QUEST FOR SERENITY



BAND NAME: Quest for Serenity
GENRE: Unblack Metal with Atmospheric Influences
STATUS: Unknown
LOCATION: United Kingdom (England)

Formed in November, 2011. Went on hold between 2014 and 2015. Keep reading for more info.
Amnon has lost interest in metal music, and thus isn't planning to continue any of his metal projects. However, he has one unfinished Quest for Serenity album that he's considering finishing. No updates about this have been posted since 2015, so we might as well label the status as "unknown" for right now.

"The theme of Quest for Serenity centres around someone who is going through an emotional problem such as anxiety" [1]

Lineup:
Amnon (ex-Winter's Dawn) - All instruments, Vocals

Links:
Official website
Bandcamp
ReverbNation
SoundCloud
Stereokiller
Myspace
Facebook
PureVolume

Unofficial links:
Unblack Metal Wallpapers

Discography:



 
Within the Labyrinth (album)

15 March, 2012, Independent, CD-R (sold out)
17 October, 2012, Independent, Bandcamp

1) A Life Lost
5:17, lyrics:
Memories of old,
So long ago,
From another place,
...still in control.

A different time,
When calm was mine,
I still remember,
Those long lost days.

Gone from me,
Life, love, peace,
No rest now,
Only pain & grief.

My search begins,
In darkness beyond,
Where no life dwells,
To find peace again.
Come back to me.
Come back to me.


2) Plagued
9:31, lyrics:
Day after day,
Night after night,
Struggling in pain,
No end in sight.

Longing for peace,
So far away,
Only in death,
The final release?

Hours pass away,
Poisoned by this blight,
Writhing, rancid state,
Needing still to fight.

-Chorus-
Waters rise,
Out of control,
Swept away again.
Losing my grip,
Drowning inside,
Invaded, infected, plagued.

Arcanum dilemma,
Illusive equation,
Dominant forces,
Final eradication.

Forward momentum,
Weakness to strength,
Mental reversal,
Chaos to end.

Hoping for release,
Never given in,
Searching endlessly,
One day to win.


3) Endless
6:03, lyrics:
So long in this state,
Never-ending pain.
Inner battle lost again,
Bound in these chains.
Will I see the day,
When I am free?
Sadness and despair,
Calling out to me.

Will this ever end?
Can I take control?
Feelings ruling me,
Endless is their name.
Weak I stagger on,
Once more to remain.
In their grip so tight,
Inside chaos reigns.


4) The Quest
4:25, lyrics:
An unseen Hand guides my way,
Across these mountains I must traverse,
Doubt and fear brought me here,
But not left alone in my hurt.

Through deep valleys I now walk,
Places that no one has ever seen,
Over hills, through dark caverns,
No-one knows where I've been.

A quiet cave I took my rest,
A moment to find some sweet relief,
In the darkness I could see,
The shape of One who's guiding me.

Searching till my mind is tired,
On this quest for calm & peace,
Maybe one year, maybe more,
But hope has not deserted me.


5) Within the Labyrinth
6:30, lyrics:
I search for the talismans,
On the labyrinth floor,
Only trust, strength & discipline,
Will unlock the final door.

Slowly I wind my way,
Searching endlessly within,
Hoping to find the answer,
And live in peace again.

I find one, then another,
With many years in-between,
Revealed by my Counsellor,
The One who leads but is unseen.

Wielding their changing power,
I struggle in weakness & pain,
My will, it must be stronger,
Or in this place I will remain.

Within this Labyrinth I dwell,
This my home for now,
To learn the wisdom I need,
To find an answer to heed.

Knowing the precious answer,
To cure my troubled mind,
Is only just the beginning,
Ever more strength I must find.


6) Metamorphosis
6:04, lyrics:
When I looked,
I saw my way,
I hang my head,
I know my fate.
Years of worry,
Years of fear,
Embedded behaviour,
My enemy is near.

Transformation within,
The only way to win,
The mind altered, changed.
The flesh, the battle, the sin.

Chorus

Changing inside,
Straining to fly,
Drowning again,
Need to ascend.
Emotions confined,
Restricted, denied,
Need for release,
Will power must rise.

Harder than birth,
Stronger than death?
The mind's lethal grip,
Knowing no rest,
Trained reaction,
Needs trials & tests,
Mental malfunction,
No end to this quest.

Rebirth begins,
Stirring inside,
Straining to change,
No longer to hide.
Weakness restricts,
Failures & sins,
Guilt & fear,
Subconscious wins.

Chorus


7) Emergence
5:07, instrumental


Embrace of Thorns (single, 4 September, 2012, Independent)
Format: Digital
Link ???

Two songs from "Whispers of Despair" (which was apparently originally going to be called "Whispers of the Past"). See the album directly below this one for lyrics.

1) Embrace of Thorns 3:55
2) Oh the Pain, Oh the Joy 5:00



Whispers of Despair (album)

22 September, 2012, Independent, CD-R (sold out)
18 October, 2012, Independent, Bandcamp

1) Hidden Sorrows
1:20, instrumental

2) Glimpse of the Past
4:38, lyrics:
There was a time,
A place in my life.
Things were stable,
All was calm.

Memories of winter
Gentle snowfall.
Cold air greeting my nose,
So long ago.

