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Of Light and Darkness

by Herc

supported by
PKMetal
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PKMetal Outstanding and hard to classify, but their own bonkers description of Wintersun meets Styx isn't wrong. It's definitely epic, and the songwriting is complex but never at the expense of melody. Excellent vocals and guitar sound. Great production, too.

My one gripe is the length. The more repeat listens I give an album, the more chance each song has to grow on me. For me personally, a 2-hour runtime tends to cut my overall listens by half, which is a shame. Shorter and more often, I say! :)
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  • Streaming + Download

    Includes unlimited streaming via the free Bandcamp app, plus high-quality download in MP3, FLAC and more.

    This is our second full-length album, "Of Light and Darkness". Inspired by J.R.R. Tolkien's masterpiece, "The Silmarillion", this album is set to embark you on an extraordinary musical voyage across the realms of Middle-Earth and the creation of Arda.

    Joining our musical journey is the incredibly talented guitarist, Panayotis Mavrakis (Cosmic Plunge, Days of Fervor), now a permanent member, amplifying the depth and skill in our dynamic sound. Together, we've sculpted an album that reflects our artistic evolution and unified vision.

    "Of Light and Darkness" intertwines our signature metal vibe, reminiscent of Blind Guardian, Insomnium, Wintersun, Empyrium, and Bathory, with the enchanting melodies akin to rock bands like Styx and Blackmore's Night. Drawing inspiration from the first 11 chapters of Tolkien's "The Silmarillion", this album crafts a captivating narrative that hopefully resonates with fans of both the metal genre and fantasy literature.

    And hey, as a little extra treat, upon grabbing the album, you'll uncover an additional three bonus tracks and you also get the 2 lyric videos:

    1. Melian (Single Version)
    2. A celestial dance (First draft version)
    3. And the road goes ever on (Non-orchestrated version)

    It's an exclusive musical journey that's yours only with the album purchase!
    ... more
    Purchasable with gift card

      €6 EUR  or more

     

  • Full Digital Discography

    Get all 4 Herc releases available on Bandcamp and save 20%.

    Includes unlimited streaming via the free Bandcamp app, plus high-quality downloads of Melian (feat. Arno Menses), Of Light and Darkness, Towards the Mountains, and Of perilous realm... & other tales. , and , .

    Purchasable with gift card

      €11.20 EUR or more (20% OFF)

     

