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CRIMSON WREATH

by ILLUSORY

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  • Compact Disc (CD) + Digital Album

    Label: Rockshots Records
    Release Date: May 21, 2021
    Runtime: 78min

    Release Specification:
    – 12 pages booklet

    Track List:
    01. Besetting Sins
    02. Acedia
    03. Crimson Wreath
    04. Immortal No
    05. All Shall Fade
    06. All Blood Red
    07. The Voice Inside Me
    08. S.T. Forsaken
    09. Ashes To Dust
    10. A Poem I Couldn’t Rhyme
    An Opus Of Loss And Sorrow:
    11. Pedestal I: Past Forever Last
    12. Pedestal II: The Isle Of Shadows
    13. Pedestal III: Agony’s Last
    14. Fortress Of Sadness

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    ILLUSORY’s third album, “Crimson Wreath”, is out via Rockshots Records. The Heavy Metal band from Athens is proud to release a record consisting of 78 minutes of music, which has already been gaining massive acclaim by the Press and fans, locally and abroad.

    “Crimson Wreath” is considered as ILLUSORY’s most mature and complete work, comprising of fourteen songs, showcasing the Ivories’ songwriting and arranging dexterities as well as advanced performing skills.

    Heavy duty production, mixing and mastering, once again in and by Matrix Recording Studio, Athens, proved that this unique sound can be achieved when the band teams up with producer extraordinaire and practically the seventh member of ILLUSORY, Yiannis Petroyiannis.

    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Produced by Yiannis Petroyiannis
    Co-Produced by Dee “K.man” Theodorou
    Engineered and edited by Dee “K.man” Theodorou at the iCave Studio and Yiannis Petroyiannis at the Matrix Studios
    Mixed and Mastered by Yiannis Petroyiannis at the Matrix Studios

    All songs composed, arranged and orchestrated by ILLUSORY

    Art cover designed by Panagiotis “Hammer” Sfiris
    Design / Layout by Panagiotis “Hammer” Sfiris
    Art concept conceived and directed by Stiver Graunne

    Photography by Vaios Roupis
    Photo processing by Manos Psakis

    Hair and Makeup by Helena Theodorou

    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Guests:

    * Choir on “The Isle Of Shadows” and “Fortress Of Sadness”: Anastasia Papadopoulou (Upon Revival), Gregory Koilakos (Fortis Ventus), Nancy Moschopoulou (Fortis Ventus) and Ophelia Baudelaire
    * Soprano Parts on “Fortress Of Sadness” by Nancy Moschopoulou (Fortis Ventus)
    * Additional Vocals on “Fortress Of Sadness” by Ophelia Baudelaire
    * Lullaby Intro on “Agony’s Last” by Mary Tirou
    * Classical Guitars on “Acedia” and Acoustic Guitars on “The Isle Of Shadows” by Dimitris Fakos
    * Piano on “All Shall Fade”, “Fortress Of Sadness” and “Past Forever Last” by Alexandros Roumeliotis
    * Narration on “Ashes To Dust” by Grigoris Valtinos
    * Narration on “Acedia” by Paul Logue
    * Narration on “The Voice Inside Me” by Stiver Graunne

    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    * Narration on “The Isle Of Shadows” by George Papantonis
    * Gang Voices by the Ivories & Gregory Koilakos (Fortis Ventus)
    * Choral Arrangements by Dee Theodorou

    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The Press about “Crimson Wreath”:

    “It’s about a multifarious work, with an admirable flow”.
    Kostas Lyros, Metal Hammer – Greece

    “Adding choirs, classical and acoustic guitars and piano sections can only show that it is a matter of well-coordinated experienced musicians who put quality first. I can say for sure is my favorite and candidate for the album of the year, even though we haven’t even gotten close to half of it yet”.
    Ivona Bogner, Abaddon – Serbia

    “Give ILLUSORY a listen, because this is actually one of the best this reviewer has heard in a long time”.
    Gert Beuse, Calles Rock Corner – Denmark

    “This album probably deserves performing in its entirety live at some point and the more I listen the more I like. Deep, melodic and brilliantly written, this is top notch stuff”.
    Simon Black, Ever Metal – UK