The lonely forest,
Place of solitude.
Calm & peaceful,
I remember it still.

Embraced by trees,
Ice covered leaves.
Wonder of this realm,
Hope it will return.


3) Oh the Pain, Oh the Joy
5:00, lyrics:
Day after day I struggle in vain,
To find the calm I seek.
Endless flow, thoughts my own,
Frustrate my planned peace.
Pain now my teacher,
The only voice I heed.
Daggers in my chest,
Down on my knees.
Over active mind,
Relentless and obtuse.
Knows no right or wrong,
Have no right to choose.
Puppet for my mind,
Inflicting blind pain.
When will it learn?
When will it refrain?

Despair leads me forth,
To take the path I dread.
Towards the precipice of lost control,
I stumble and quake within.
Looking down I see,
A cavern so deep.
The only way is down,
To life or death.
Behind me lies the past,
Failure and distress.
Emboldened by no alternative,
I launch out and down.


4) Embrace of Thorns
3:55, lyrics:
Piercing grip,
Relentless hold.
Deepest pain,
Words untold.

Thorns,
In my flesh remain.
Embraced,
Driving me insane.

Infernal disease,
Defying my will.
Pathetic state,
Longing to kill.

Thorns,
In my flesh remain.
Embraced,
Driving me insane.

Repeated demise,
Failure again.
Progress in doubt,
Wrestled in vain.

Thorns,
In my flesh remain.
Embraced,
Driving me insane.


5) Whispers of Despair
5:21, lyrics:
Hope is lost,
Try no more.
All is death,
Pain & sore.
Tried my best,
But lost the battle.
Strength was weak,
Mind was strong.

Sorrow is mine,
Grief my only friend.
End of search,
End of quest.
Gave my all,
For the mystery.
Still so far,
Out of reach.

Whispers of despair,
Fill my mind.
Reaching out for me,
Nowhere to hide.
Nothing to find,
Give up now.

Once I believed,
Would find peace.
No longer hope,
The end for me.
Is here to see,
My fate is sealed.


6) Surrounded by the Unseen
5:42, lyrics:
I thought I was alone,
On this journey of pain.
But an unseen Hand,
Guides my way.

Where I tread,
He goes before.
Never was alone,
Always by my side.

The way still hard,
But stronger am I.
Knowing my path,
Is planned By Him.

Bolder I now step,
Into the mist beyond.
Learning all the time,
One day to be strong.


7) Reign of Chaos
4:22, lyrics:
Rising tides,
Storms begin.
Gales commence,
Clouds comes in.
Lightening strikes,
Thunder cracks.
Sun is gone,
Sky turns black.

Reign of chaos,
Time of fear.
Struggle to gain control,
Inner turmoil.
Mind prevails,
Failed the endless goal.

Anguish rules,
Peace no more.
On this night,
Many before.
Distant past,
Memories faint.
Times of joy,
Replaced by pain.

Reign of chaos,
Time of fear.
Struggle to gain control,
Inner turmoil.
Mind prevails,
Failed the endless goal.

Writhing state,
Powerless rise.
Trapped, entombed,
Behind my eyes.
No release,
Dying hope.
Only despair?
When to cope?

Reign of chaos,
Time of fear.
Struggle to gain control,
Inner turmoil.
Mind prevails,
Failed the endless goal.

Hours pass,
Constant quest.
Diligent search,
Elusive rest.
Energy drained,
Weary mind.
Journey on,
Peace to find?

Reign of chaos,
Time of fear.
Struggle to gain control,
Inner turmoil.
Mind prevails,
Failed the endless goal.


8) Blessed Are Those
6:42, lyrics:
Blessed are those,
Who suffer anguish.
They seek to,
Understand God's Love.

They desire release,
From pain & grief.
From briars & thorns,
That ensnare their minds.

Struggling to hide,
From danger & pain.
Within Greater Hands,
They've always been kept.



Beyond the Labyrinth (album)

Left:
12 December, 2012, Independent, CD-R (sold out)
17 January, 2013, Independent, Bandcamp
Right:
24 August, 2013, Revived by Light, Cassette, blue, limited 20 copies (sold out)

1) The Shimmering
1:39, instrumental

2) Quest for Serenity
3:38, lyrics:
The day arrived,
The sense of loss was felt.
The time had come,
To leave all loves behind.
Rest no more,
Until I find the key.
Now set sail,
For a distant land.

-Chorus-
Shall I not see,
The lights of home again?
Will we be together - never more?

Quest begins,
Unknown paths to tread.
For how long?
Will I find the end?
Foreign soil,
Strange & alien lands.
Distant cries,
I must heed their call.

Dark and light,
Day and night I'll spend,
In this maze,
Until my strength returns.
Snow and fog,
Delight and madness sends,
Will I find,
A guide to lead me on?


3) Beyond the Labyrinth
5:09, lyrics:
Bound in this place,
Searching endlessly.
Hoping to find a way,
Back to peace one day.
Where the sun shines,
Where the trees sway,
Thoughts of calmer times,
Echo in my mind.

The path I tread,
Leads me to a place,
Never seen before,
Hope it rises again...
Could this be the end?
Could my quest be done?
Visions & dreams of home,
Dance in my mind.