1.
In the beginning I conceived the Ainur and I taught them of the Art of Music. They have improvised in a song, greater than what they had ever sung. Melkor, among them, waved opposing music deliberately, so that he would stand out. I then, proposed a second theme, but Melkor’s discord rose up against it. There was dismay among the Ainur so I raised my hand and a third and final theme unfolded. It had two dominant melodies: a slow one with an immeasurable sorrow and a sharper, harsher one. There was a vast crescendo of conflict, until I finally brought it all to a crashing conclusion with one massive chord, deeper than the Abyss. Behold thy music…
2.
I’ve sung of trees and branches And green that grows upon this world These are my beloved creatures That gave life in Arda’s first spring The light that was brought by Aulë And hallowed by the Valar Has spread its warmth and beauty Alas, it wasn’t meant to last Bridge For Melkor was lurking in (the) shadows Where the light of Illuin was cold and dim He brought destruction and fire And darkness arose in the realm Chorus Of silver and gold, beyond the walls of Pèlori Of silver and gold, we’ll bring light back to Valinor I’ve sung of Telperion and Laurelin That the tears of Nienna grew them high Their leaves had shone upon us Bringing life back into this world Bridge But Melkor kept lurking in shadows His spirit won’t rest until everything is gone Now with plots of hate and revenge He wants to rule them all Chorus Of silver and gold, beyond the walls of Pèlori Of silver and gold, we brought light back to Valinor Of silver and gold, beyond the walls of Pèlori Of silver and gold, now our fate walks into the unknown
3.
Mahal 06:09
I breathe life into stone Seven souls of pure impulsiveness My fear now has grown Should I beg for my forgiveness? For I have fallen into folly And my arrogance has left me blinded Yet creation is my joy How can I be so divided? Bridge He brandished his hammer up high They shrank and begged for their lives He wanted to smite them all With their bodies to blanket the floor Chorus Mahal, Mahal Blessed be thy creation Mahal, Mahal For thy art will be your salvation Come now my children come Embrace the life that was gracefully spared Sleep now my children, swiftly And let this darkness embrace you deeply Bridge 2x Their time is not yet to come They sleep now deep under the stone What is done it can’t be undone But they cannot be called the “Firstborn”
4.
(ELVES) Newborn stars have brightened the darkened sky Our time has come to awake We first beheld Varda’s starlight Our journey’s just begun We dwell and wander, we sing and cheer Our voices have spread across the realms Then he came upon us, a benevolent figure We’ve seen the light of Aman in him (MELKOR) Yet I fear of this omen that comes from afar (up high) I will gather all evil at hand And with poisonous words I will sicken their minds An imprisoned beauty I will now turn into dark Chorus We are marching to the North to siege Utomno And imprison the One, Melkor Bauglir, the Dark Lord We are marching to the battle without fear in our souls We will wrestle him down, we will bring him to the ground “All this beauty, I despise thee, All the Elves and Men, they shall suffer! All this this beauty, all this light, I’ll destroy thee and then I will rule in darkness” (ELDAR) A long and tedious journey we made We travel now afar; the decision seems tallied Beyond the Misty Mountains high And the shores of Anduin where many of us dallied (MORIQUENDI) Reluctantly we heeded these summons Our wish, to remain behind, for the wrath we have seen Has dreadfully filled our hearts Chorus We are heading to the North with Oromë on our side With no road to follow, we are letting him guide We travel now for long, without fear in our hearts, Northward into Beleriand x2
5.
Melian 05:45
She, she is the enchantress Her voice took his conscience away For Melian was her name And she filled the silence of Middle-Earth He, he wandered through the forests He followed her enchanting calls Thus, enamoured of her became And for many years transcended he remained Chorus In a clearing in Nan Elmoth The two souls became one For the spell was too strong They are now bonded forevermore
6.
The sound of the sundering sea Has filled the air across the shores As the Lonely Isle draws Its course onto Aman We were searching hopelessly We lingered and were left behind We should put our grief and despair aside And pursue the hope, our Maiar Lord to find Chorus Through a crack in the mountains There’s a passage of light Our fate has left us together in dwelling In the city of Tirion upon Túna, up high Prosperity and fellowship are unveiling The time had come for us to leave For the desire was so strong and profound Beneath the starry skies of Eldamar We tamed the waves with the swans on our side Across the shores of Valinor Onwards the borders of Dark Ιn seek of the unknown We explored the lands far, far beyond For the love of knowledge would be vast in our hearts What fate would bring, only time will reveal at last
7.
On glorious and blissful days As a fateful son, I was born Destined to bear the curse of my kin For I sought the counsel of none With crafty hands and a subtle mind I became a masterful figure With piercing eyes of bright And hair dark as the night My will to go forth I reassured Bridge Her body consumed in the bearing of him Her spirit departed to the Halls of Mandos Chorus Spirit of fire, your will is so strong Spirit of fire, you’ll be led by none Spirit of fire, your fate is doomed Oh, mighty Fëanor my loss I should have endured Now, he who deceives with poisonous words Is free to roam this world For he fooled them with vows, from within his bitter heart And poisoned their minds, he will turn them apart I will never, never be deceived I can comprehend your darkness within I will never, ever listen to the words That will be spit from the dark mouth of yours And the Noldor took delight in the hidden knowledge that he could reveal to them; and some hearkened to words that it would have been better for them never to have heard. Bridge Her shadow will cover his house forevermore For it had never departed from his mind Chorus Spirit of fire, you’re wise and strong Spirit of fire, you’ll be led by none Spirit of fire, your fate is doomed Oh, mighty son my loss I should have endured
8.
Thoughts and concerns have troubled his mind Foreshadowing the doom that was drawing near With all his power, his lore, and all his subtle skill, (he) ensured The light of the Trees would never disappear He captured it inside three jewels, resilient in any force Their fire within was burning up so bright No one could lay a hand on them, mortal or evil, they were blessed To utmost darkened places they could shine their light Bridge (Melkor) Thy fire is now burning in my heart Inflaming my darkest desire I lusted thee, oh precious Silmarils, Gems of light, I must acquire Chorus The seeds of hatred were planted, Their harvester now walks among us With lies he blossoms his plants of hate, to bring days of doom upon us The seeds of hatred made us believe, that these thoughts were our own We now must face what is to come, our darkened fate no one can now atone Thus, jealousy sparked between the two elder sons His whispering lies have spread across Eldamar As hands went armed with axes and swords The kindreds have driven each other apart In secrecy he forged swords and helms tall Rebellion he emerged against the Valar For the dark lord’s words have poisoned his soul The Noldor now he wants to deliver and take afar “Father, wilt thou restrain the pride of our brother Who he thinks of himself, as if he were the King?” Bridge (Fëanor) Be gone thee, take thy due place, for my sword is sharper than thy tongue I shall rid thee, usurper, who seeks, to be the master of thy thralls Thou art no king, thou shall not turn against thy kinsman We shall banish thee, thy punishment has begun Now he who deceives, In growing shadows, he moves He feigns friendship but his will now is clear, A fierceful rage, he awakes
9.
