will bring hope!
We reclaim this place
In His name
We reclaim this space
In His name
We will bring hope!
This is His domain
Thrive in Grace!
5) Home is Where the Heart Is
5:51, lyrics:
We're getting older
The ones who stayed
Through all the bullshit and all the heartache
I never wanted any of this to happen
But there's a purpose and there's a plan
I know He's got us in His hands
I guess you're all just too blind to see
My Father's heart, it beats in me
We never said that this was easy
But now that we're on our own
We're sick and tired of being tired
So we let that bullshit go
I never said that this was simple
But now that I'm on my own
I'm so tired of missing you lately
And I'm ready to come Home
Welcome back!
You, wayward brother, you've finally heeded our letters
We long for your presence once more
If you come back now
You'll find an open door
Don't be scared of what you've done
With false ambitions and absence of love
With close friends here and a straight path ahead
Just let you guidance lead from above
We never said that this was easy
But now that we're on our own
We're sick and tired of being tired
So we let that bullshit go
I never said that this was simple
But now that I'm on my own
I'm so tired of missing you lately
And I'm ready to come Home!
(artwork
not
available)
Demo Songs 2011 (demo, NOT SURE IF LEGIT / RELEASED)
Mentioned [on Myspace]. Both songs were finished and released under their new name, Being as an Ocean.
1) (Demo) Humble Servant, Am I 3:01
2) (Demo) The Hardest Part Is Forgetting Those You Swore You Would Never Forget 3:25
_____________________________________________
IncompletePage, CouldUseBetterImages, UncertainInfo, SimilarTo
INFO:
Did they have a previous name, with a female singer? Any additional info on that? 2) Info about Bjarki, Olaf, Dan, or Ryan? 3) Did they do a Dark Lay Still cover song? Did it appear on any releases? 4) What formats were "Erek and Ivor", "Bring Hope", and "Ivor's Return" released on? 5) Artwork for "Ivor's Return"? 6) Release date for "Ivor's Return"? Also, why weren't those songs just released on the full-length? 7) Was "Demo Songs 2011" finished before they changed their name? 8) What does "mourner" mean in reference to lineup roles?
IMAGES:
Every single image here could use a better version.
Miscellaneous stuff:
1) Here's an alternate version of "Dragon Slayers" with more decoration at the sides.
2) Banner. You'd post these on websites, or as forum signatures, etc.
Similar to: [SECULAR] Kardashev, Make Them Suffer, Winds of Plague, A Night in the Abyss, Assemble the Chariots, The Few Against Many, Darker by Design, Fleshgod Apocalypse, Bane, Echoes of a Nightmare, Varus, XisForEyes, Lorna Shore, [CHRISTIAN] Blood Thirsty, Oh the Depth, Dark Lay Still, Vociferor, [add more later]
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