A glimmer of light I see,
More wondrous to my eyes,
Than any created thing,
Seen for so long.
Towards the light I walk,
Through a crack I crawl.
Delight & joy abound,
My life begins anew?

A landscape I see,
Frost & snowy peaks.
My search is not over,
My quest it must go on.
'Where the sun shines,
Where the trees sway,
Thoughts of calmer times,
Echo in my mind.'


4) Bathed in Moonlight
5:34, lyrics:
Daylight fades away,
The mountains hide the sun.
The frost begins to fall,
In this Arctic place.
Tired I stop to rest,
Weary from my search.
Darkness slowly falls,
Silence fills this land.

-Chorus-
Beneath the moonlit sky,
All is quiet for now.
Bathed in moonlight I stand,
The beauty of this realm.

Joyful moment in time,
Respite from my quest.
Will to live may leave,
If not for moments like this.
Stillness in my mind,
Thoughts are cast away.
Beauty of creation,
Strength for another day.

Within this quiet place,
I worship & praise the One,
Who guides & leads me forth,
To bring me peace again.


5) Frozen Silence
2:01, instrumental

6) Battle of the Will
5:18, lyrics:
Weak & lost within,
The strength to choose.
The gift of choice,
Neglected & abused.
A faint, distant voice,
Where once was strong.
The power of the will,
Diminished now gone.

-Chorus-
The battle of the will,
Rages on within.
Refusing the defeat,
Trying all to win.
Regaining lost strength,
Stolen away by fear.
Will ever stronger,
Final victory near.

Self-inflicted fate,
Weak-minded mess.
Unstable mental ways,
Unable to maintain.
Tossed and blown away,
Never-ending waves.
Rising ever higher,
Washed away again.

Doubtful progress,
Successful outcomes brief.
Straining to be calm,
Subconscious to defeat.
Learned behaviour rules,
Must be overcome.
Distractions to ignore,
If battle to be won.


7) Winter Fortress
4:41, lyrics:
Amidst the snow,
Of this arctic realm.
My eyes behold,
A sight forgot.
Love & home,
Calling me.
Offering hope,
In days of cold.

I make my way,
Through the snow.
In hope of refuge,
By its mighty walls.
A place for those,
Who've lost their way.
A welcome sight,
For those who've strayed.

As I approach,
My mind it clears,
My body calms,
Like years before.
I know this place,
From distant past.
I chose to leave,
But now I'm home.


8) A New Dawn
11:49, lyrics:
Life of chaos ends,
Strongholds crashing down.
Pain & sweat no more,
The quest now is done.

Will power now strong,
Trust increased in love.
Calm & tranquil state,
Life begins anew.

Fear cast out by love,
Accepted care by God.
Completely secure within,
The world no longer ends.

Guided by His Hand,
To this place of peace.
Empowered & transformed,
The journey now complete.

Those who suffer,
Negative emotional state,
Strong will & trust,
In God's unfailing love.




 
Moonlight Worship (album, 13 April, 2013, Independent)
Formats: CD-R and Bandcamp
Buy the CD-R (sold out)
Stream / Download (OFFICIAL)

Guest appearance:
Marcus Dellicompagni - intro (track 5)

Sound effects from freesfx.co.uk

1) The Awakening
1:40, instrumental

2) Apparitions from the Mist
6:03, lyrics:
In the dark,
Beyond the lakes,
Something stirs,
Something wakes.
Across this land,
A living mass,
Comes to life,
As one again.

Form of spectres,
Ghouls & ghosts,
Twisting shapes,
Movements slow.
Groans and screams,
Howls & cries,
From the mist,
Into the skies.

In the past,
Inner pain,
They were transformed,
From weakness & shame.
Made a pact,
To rise again,
On this night,
Each year passed.


3) Pathways of the Guided
8:26, lyrics:
Long days,
Haunted nights,
Needing change,
Inner fight.
Weak-willed mess,
Unstable body writhes,
Rarely in control,
Never seen to rise.

Mind dull,
Learning slow,
Fear rules,
Constant flow.
Progress almost nil,
Wanting just to hide,
Afraid of progress price,
Patient Teacher guides.

Pathways of the guided,
Will power to assert.
Pathways of the guided,
Love's power in control.

Often fail,
Backward step,
Courage lost,
Strain to fly.

Mental alteration,
Pains of rebirth.
Mortal restoration,
Mind, body & soul.


4) Forgotten Sorrows
1:08, instrumental

5) Night Watch
9:29, lyrics:
Watcher of the skies,
I wait for the time,
To make my rallying cry,
For all to assemble.
As the clouds go by,
I stand & watch on high,
Entrusted with this task,
That which I will not fail.

On this special night,
Sacred to our rite,
Soon we gather in praise,
Of the One of power & might.
The One who guides our path,
Who brought us back to life,
Awakened inner strength,
Made us whole again.


6) The Call to Gather
1:00, instrumental

7) Moonlight Worship
6:31, lyrics:
I praise the One,
Who saved my life,
Through His shed blood,
I am made clean.

Through Him I am cleansed.
Through Him I am blessed.
Through Him I am healed.
Through Him I am saved.