Avathar… South of this world, To a dark land unexplored Where the shadows grow longer and deep Beneath the shores of mourn And the sheer walls of Pelóri The monstrous mistress lived in a ravine She (was) hungered for light So, she sucked it up all Dark webs of gloom were her spawn Her hunger diminished not, She lusted for more Though she was filled with a great fear, His bid, she could not ignore Bridge (Melkor) If thou hunger endures After everything is done I will feed thy lust with whatever Thy may demand Chorus 1 Lead the way my dear Let us bring them (a) great fear As darkness falls, in this deep sea of night I will spread around terror and grief They both set forth to the blessed Valinor Covered in a dark woven cloak While the people of the realm, Had put aside all their grief In the great halls, upon Taniquetil Then they came upon The great Trees of Light Their shine won’t last for long For her thirst diminished not She lusted for more While both Trees were drained off (Their light) Bridge (Ungoliant) My hunger remains After their sap was gone I will feed my lust with whatever I may demand Chorus 2 Drink, drink my dear Let them now be in fear As darkness falls, in this deep sea of night I will spread around terror and grief Bridge (Trees) He stabs the Trees Deep wounds into their flesh Bright sap was poured out on the ground She dips her teeth to quench her thirst 'Till their lights are no more around A piercing look through this deep bitter night Saw darkness beyond dark, impervious And while pursuing the shadows in the north Lost and powerless, we beat the air in vain Darkness has fallen Darkness has fallen Darkness has fallen Darkness has fallen
10.
In lamentation, they drink this cup of woe For the Trees, they are dead, dark and cold Though, there lies a tiny hope, a tiny hope… (Valar) Our wish, we hope that you will grant it Your precious gems, to us, to be handed (Fëanor) I wish not to relinquish the light of my stones I will rather be slain in front of you all Anguish and pain then drowned his heart For the king was slain and the gems were extract A curse from within arose A curse whence the bleak north blows (Fëanor) I curse thy name, Morgoth you shall be The black foe of this world, my eternal enemy I curse thy summon in this ring of doom I am grieving inside, my soul in a gloom The master of thy words now speaks Into the hearts of people Anger and hope he breeds They swiftly gathered around to hark, While he stirred them into madness (Morgoth) My hands are burned By the light of these gems Yet I refuse to feed her With their preciousness All the treasures of Formenos Now lying devoured in her guts For my very life I cry while her darkened webs shut (Lammoth) Summon the ones, undiscovered foes, undiscovered foes To deliver thy lord from her darkened webs, from their fiery whips away she flees, away she flees (Morgoth) I declare myself king of the world Heavy is my crown yet I will never take it off In these renewed ruins of Angband I shall remain and govern you all Beneath the gloomy veil of agony Beneath the gloomy veil of despair Into these bleak times where hope Hope Matters more, hope matters more hope matters more than breathable air (Fëanor) Why, oh why, all servants must we be To the ones that failed to protect us? Instead, war, oh war we shall bring Upon the One of their kin The one who destruction and slaughter brought us And once everything is done The only masters will be Us Lords of the unsullied Light Everlasting Dark shall set upon whoever may lay a hand on a Silmaril For they shall never, ever leave our sight again! With burning hearts of anger They march beyond the dark A bitter farewell, they bid In the dead wilderness of grinding ice Hunger and fear slowly rise As the cursed kin marches on their doom Beyond this world, into the gloom (unknown) And as their angry hearts withered The weight of this frozen wilderness Plunged their weeping souls into emptiness
11.
Shining stars are burning in the night Like silver fires they light up the Northern sky Into the deep woods of Neldoreth Where once Lúthien was brought to life In the passing of the ages Over the Blue Mountains we arrived By the sides of Ered Luin We have built and we thrived (Bridge) We’ve been praised and entitled As the Masters of the Stones Yet no one can deny Our great love for the gemstones (Chorus) Into the deeps of Beleriand we go We let our iron to meet its rock With our we’ve built The great Halls of Menegroth And as the new age drew on We have spoken of our great foe We might have captured the dark lord Yet his foul beasts freely roam (Bridge) Will prosperity be demised? To prevent that, we’re obliged We’ve stored the armouries of the Elven lords With chainmail of glimmering splore That will never, ever get old (Chorus) Into the deeps of Menegroth we work The sounds of pounding have spread across its halls With our sturdy hands, we pound, we forge We let our hammers temper mighty swords Into the deeps of Menegroth we roam We are the masters in this kingdom of stone With our edgy, crafty minds we’ve sealed A higher bonding with our Elven Lords Into the deeps of Menegroth we dwell At the edge of prosperity, a Great War will begin We pledged our hammers and our hearts to the realm For we are the Gonnhirrim
12.
Doriath 09:07
A blissful time, as thoughts float Into a tide untroubled Where beauty’s thriving, Like the dawn during spring’s morning (Bridge) Long was this time of prosperity, Little were the tales to be told Now everything is forgotten and perished Upon the shadow of the war (Chorus) She, who devoured all light In a cloak of darkness she vanished In the Mountains of Terror, she came All light and life itself now are banished He, who cried in despair Built it anew and fortified his dark lair And as the reek of death sneaked out from its towers He set forth to bring war with all of his powers The land is drawn into twilight Fear grows in the hearts of men Echoes, echoes of a desperate cry Hark! Oh hark, oh hark, the herald of death (Bridge) (Chorus) Great was the battle, Yet plundered was the land Many have lost their lives In this first war of Beleriand Fenced is the dominion by the spell of Melian While evil roamed beyond the unseen walls of Doriath
13.
There’s no heal for these wounds, a failing hope of revive A flower and a fruit yielded before the Trees’ last fading light In the vigilant, murky realm, sleepless we remained We have held our voiceless council and our choices we ordained With eyes of bright, of splendour that no one could withstand a stare She became the chosen one to carry the Golden Fruit up in the air A lover of the silver, he was pleased with their accord He is the one with the task of tending the Silver Flower for evermore And as the first light of Moon arose above the realm of the stars Things awoken from their slumber; a sign of hope had come at last Then, the Sun arose in glory, a great fire in the sky Upon the towers of Pelóri, it cast its rays on every side (Tilion) We’ve been sent to keep our courses In this eternal celestial dance Our light so bright, so radiant, discloses all evil at a glance (Arien) Yet you’re drawn, drawn to me, our dance has started to fall afoul Your light is now diminished, it fled and scorched away like a howl (Varda) For I decided, I wanted you to stay aloft I proposed to alternate thy courses Now as the one slept to west The other from the east arose By breaking your conjunctions; I gave the land a night and day My command for you to follow, a wish I wanted you to simply obey Atop of the Blessed Realm, they are now sharing the open skies A little sort of hide and seek below the ground where all the evil lies And while chasing one another upon a predefined pace Lured, he was, he came so close to her and brought some darkness amid the day (Reprise) Of silver and gold, above the skies of Pelóri Of silver and gold, we brought light once again to our world As fear dethroned the delights of evil, He attempted to murder the light Avoiding a war was of their choice, they raised mountain-walls of a great height (Reprise) Of silver and gold, around the walls of Pelóri Of silver and gold, we fortified our precious Valinor