    “Despite a run time of over 75 minutes, not once does the album drag. Rather, you can't believe it when the album is over because you want to keep listening. I strongly feel that not only is “Crimson Wreath” one of the singular best albums you could hope to come across this year, but it will come to be seen as ILLUSORY's magnum opus release”!
    Jay Roberts, Knac – USA

    “ILLUSORY has produced a very enjoyable album. Its melodic qualities are perceived without any difficulty. The production was at the height of the compositions, without any instrument being relegated or buried. Hopefully the conditions allow the band to go on stage very soon, as it will definitely be interesting to listen to the songs on this album live”.
    Cristóbal Torres, Metal Rules – Canada

    “In general words, I would say that “Crimson Wealth” is a long, but rewarding album, which will gratify every heavy/power metal fan. It’s the most mature work of ILLUSORY, who are getting a pure power metal musical direction. Sometimes epic, sometimes proggy, ILLUSORY find their target, offering us a great power metal offering”.
    Dimitris Zacharopoulos, Myth Of Rock – Greece

    “Crimson Wreath will hopefully open up ILLUSORY to a bigger audience because they really deserve to be heard by fans of heavy power metal”.
    Matt Bladen, Musipedia – UK

    “This incredible band have created sounds and lyrics and placed it together in such a way that there is no true and real way that my words in this review could ever do “Crimson Wreath” justice for its true original take on melodic and heavy and true metal. I can only hope everyone in the world gets a chance to experience this individual intertwined essence from within”.
    Zoe Stone, Rock Out Stand Out – UK

    “Give the album its due time and you won’t regret it. You will always come back to it, to constantly find new things. Listen to it in its entirety and let yourselves go to all the thing the record has to offer you. Until the time comes for us to enjoy the album live on stage, I’m pressing the play button once again. I suggest you do the same”.
    Jovanna Spiliou, Noizy – Greece

    “Throughout, this masterpiece still sports the very same dynamic of the day, with a rich flow of lyricism taking us on a journey of fantasy, myth, mystery and far off lands steeped in history, transporting us all into the realms of thought as the band speed down the track like a runaway train”.
    Ian Davies, Stargazer – UK

    “This awesome album has so many touches of feelings that takes you back to familiar chords and makes you feel it once again with another way”.
    Costas Margaman, Album Reviewz – Greece

    “As previously stated, “Crimson Wreath” is an album that you listen to with pleasure and of which you cannot fail to appreciate the quality of writing and attention to detail; if you grew up on bread and heavy metal, this record will surely give you joy”.
    Alessia Artesani, Metallus – Italy

    Includes unlimited streaming of CRIMSON WREATH via the free Bandcamp app, plus high-quality download in MP3, FLAC and more.
    ... more
    ships out within 5 days

      €12 EUR or more 

     

  • Streaming + Download

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

    * Crimson Wreath - Booklet
    * Ivories - Signed Photo.jpg
    Purchasable with gift card

      €10 EUR  or more

     

  • Record/Vinyl + Digital Album

    Deluxe double vinyl version of our latest album with a gatefold jacket

    Includes unlimited streaming of CRIMSON WREATH via the free Bandcamp app, plus high-quality download in MP3, FLAC and more.
    ships out within 5 days

      €30 EUR or more 

     

  • Full Digital Discography

    Get all 3 ILLUSORY releases available on Bandcamp and save 20%.

    Includes unlimited streaming via the free Bandcamp app, plus high-quality downloads of CRIMSON WREATH, POLYSYLLABIC, and THE IVORY TOWER. , and , .