8) Final Prayers
4:45, instrumental



 
Amidst the Tempest (album)

29 October, 2013, Independent, CD-R (sold out)
31 October, 2013, Independent, Bandcamp

1) Before the Storm
5:57, lyrics:
Life was so good,
Fear was gone,
Nights were all calm,
Days were so long.
Care-free & bliss,
Live, work & play,
Enjoy the sun,
No price to pay.

Then a storm arose.
From within it came.
Caused by doubt & fear.
None would be the same.

I want to stay,
Where life was good,
Won't leave this place,
This is my home.
How can I fight?
How can I win?
Never needed before,
Mighty strength within.


2) Winds of Change
5:29, lyrics:
Living life,
Day & night,
Moving forward,
To my plight.
Unprepared,
Weak & scared,
For my fate,
For the fight.

Winds of change,
Blow round my door,
Calling my name,
Soon they will roar.

Lost calm,
Losing sleep,
Mental change,
Pain to reap.
Thoughtful crime,
Self to beat,
No more time,
My fate complete.


3) When the Waters Rise
7:39, lyrics:
Calm days of peace,
Now are gone from me,
Good times no more,
Warm feelings all flee.

Within my mind,
A grim battle begins,
Exiled from my life,
The waters start to rise.

When I was young,
I knew the way,
Remained stable & calm,
Now I know not how!

I wrestle in vain,
To remove this pain,
There must be a way,
How can I change?


4) Amidst the Tempest
7:01, lyrics:
Raging seas, roaring winds,
Taking me within their grip.
Tossed and blown, shaken within,
Crashing waves, rising again,
Mental descent, fallen demise.
Lost in chaos, lost in time.
Mind so filled, thoughts so black,
Guts so rancid, racked with pain.
Day and night, awake & in dreams,
Constant state, will not cease.
Inner mind, watching me,
Deeper still, never released!

Amidst the tempest,
I dwell in torment,
Amidst the tempest,
No way but down.

Minute progress, never far,
Held in place, no more joy.
Trained my mind to keep me here,
“I want pain, I want fear.”
Faithful servant, faithful friend,
Abused its power, now no end.
Muscles tense, body sore,
Need to change, please no more!
Seeking answers to my state,
A new way out of my cage.
Mental habits, slow to change,
Made to act, it must obey!

I call out, to You my Lord!
Save me from this wretched state.
Lead me forth, light my way,
Let me see your Hand guiding me.
Show me how to leave this place,
Lift me up, upon a rock,
Where I can see the way.
Don't leave me here alone,
Be near to me, in You I hope.
Don't let despair take me away,
Show me the light, show me the way.


5) Within the Throes
5:04, lyrics:
Round and round,
Another solution fails.
Flailing in these throes,
Confused & deranged.
Where do I go?
Searching in vain?
Must be an answer,
To never ending pain.

Within the Throes,
Of my cursed mind,
Wretched, rancid, state.
Burning, torment,
Ever higher,
Let me be away.

Do I start again?
Is despair my lot?
To languish in this state,
To try or pass away.
Sometimes it would seem,
Better to leave this world,
Released from this pain,
Finally to find peace.

I re-tread my steps,
Hoping this time to find,
The strength to succeed,
To rule my own mind.
Until that time,
I'm a prisoner within,
Held against my will,
By my own strength.

If there is a way,
Oh Lord help me to find,
A way out of this hell,
Peace for my mind.
I know I put myself here,
I know I trained my mind,
But now I want to change,
Bring me peace within!


6) Distant Shores
2:10, lyrics:
Passage from the Book of Common Prayer

7) Perils of the Deep
6:29, lyrics:
Down, down they go,
To the depths below.
Where no-one's been,
What no-one's seen.
They go who suffer,
Pain within,
Anguish, despair,
They go there.

Only see the outer,
And think alright,
No thought for inside,
The torment, the strife.
Their Judgement final,
Let this one go,
They don't care,
They don't know.

Despairing and raging,
Time stands ill,
In this place,
Beneath the pills.
The dead wait here,
The deep their home,
Hoping for sunlight,
End of the dark.

When I'll arise,
There'll be blue skies,
I'll know no more,
The pain I deplore.
The dreams of new life,
I saw in the deep,
They all will be mine,
My victory complete.


8) Divine Anchor
2:19, lyrics:
Psalm 18:1-6

9) Hidden Beneath
4:26, lyrics:
On this journey,
I have known,
Another presence,
Not been alone.
A guiding Hand,
Planning my way,
A perfect Counsellor,
Every day.

Beneath Your wings,
I find my refuge,
From these storms,
That batter me.
In my distress,
I cry out to You,
You show me the way,
To know what to do.

In the darkness,
I call to You,
To help me find,
The way through.
When I lay,
In torment & pain,
You led me forth,
To end this reign. 


 

Into a New Dimension (album)

17 April, 2014, Independent, CD-R (sold out)
23 April, 2014, Independent, Bandcamp

1) Beyond Known Boundaries
2:07, lyrics unknown

2) Darkened Horizon
4:50, lyrics:
When I left,
I was sane,
Now I know,
Not my name.

In depths of sorrow,
And deepening pain,
The darkened horizon,
Calls my name.

So far away,
From my life,
Endless torment,
In chaos and strife.

Through dark galaxies,
And chasms of the mind,
I dwell in lost confusion,
A stronger grip that binds.