about

This is our second full-length album, "Of Light and Darkness". Inspired by J.R.R. Tolkien's masterpiece, "The Silmarillion", this album is set to embark you on an extraordinary musical voyage across the realms of Middle-Earth and the creation of Arda.

Joining our musical journey is the incredibly talented guitarist, Panayotis Mavrakis (Cosmic Plunge, Days of Fervor), now a permanent member, amplifying the depth and skill in our dynamic sound. Together, we've sculpted an album that reflects our artistic evolution and unified vision.

"Of Light and Darkness" intertwines our signature metal vibe, reminiscent of Blind Guardian, Insomnium, Wintersun, Empyrium, and Bathory, with the enchanting melodies akin to rock bands like Styx and Blackmore's Night. Drawing inspiration from the first 11 chapters of Tolkien's "The Silmarillion", this album crafts a captivating narrative that hopefully resonates with fans of both the metal genre and fantasy literature.

And hey, as a little extra treat, upon grabbing the album, you'll uncover an additional three bonus tracks and you also get the 2 lyric videos:

1. Melian (Single Version)
2. A celestial dance (First draft version)
3. And the road goes ever on (Non-orchestrated version)

It's an exclusive musical journey that's yours only with the album purchase!

credits

released August 12, 2022

Recorded, mixed and mastered at Perilous Home Studio by Iraklis Choraitis.

Cover artwork by Iraklis Choraitis

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