    Purchasable with gift card

      €20.80 EUR or more (20% OFF)

     

1.
Hell no! Twisted minds crave destruction Wars and famine through history God has left this construction Alone, we're facing the mystery… … Of life, but still we hide behind these walls… … Of fear, for profit and glory, a game lost or won We rise; we fall; we’re dying The seeds of lies we're carrying The book of all mankind has opened, curtain's falling We choose the wrong to follow Forgive ourselves tomorrow No abreaction, it's too late, besetting sins Raise Cain, armed for predation Deride my God for your vanity Trace your lost inspiration And trade your fame for some clarity The crown still slowly bleeds, the beast awakes Repent; now choose absolution or hatred itself We rise; we fall; we’re dying The seeds of lies we're carrying The book of all mankind has opened, curtain's falling We choose the wrong to follow Forgive ourselves tomorrow No abreaction, it's too late, besetting sins Magnus fool More obscene than shadows, cursed howl My betrayal drenched in coward deeds An obscured perversion – bear with me Savage hearts are flaming, shining... ... Bastard lights Don’t deserve to live, don’t have a soul Don’t derive from past agnostic wrongs Mega-selves shall bleep our egos loss I beset my sins, I dare, now, forgive the damned – for the dead Nor the limbs – blood on blunt – golden rant – ignorant We rise; we fall; we’re dying The seeds of lies we're carrying The book of all mankind has opened, curtain's falling We choose the wrong to follow Forgive ourselves tomorrow No abreaction, it's too late, besetting sins Hell no!
2.
Acedia 02:14
By being the ultimate victim of pride, I proclaimed myself as Magnus… God only knows I was really the fool in this bloody scenario. People trusted in me were all betrayed, for my envy was literally feasting on my soul, making me a true anthropomorphic monstrous creature. I was aware of my lust as an obscured perversion; however I managed to become indifferent towards my most important essence of existence; I managed to consider mankind as unnecessary evil… Time was proven to be a sloth charade as I was standing between a life and death farce, denying my own soul and life. Forgiveness is merely a word, standing as the scarecrow of wrath, amongst justified and damned; Greed made my heart set on fire and the flames guided me to territories far beyond my knowledge, my understanding, my vision… Is there an honest man near me, to deprive every pleasant though as the gluttony of my mega-self is leading me to pure Acedia?
3.
We heard it on the news, we're under attack Our land of ancestors' threatened and banned Eyes filled with terror, our lights gotten black Our hearts are beating fast, the answer now is gunned We must protect now our own Withstand the enemy's zone Our mourning pain sets the tone Force alarm Ammo blasting, Tommy Guns Fear sadly spans They'll do us harm They shall damn our lifeless carns Intruder knows the job, they blast in flying colours We’re brave enough to fight but we don’t stand a chance The world is proud of us, we feel like action heroes But on our fighting edge, our death is what we glance We can't protect now our own Inside the enemy's zone Now death is setting the score Force alarm Ammo blasting, Tommy Guns Fear sadly spans They'll do us harm They shall damn our lifeless carns We fake our fear of faking Fears sadly span Best case scenario we leave things undone But when we lose don’t we see what is lost? The crying, the suffer, the cost Alarming the force Red Crescent and crimson wreath Look around you, fear is not the answer What charade is going on? They even stole our breath Faint into falls – Demolish!
4.
Immortal No 04:28
All there is, all I’ve been, battle-cries All the ones I have fought, all my sworn allies The shields, the swords, broken chords, bitter ends Emptiness utters masquerade trends Wish I could have thought Regret and unfold Make up for deeds I foretold Killing spree, no man’s ever set to try There’s no guarantee of hope, there’s no sigh I am counting lost souls, all ashamed for my faults Breed of venomous row, immortal no Far away, soldiers’ prey, a covert sight Vagabond, steel at heart, a forsaken light Educate, cultivate; make a brave mind Isolate, reemerge; comprehend mankind Feel life blown away Feel death from a wish I could betray, disobey Killing spree, no man’s ever set to try There’s no guarantee of hope, nor a sigh I am counting lost souls, all ashamed for my faults Breed of venomous row, immortal no A man is standing tall and proud off to try There’s a guarantee of hope, there’s a sigh I am keeping my soul, not ashamed for my fall Freed from venomous row, immortal no Immortal no!