Hoping to find at last,
An answer to my quest,
A long journey of old,
Each man's secret dread.


3) Intensive Search
2:07, lyrics unknown

4) Inner Conflict
4:09, lyrics:
A battle in the mind,
Rages on and on,
A lack of mental strength,
Seems to be the cause.
Wrestling all the more,
But no progress found,
Sweating and trembling,
Not finding relief.

Within the confines,
Of the mind,
There takes place,
A violent war.
Who will win,
Is unknown,
But its end is,
Desired more and more.


5) Unknown Entities
4:27, lyrics:
This foe I fight,
More stronger than I,
It runs the show,
Relentless it binds.
The more I try,
The more it fights,
Never to win,
Never to shine.

Ignorance of my plight,
It is myself I fight,
The stronger part of me,
My subconscious mind.
There to protect,
There to rule my life,
But if shown wrong ways,
Faithful it will be.

This unknown entity,
so long a mystery to me,
Forced me to always fail,
Many, many times.

It was the student,
Who was taught,
How I wanted to feel,
How I wanted to think.

Now it rules my mind,
Now it rules my body,
Against my will,
Against my will...


6) Maximum Overload
4:06, lyrics:
Living in a mental storm,
Growing ever stronger,
One side pushes back,
The other dominates again.

Will this ever end?
Am I just fighting myself?
Maybe I should give up,
Maybe I should give in.

Come, take me away,
To the place you insist,
I can no longer fight,
I don't care anymore.

Destroy me as you wish,
I will no longer resist,
Dominate, subjugate,
My conscious will is broken.
I lie shattered, defeated,
By my own will,
My fate is sealed.


7) Into a New Dimension
2:07, lyrics unknown

8) The Undiscovered Country
4:00, lyrics:
This was the day,
I travel to a new place,
A new solution found,
To my problem now abounds.
Never could win this fight,
Self-created plight,
Myself to defeat,
But never to retreat.

Subconscious mind,
Reigns supreme,
Maintaining heartbeat,
Controlling pressure.
A faithful servant,
A faithful friend,
Nothing overcomes it,
Never to be beat.

This new country,
This new place,
Has brought to me,
A surprise victory.
Will power increasing,
Used in the wrong way,
Now carefully focused,
Guided by Divine Will.

A new example to set,
No longer to fight,
Instead to re-educate,
Will make all things right.
To follow a new pattern,
It will soon imitate,
Things will be different,
Finally I will regulate.


9) Flight of Victory
2:07, lyrics unknown


Prophecy Foretold - A Brutal Christmas Compilation (compilation)

December, 2014, Sanctus Gladius Records, CD
????, Bandcamp

This compilation used to be on someone's Bandcamp, but I'm not sure whose, and I can't find the link anywhere -- it must have been deleted.

11) Quest for Serenity - Flight of Victory 2:07


_________________________________________
IncompletePage, SimilarTo
1) The rest of the lyrics for "Into a New Dimension". 2) Is there still an official download link for "Embrace of Thorns"? Or was the link taken down...?



Also, an image I found on archive.org:
 
 
Similar to: [SECULAR] Wedard, Abyssic Hate, Strid, Funebrial, Labyrinthine, Psalms of Suicide, Sanctus Daemoneon, Requiem Aeternam (Rus), Muvitium, [CHRISTIAN] Antestor, Élan, Elgibbor, Eunagelion, Jordskaelv / Winterkou, Katharos, Torches in the Void

WINTER'S DAWN

This image has been resized.
To view the original 3488x1902 res, click [here].

BAND NAME: Winter's Dawn
GENRE: Unblack Metal, Symphonic/Ambient
STATUS: Split-up
LOCATION: United Kingdom

Formed in 2005. Split up at some point after 2011.
Amnon has lost interest in metal music, and Raptor isn't interested in finishing the songs for their 2nd album, so it seems the planned 2nd album from Winter's Dawn will remain unreleased.

Lineup:
Raptor - Vocals, Guitars
Amnon (Quest for Serenity) - Drums, Keyboards

Links:
Interview (2008)
YouTube
Myspace @ archive.org

Discography:



Wandering through the Realm of Frosted Beauty (album)

 February, 2008, Undark.net, link expired
11 September, 2008, Nokternal Hemizphear, CD (digipak), limited (???) copies

1) The Dawn of Winter
1:18, instrumental

2) Frost Fall
3:34, lyrics:
Days grow shorter
Autumn to winter,
Frost descending,
Ice crystals form.
Beauty and majesty,
Ice and snow,
Chilling cold,
Cuts through my soul.

The air chills my flesh,
The frost embraces me.
Its gentle loving caress,
Its icy beauty I see.

Stillness and peace I feel,
Frozen to the core.
The snow gently falls,
The start of winter calls.

In this icy moment,
I glimpse what was lost.
Designed and created,
By the Lord of frost, frost fall

Frozen creaking ice,
Sparkles in the moonlight.
Silent and calm,
I go on my way.
The forest awaits me,
The trees whitefrozen
Filled with delight
On this frosted night.


