(Verse 1)
Thunder rolls across the sky
Lightning flashes, spirits fly
The wheel of seasons turns once more
As ancient powers start to roar
(Verse 2)
Oak leaves dance on whispering breeze
Calling warriors to their knees
The hammer strikes, the anvil rings
As storm clouds gather on their wings
(Pre-Chorus)
Hear the battle cry of old
Echoing through time untold
(Chorus)
Celestial fury, cosmic might
Eternity’s tempestuous flight
Realms collide in timeless dance
As fate and chaos share one glance!
(Verse 3)
Chariots race across the clouds
Their thunderous hooves ring clear and loud
The Oak King rises from his throne
To claim the heavens as his own
(Verse 4)
Let mortal hearts now tremble in fear
As celestial anger draws so near
Yet hope remains for those who dare
To face the tempest in the air
(Pre-Chorus)
Hear the battle cry of old
Echoing through time untold
(Chorus)
Celestial fury, cosmic might
Eternity’s tempestuous flight
Realms collide in timeless dance
As fate and chaos share one glance!
(Bridge)
Toirneach sa spéir os ár gcionn
Cumhacht an stoirm ag teacht anuas
Glaonn sé ar na fir chróga
(Chorus x2)
Celestial fury, cosmic might
Eternity’s tempestuous flight
Realms collide in timeless dance
As fate and chaos share one glance!
This piece explores the Celtic god of thunder, Taranis, a powerful and majestic figure who embodies the force of nature, the dynamism of the skies, and his influence over both the world and the warrior spirit. In Celtic mythology, this deity was often depicted with the sacred wheel, symbolizing both solar power and the eternal cycle of existence. His presence in ancient artifacts suggests a deep connection between Celtic warriors and the forces of nature, particularly the dramatic power of storms, thunder, and cyclicity. This divine association reinforced their belief in the sacredness of warfare.
In this panel, at the center, we find a bearded male bust holding half a wheel in his right hand, while on the left, a young woman jumps while holding the wheel with one arm and wearing a horned helmet. At her feet lies a snake with ram’s horns (also present in the plate dedicated to Cernunnos and other plates). The scene might represent a lost Celtic myth, but its meaning remains enigmatic. The wheel, a Celtic symbol associated with Taranis, appears frequently in ancient art, and although not confirmed with certainty, we drew inspiration from this depiction to write our lyrics. For us, this image is not simply a decorative element but a symbol representing the cyclical nature of time and natural phenomena.
Lyrics
We sought to weave together different elements: the primordial power of thunder, the sacredness of warfare for the Celts, and that deep connection between the divine and the natural world that permeated their culture. The use of the Gaelic language in the bridge is not just a tribute to Celtic linguistic roots, but also aims to create a connection between past and present, adding a ritual dimension to the piece.
- Power of Nature and the Thunder God: the lyrics immediately evoke powerful images connected to nature and the thunder god: “thunder rolls across the sky / Lightning flashes, spirits fly“, emphasizing Taranis’s primordial force. The images of thunder and lightning create an atmosphere of unstoppable power. “The wheel of seasons turns once more” linking Taranis to nature’s cycle and his power.
- Warriors and Celestial Battles: with “oak leaves dance on whispering breeze” suggesting a connection between nature and warriors preparing for battle. The anvil’s toll evokes a scene of war preparation and impending strength.
- Fear and Hope: “let mortal hearts now tremble in fear” emphasizes mortals’ fear before celestial wrath, while offering a note of hope for those who dare to face the storm. This duality between fear and courage is a recurring theme in the song, reflecting the complexity of human emotions when confronting the force of nature and the divine.
- Cyclicity of Time and History: the pre-chorus emphasizes the continuity of struggle and the eternal resonance of past events. This concept reinforces the idea of cyclicity, connecting to the wheel representation on the Gundestrup Cauldron.
- Gaelic Language: the bridge in Gaelic, essentially evocative, translates to “thunder in the sky above us / The power of the storm descending / Calling forth the brave ones“: this language, with its distinctive sonority, adds another layer of depth and provides a modern connection to the Celtic tongue.
The Musical Atmosphere
The track opens with a slow fade-in and resonant chimes accompanied by strings, symbolizing the passage of time. Orchestral arrangements intertwine with electric guitars, creating a powerful emotional contrast. The lead female vocals add a melodic quality to the piece, even as it delves into themes that are both powerful and epic. The lyrical voice joins in during the latter part of the pre-chorus and chorus, reaching its full evocative strength in the Gaelic bridge following an instrumental section. The overall atmosphere of the track evokes a sense of timelessness and a deep connection to myth, making the listening experience immersive and transcendent.