5.
Life is changing, can you see it too? Don’t stay in the past Seasons changing and so can you Life flies away so fast Standing in unity, no one’s left alone Nothing lasts forever, all shall fade There’s too much now to say Color and religion, all the same Learning life another day Facing our destiny, is this our home?
6.
Long forgotten past, values are dead They’re forsaken, no thoughts in their mind Hunting the outcast, is this misread? Faults of minority is undefined Mindless will defy and stay in the dark past Lust for the haunted, blank is inside them and will always last Infidels, believers, black or white Nor saints, nor sinners; wrong or right Race doesn't matter when reaching the end When all is gone, all blood is red Look around you now, more brutality They are turning their glimpses away They will soon all bow; harsh reality We can no more withstand another day Road to perdition, bane, ruins and loss Is this transition or is this the way that we carry our cross? All men and women, hoary or child Natives or repatriates, calm or wild Nothing stays certainly same in the end When all shall fade, all blood is red No more blood to be spilled for all religions No more tears for the children in this world No more frauds from our blunt politicians No more lies, no more deaths and no more war Infidels, believers, black or white Nor saints, nor sinners; wrong or right Race doesn't matter when reaching the end When all is gone, all blood is red All men and women, hoary or child Natives or repatriates, calm or wild Nothing stays certainly same in the end When all shall fade, all blood is red All blood is red… Blood is red
7.
The voice inside me has spoken one too many times. Not that I needed to listen, however I could not pretend I was deaf. Not this time. Looked up where the payphone was hanging… Maybe it was still working… “Can you spare some change”? “Don’t I know you from somewhere? Say… aren’t you the guy who used to be filthy stinking rich? What in Heaven’s name happened to you”? Dialed the number, then hung up. Did it a few times more. Some lady was standing outside the booth. She was nervous, anxious and frustrated. Searched for her cell-phone and moved away mumbling… Dialed the number once more. The voice on the line was polite. “Megan? It’s me” I whispered. She didn’t even say the basic phrases about my wellbeing or whatever being. She simply asked if I needed any help and should I require such, I’d better attend a helping center or some facility of the sort. I tried to explain. The voice inside me was laughing at me. Laughter got so loud… I could not hear her anymore. The voice inside me was wining… for now…
8.
Strolling lost without hopes in the gutter of my mind Hear the voices ordering, no peace to find Needles, pins and spirits are the memories of sins Frozen tears as reminiscing golden dreams Lies were told and lies were spread until all fake unfold Trapped inside my inner-cage of my self-rage but now I’m old Cold, alone I still stand; there’s no one I can confide Sold my soul to darkness, I can see though I feel blind Emptiness became my peace of mind My treason, my reason, my crime My insidious side that I… … Hide from my own shadow, only she can set me free Tide of tears and sorrow, castaway but there’s no sea Thread and Thrum, my dark serenity Perception – deception, my strife Is this my afterlife? Left forsaken with thoughts in my mind The voice within me, it says: “Look behind” Past forgotten, my future is lost All is paid now and this is my cost This is my time No words to rhyme Pay for my crime – end of the line Only tonight I’ll take the fight I’ll trade the light, I’ll be the night All the angels and demons are gambling with me This is my time No words to rhyme Pay for my crime, it’s the end of the line I’m the peccant, I’m the blessed I’m the sacred, I’m possessed (Perception – deception, my strife) Like an angel caught in hell, to the end of time If my life was just a test Lost or won, a game I’ve messed (Is this my afterlife?) There’s a will to mark the end of this pantomime Left forsaken with thoughts in my mind The voice within me, it says: “Look behind” Past forgotten, my future is lost All is paid now and this is my cost Saint forsaken with thoughts in my mind The voice within me, it says: “Look behind” Past forgotten, my future is lost All is paid now and this is my cost Now, I’m old
9.