3) Embraced by Ice
4:30, lyrics:
Wandering through the frozen north,
Beauty surrounds all sides,
Sparkling ice particles catch my eyes,
So close to nature but who sends this?
The air freezes my breath
I continue on my way,
Through the snow and ice,
Symbols of what is pure and good,
Memories return from the past,
A sense of longing but what for?
A void nothing ever filled.

I Consider the loneliness in my heart,
When my hands reach out beyond
A need for peace persists,
A longing so deep within.

Crossing frozen lakes and streams,
I make my way through the forest,
A steep climb towards a frozen mountain,
Standing amidst the desolate lands,
Where no one has been since long past,
A sign left by those dead, yet alive.

I find a cross of hope left for those seeking,
To find their way home through the cold.
All is white and frozen,
My heart begins to feel warmth,
Never felt before.

Thoughts of the past return,
When a quiet voice I heard,
It speaks softly to me.
Calling me back home to peace.
Always carrying on alone,
But now I am thred and weary,
And so glad to be going home.

At peace I make my way,
Back through the snow and ice.
But now forever changed,
By the One who came.
To set the captives free,
And call the lost home.
My search at last ended,
My void within now filled.


4) Glimpse of the Realm
1:07, instrumental

5) Landscape of Winter
3:14, lyrics:
Snow descending deep,
Covering all the ground,
The landscape transformed,
Gentle without a sound.

The beauty of the winter snow,
Warms my heart and makes it glow,
Time stands still in this icy scene.
Awed I stand calm, serene.

Memories of winter's past,
Fill my mind again.
Winter's gentle embrace
Life's temporary refrain.


6) The Realm of Frosted Beauty
5:01, lyrics:
As I wander through the forest,
With awe I gaze at its beauty.
The tranquility of this frosted realm,
Brings me closer to the Creator.

In the tranquility of the forest,
Stillness surrounds me.
Branches of the trees bow,
To the majesty of the snow.

Wandering through the realm of frosted beauty
My heart is filled with divine peace.
I see God's purity in the falling snow,
As it gently falls to the ground.

The icy wind sings through the branches,
Of the many snow kissed trees.
Fills my heart with thankful hope,
Humbled I fall to my knees.

Just as the snow covers the ground,
And all that is dirty is made clean.
The purity of the snowy regions,
Can be found in the hearts of men,
Who seek the One who came.
And longs to bring us home,
He takes away our sin,
And makes our hearts clean, snowbound.


7) The Fall: Serenity Lost
2:22, instrumental

8) The Battle: Black Illusions
3:33, lyrics:
What dwells in my midst?
Constantly attacking my mind,
The peace I knew now threatened.
Slipping away...

Another force is present,
Filling my mind with thoughts obscene.
As birds fly through the icy air.
Temptations abound and infiltrate me.
Telling me things I do not want,
My heart faints, are they my own?
How do I end this pain?
Confused I struggle on...

My mind wrestles hopelessly,
Anguish increases, peace now gone,
Lamenting over my state,
Blackness my embrace.
Insanity is at my door
Drowning in despair,
Oh God please help me!
End this hellish nightmare!

The scourge of black illusions,
Swift and strong they came,
Like knives cutting deep within
Inflicting anguish and pain.
the scourge of black illusions,
Vicious mental state,
Torment and chaos,
Release me from this fate!

Where will I go from here?
To heaven or hell?
What will be my fate?
Will I hear death's knell?
Reality or fantasy? Truth or lie?
Still I hope for peace,
Before I die.

What dwells in my midst?
Constantly attacking my mind,
The peace I knew now threatened,
Slipping away...
What will be my fate?
Will I die or live another day?
My sanity in the balance,
Slipping away...


9) The Victory: Rapturous Surrender
4:08, lyrics:
Through dark valleys I tread,
Cobwebs and damp touches me.
In deep caverns I descend.
Searching for peace 'my way'.

Two choices before me,
To doubt or trust?
Defend or surrender?
Decide I must.
To hold on to life,
Or let it go,
Time running out,
The end of the show?

Satan playing his part,
A puppet used to bring peace.
Fallen nature disease,
Doubting in God's love.

The need to be in control,
Always mine, unrelenting.
Divine inspired confirmations,
Reluctance to trust prevails.

I now surrender my life,
To the God who loves me still,
To care for my life 'His Way',
I can now rest in peace.
Rapturous surrender.


(artwork
not
available)


Wandering Through the Realm of Frosted Beauty (2008, probably not legit?, Independent)
Format: CD-R, "remastered"

Alternate version mentioned on Discogs and nowhere else on the entire internet. Almost certainly false, but I don't know. The person claims this was released independently in 2008, yet also claims it was remastered in 2011. This is obviously impossible. Still, until we have proof, I figured it best to note here.

Track lengths and lyrics unknown.

1) Winter's Dawn
2) The Covering
3) Stillheten
4) The Realm of Frosted Beauty
5) Sorgen Kommer
6) Black Illusions
7) Rapturous Surrender



Revelations Vol. 1: A Light in a Dark Place (compilation, 28 June, 2008, Sullen Records)
Format: CD-R, Limited edition

5) Winter's Dawn - Landscape of Winter 3:14


Undark Compilation Album Volume 1 (January, 2009, Undark.net)
Format: Digital
link expired

11) Winter's Dawn - track title unknown



Christian Metal Fellowship: Compilation Volume II (Compilation, 2009, Sullen Records)
Format: CD

10) Winter's Dawn - Cry of the Fallen 7:40

 
Blackened Hymns for the Fallen Damned (UNRELEASED)

 Some samples are available [here]. The left cover art is from that video; the right one was their Myspace profile picture.

A few tracks on their old Myspace that I think were going to be on this album:
Demo Intro 4:18
Demo Track 1 6:44
Demo Track 2 3:48
Demo Track 3 3:55
Demo Track 4 4:51

_____________________________
IncompletePage, SimilarTo
1) Can anyone CONFIRM the demo tracks were going to be on the unreleased album? 2) How many copies is "Wandering..." limited to? 3) Info about that alleged other version? 4) What song is on the Undark compilation?


Miscellaneous stuff:
 Graphic of the back of the album, without the barcode, etc
Bunch of other stuff:

Resized. 2092x1141 [here]. ................ Resized. 2327x1269 [here].
 
 
Similar to: [SECULAR] ColdWorld, Imperial Crystalline Entombment, River of Despair, Serpent Majesty, Nordheim (Ita), Northern Forest (Br), [CHRISTIAN] Dark Woods, Elgibbor, Bedeiah, Horde, Malakh (Kor), Søker Tilflukt, Armath Sargon, Vomoth,

HESYCHAST / ИСИХАСТ

NOTE: Not to be confused with Hesychasm / Ἡσυχασμός or Исихиазм.

^ Old logo ................v New logo

BAND NAME: Hesychast
GENRE: Unblack Metal with Atmospheric Influences
STATUS: Active
LOCATION: USA (Indiana / Texas)

Other ways of spelling the band's name: Исихаст, Isikhast, Isihast

According to the Blacforje interview, the band were Protestant in their earliest days, but became interested in Orthodoxy around 2009. They both attended services and studied it for several years before being officially chrismated some time after the release of the debut album.

According to the same interview, the band is still active and are working on at least two more albums. The one closest to completion has two songs they first started working on back in 2010!

Years active:
????- 2011 Vikarbyrgi
2011 - present Hesychast

Lineup:
Scott / Скот - All instruments, Vocals
Ethan / Ефам -  All instruments, Vocals

Links:

Discography:


The Humble Soul, at One with the Dust of the Earth (UNRELEASED)

Recorded, but never released, as the band weren't satisfied with how it was turning out. A few songs were later re-recorded, and released on the debut album "Ageless".


.......................................
 
Ageless / Нестареющий (album)

Left:
7 September, 2016, Independent, CD-R and Bandcamp
Right:
4 March, 2022, The Shrouded Winter, Cassette, limited 50 copies

"Why do men learn through pain and suffering, and not through pleasure and happiness? Very simply, because pleasure and happiness accustom one to satisfaction with the things given in this world, whereas pain and suffering drive one to seek a more profound happiness beyond the limitations of this world. I am at this moment in some pain, and I call on the Name of Jesus - not necessarily to relieve the pain, but that Jesus, in Whom alone we may transcend this world, may be with me during it, and His will be done in me. But in pleasure I do not call on Him; I am content then with what I have, and I think I need no more. And why is a philosophy of pleasure untenable? - because pleasure is impermanent and unreliable, and pain is inevitable. In pain and suffering Christ speaks to us, and thus God is kind to give them to us, yes, and evil too - for in all of these we glimpse something of what must lie beyond, if there really exists what our hearts most deeply desire."

+ Fr. Seraphim Rose


Notes:
A few copies of the CD-R exist where tracks 5 and 6 are listed in the wrong order. They're listed correctly here and on most other copies -- "Ageless" is the three-minute chanting song; "Moth and Rust" is the longer, predominantly metal song.

For the tape version, tracks 1-4 are on Side A, and 5-7 are on Side B.

1) Волны смерти
6:07, lyrics:
I looked to the left and to the right
For the joys of fools, but found only
A great heat death; In despair
I assume I must be ill, and the enemy
Made his move...
And as disease consumed my flesh
The waves of death swirled about my soul
The former I humbly accept
The latter I refuse to please

In my frailty I cannot face this alone, O God
Help me accept this peaceful slumber
In my frailty I cannot face this alone, O God
Help me accept this violent passing

If I must depart, let Thy servant depart in peace

There is no sting
There is no victory...

I looked to the left and to the right
For the joys of fools, but found only
A great heat death; In despair
I assume I must be ill, and the enemy
Made his move...
And as disease consumed my flesh
The waves of death swirled about my soul
The former I humbly accept
The latter I refuse to please

In my frailty I cannot face this alone, O God
Help me accept this peaceful slumber
In my frailty I cannot face this alone, O God
Help me accept this violent passing

If I must depart, let Thy servant depart in peace

There is no sting
There is no victory...

I looked to the left and to the right
For the joys of fools, but found only
A great heat death; In despair
I assume I must be ill, and the enemy
Made his move...
And as disease consumed my flesh
The waves of death swirled about my soul
The former I humbly accept
The latter I refuse to please

In my frailty I cannot face this alone, O God
Help me accept this peaceful slumber
In my frailty I cannot face this alone, O God
Help me accept this violent passing

If I must depart, let Thy servant depart in peace

There is no sting
There is no victory...