Mother Thetis, my Goddess, my queen Scion of Myrmidons, my fate's been written on Odysseus tricked me, a fake battle scene Deep in the Skyros isle where I was hidden They gave me warfare when I was fifteen I've been invincible and never beaten Thrust my spear high turns ashes to dust Brave and sacred the Achaean’s nation We cry in choral, a wail for the dead Graves in fields, an eternal damnation Eye for an eye, their blood I shall spread I'll fight even fame, Achilles' my name Fifty ships, nine victorious years Killed men and sons of Gods without a penance Lost my friend, spent my last drops of tears I'm coming for you, Hector, taste my vengeance Thrust my spear high turns ashes to dust Brave and sacred the Achaean’s nation We cry in choral, a wail for the dead Graves in fields, an eternal damnation Eye for an eye, their blood I shall spread I'll fight even fame, Achilles' my name Η σ᾽ εὖ γιγνώσκων προτιόσσομαι, οὐδ᾽ ἄρ᾽ ἔμελλον πείσειν· ἦ γὰρ σοί γε σιδήρεος ἐν φρεσὶ θυμός. Φράζεο νῦν, μή τοί τι θεῶν μήνιμα γένωμαι ἤματι τῷ ὅτε κέν σε Πάρις καὶ Φοῖβος Ἀπόλλων ἐσθλὸν ἐόντ᾽ ὀλέσωσιν ἐνὶ Σκαιῇσι πύλῃσιν. Twelve Gods of Greece, all by your side Now rest in peace, brother be my guide Your soul is mine, your mortal breath Now quench your thirst, water from Lethe So brave and sacred the Achaean’s nation We cry in choral, a wail for the dead Graves in fields, an eternal damnation Eye for an eye, their blood I shall spread I'll fight even fame, Achilles' my name Brave and sacred the Achaean’s nation We cry in choral, a wail for the dead Graves in fields, an eternal damnation Eye for an eye, their blood I shall spread I'll fight even fame, Achilles' my name Ashes to dust!
10.
Out in the night by myself, I’m waiting for the moment to come Living in isolation and dream at nights what I have become Taking a look inside me, I only see a glimpse of my youth Seeking a place to hide me, I need to stay away from the truth The right; the wrong I cannot stand this bearing wall The rage; the pain The everlasting blame Rain out the window’s pouring; I see a stranger out in the night Wait, is this just a mirror, am I just having another insight? Illusion’s taking over, begging myself to open the door Madness, all around me, I’m looking at myself on the floor, oh no The right; the wrong I cannot stand this bearing wall The rage; the pain The everlasting blame Searching for answers in some words Without a theme - no story Another moment of some time My lifeless past - no glory Words I once wrote through them I speak A never-ending story Singing a poem I couldn’t rhyme Yet, melody’s inside me The right; the wrong I cannot stand this bearing wall The rage; the pain The everlasting blame, my shame
11.
No sleep, as I walk the path of dreams Half past 4 am, grandma hear my screams I weep, for the years you stood by me Empty space without you, come and make me see… … A world beyond the edge of my sight I've lost my hope this lonely night And I’m trembling in the light Through my obscure reflections Time's sadly passing fast I think I thought I heard you calling from the past Now that I'm kneeling helpless There's no one left to trust I know my past will forever last “Wise man”, tell me stories once again Are you still in chagrin? Are you still in pain? My plan is to hug you, I confess Lay my head beside you and feel your smooth caress Eyes wide open, nous in decay Time is running out, time slips away Please come back another day Through my obscure reflections Time's sadly passing fast I think I thought I heard you calling from the past Now that I'm kneeling helpless There's no one left to trust I know my past will forever last Through my obscure reflections Time's sadly passing fast I think I thought I heard them calling from the past Now that I'm kneeling helpless There's no one left to trust I know my past will forever last I know my past will forever last Someday we'll get back together Someday it will be forever My love stands tall, love stays robust
12.
Leading life; so strong, so proud Risen humble; values avowed Time has no essence, no more tears to shed Since that December, we feel so misled Fly high, touch the stars; No fools, no insane Pass the door of afterlife Can’t see the rainbow, can’t stop the tears We’re left alone reminiscing those years Voices of north winds, yet heard, but don’t speak The isle of shadows; so strange, so mystique Clouds fill the sky, colors turn gray Sun turned so dark; faded away North winds are blowing so strong and so cold Even though whispers are words made of gold Fly high, touch the stars; Now nothing’s the same Pass the door of afterlife Can’t see the rainbow, can’t stop the tears We’re left alone reminiscing those years Voices of north winds, yet heard, but don’t speak The isle of shadows; so strange, so mystique Born in an island of marble and stone Raised through dark times, never alone Moved in life so proud, kept your head high Troubles and problems did not pass