Волны смерти


2) Discordant
4:35, lyrics:
As coming against the grain in your soul
The familiar sense that you don't belong here
Cry out to God
In the midst of darkness, cry out to God
The light shines in darkness
And (that darkness) does not comprehend when
You do not live for the passions, but live in holiness

Swimming against the current of this world
Caught in the eddies, and bashed against rocks
The light shines in the darkest of places
Blinding with sight, instead of choosing to conceal
Your sweet melodies seem disgustingly off-key
To the out-of-tune dissonant harmonies of the world

Play on, though they drown you out

The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak
Continue to descend, and you will find your strength


3) Trace of Breath
7:10, lyrics:
My soul is choking in this depravity
Pride has depraved me of your spirit
I search for you as I search for air
I am fading quickly
If I succumb to this jealousy, I cannot journey to the source

Lead me through the void of anger and pleasure
Open my eyes to what it means to love as you

Release the grip of lust and uncleanness
That wishes to escape
I flounder
I suffocate
In sin

Help me find that trace of air
Heal this infirmity of rage


4) Eye
5:47, lyrics:
Eye remember your covenant
For I surely will not
My mind wanders constantly to things unholy

Eye stay fixed only on the Lord Christ

Call to the other members of the body; do not deny your need
Turn away from worldly wealth
Turn away from satiation of lust
Is it you causing me to sin?
Must I, must I cut you out?

Look to things which remind me of the love,
The mercy, and the power of our God

When you look deep into things will you see
Their true nature? Will you see
The Uncreated Light flowing all around
Will you see deep into the heart?

Consider and answer me, oh Lord my God;
Light up my eyes, lest I sleep the sleep of death
I will not set before my eyes anything that is worthless;
I hate the work of those who fall away
It shall not cling to me


5) Moth and Rust
6:26, lyrics:
Arise, ensnared and imprisoned
Every conscious moment spent scratching at the walls
A disconnect between reality and perception
Even a lover's touch couldn't transcend the void
By chains I was dragged through the slums of hell
My eyes forcibly opened to witness the torment
The thought of relief upon death
Did not exist, as death had already consumed me

Crippling delusions
Never meant to see
The perceived reality
Solipsistic confines
Throwing over the edge
Any distinct memories

How to trust in my eyes?
How to know that my nerves are truthful?
How to witness the light through an inherently fallible medium?
How to be sure when a feeble human mind
Reveals itself to be such a slave to this world?

The shroud left unhindered
He came from within
Exposing solely what is real
The Uncreated Light
Undisturbed by laws
Bound to natural existence

Break the seal of death
Part the cloud of death
Break the seal of death

6) Ageless
3:00, lyrics:
We grow old and our bodies fail
Enslaved to temporality
They will perish never freed
But the spirit may be unfettered from time and with tears bound
To the Timeless One
In Him shall we ever be renewed
Ever remade in His image
Holy Ageless Child of the Father
Holy Ageless Child of the Father

7) Trisagion
7:01, lyrics:
In the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit
Glory to thee, our God, Glory to thee
O Heavenly King, comforter, spirit of truth
Who art in all places and fill all things
Treasury of good gifts, and giver of life
Come and abide in us and cleanse us from all impurity
And save our souls, O Good One

(Trisagion)
Holy God
Holy Mighty
Holy Immortal
Have mercy on us

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit
Most Holy Trinity, have mercy on us
Lord, wash away our sins
Master, pardon our iniquities
Holy One, visit and heal our infirmities
For thy name's sake
Lord have mercy
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit
Now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.

From the throne of God flows a river of fire
Which is His divine love and compassion
This great and mighty river
It shall flood all of creation
Those who have hated God
And who have hated His righteousness
They shall be drowned in that river
While those who love and obey Him
They shall drink deeply, and their thirst shall be quenched forever

So shall the ungodly perish from the presence of God
And the righteous shall rejoice!

Holy God
Holy Mighty
Holy Immortal
Have mercy on us


All Things Christian Extreme Metal Volume 1 (compilation, 1 November, 2016, Independent)
Format: Digital / Bandcamp
Stream / Download (OFFICIAL)

1) Hesychast - Волны смерти 6:07, see above for lyrics


Metal from the Dragon (compilation, 23 June, 2017, The Bearded Dragon)
Format: Digital / Bandcamp
Stream / Download (OFFICIAL)

31) Hesychast - Волны смерти 6:07, see above for lyrics




_______________________
ArtistConfirmed, SimilarTo
Miscellaneous stuff: A graphic from the Blacforje interview
Similar to: [SECULAR] Batushka / Батюшка (Pol), Almach, Botanist, Crown of Fallen Heroes, De Verloren Ziel, Der Weg einer Freiheit, Grimoire (Can), Сивый Яр, In Dornen, Primitive Winds, Frostnatt, Wooden Shadow, Mare Cognitum, Myrkgrav, Myrkur, Panopticon, Winter's Breath, Исход, Myrkvi​ð​r, Dryadel, Forestionist, Vermilia, Feminazgul, [CHRISTIAN] Fathomage, Исихиазм, Sanctificetur, Epta Astera, Slechtvalk, Подвижник / Podvizhnik, Batyushka / Батюшка (Rus), Eternal Emperor, Grim, Starless, Gospod,