you by Shades and shadows, a morning of fear On December 12 you came so serene Now that you’re gone I stand alone Waiting Whispers of love Floating above Sailing You’re far away What is my way? Mother Moving in life Feels like a knife Cut me from this pain Can’t see the rainbow, can’t stop the tears We’re left alone reminiscing those years Voices of north winds, yet heard, but don’t speak The isle of shadows; so strange, so mystique Tell me that it isn't right, like a darkness in a light And the rhythms I appeal do not show the way I feel And if you just try to find they will lead you to the blind And as for the king of dreams now he listens to my screams “It is pleasant, indeed, while the summer lasts With the mild pheasants' song... But now I feel the northern wind's blast Its severe weather strong Alas! Alas! This night seems so long! And I, because of my momentous wrong Now grieve, mourn and fast.” - Anonymous Old English Lyric, circa early 13th century AD
13.
Lacrima the blood of my own blood Weeping soul portrays the loss, horrendous aphorism Roses wither, thorns protect the cause of my demise Watching life becomes still life, a vast appalling flood Thy bleeding, spasm leading Spells I have cast and… … Eyes tearing, heart failing, agony’s last Every night I stare back At my dreams in the dark I can’t go on like this It is you that I miss Still pretending I’m strong Though I wrote you this song Past is running away - Forever gone - Catching up with my thoughts every day Woes depict the karma of my harm Neural system claims the loss, the fields of shattered dreams I deprive, I concur, now I sharpen, I will beg Watch the hated horror scene, my eyes and “My God” screams I’m bleeding, spasm leading Spells I have cast and… … Eyes flooding, I’m falling, agony’s last Every night I stare back At my dreams in the dark I can’t go on like this It is you that I miss Still pretending I’m strong Though I wrote you this song Past is running away - Forever gone - Catching up with my thoughts every day Dark nightmares, but who cares? A life to numb my mind Without you, no way through Two hearts forever bind Little heart frozen Little heart grim You were the chosen Now silent scream Fatherhood blooming Motherhood scene Endless and priceless End less obscene
14.
Ego Vobis – Deus Malum Dominantur – Vita Tua Ego Pluviam – Multum Dolor Vestri Mortem – Ego Feroces She came out, just to play, in a cold December day She can run but he knows that she cannot hide Man was caught, for a life, Mr. Jones; he was “The Knife” Lawyers were so bright and justice’s always blind There she stood, before him, pushed a breath out for a scream Wicked game, terror theme, this is not another dream Ego Vobis – Ego Feroces This nightmare’s scene, a living hell There’s no exit, there’s no escape No one ever rings the bell There’s an evil shape This fortress of sadness, a place where the innocent fade Deep inside, in his lair, no, my God, this isn’t fair She is trembling like a flame, she is undressed Watch the night coming down; it is time to wear his crown Taking lives, another medal on his chest Little angel, be aware, time to fight now if you dare Are you tied on that chair? Are you standing in despair? Dominantur – Ego Feroces This nightmare’s scene, a living hell There’s no exit, there’s no escape No one ever rings the bell There’s an evil shape This fortress of sadness, a place where the innocent fade “Please Mr. Jones, don’t hurt me I will behave, believe me My dress is wet, I can’t see (See no God, hear no God, speak no God) Is this my blood? No sign of God” “We’ll hunt you, we’ll find you Your darkest fears will come true A short shrift, your last shift Lo and behold Surrender, remember These days of sad December Taste pyre and fire The road to hell will now unfold” Helen still calls, behind the cold walls Of cruel submission and childhood predation Man of terror, creation’s error Full of dark addictions and nasty ambitions Dad and mom knows where to find their little rose Someone heard a weep, while he was asleep Realizing, the sun is rising The girl is not dead; a gun is aiming his head Inside his nightmare’s scene, a living hell Found the exit, Helen escaped Now he’s wasted in a cell Punishment unveiled Inside his fortress of sadness should justice prevail Helen, leave the past, don’t live in the past “Go away! Please, go away! They went away… but they will come back Child molester! Molest the molester… You are dead to me! I am dead to me…”

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released May 21, 2021

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ILLUSORY Athens, Greece

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