The Plot (song by song)
1. The Prophecy
The ‘opener’ deals with Phrixos’ escape from Thessaly and the sacrifice of the magical ram. Moreover, as the song title suggests, Aeetes tells us about his fears concerning the prophecy he received, predicting that his life will last as long as the Golden Fleece belongs to him.
~~~ LINERNOTES ~~~
T. Bartel: The first thing that crossed my mind concerning 'The Prophecy' was that I had difficulties finding an appropriate solution for the Oracle part. Using the diatonic scales, the melody apparently just wasn't mysterious enough. Eventually, I ended up using the C Half Diminished scale (also called Locrian #2)!! In addition, the phrasing is rather... unique - A quote from Melanie Zink: "What the hell came over you?"
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2. A Rightful King
The main character in the second song is Jason. He lives with his teacher Chiron, a centaur, in hiding. Jason fights an inner struggle because he is the rightful king of Thessaly. But his uncle, Pelias, who killed Jason’s father Aeson, usurped the throne and is king. With Chiron’s support Jason finally decides to reclaim the throne and his father’s legacy.
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3. Poseidon's Festival
Pelias bears the cross of an oracle predicting that a man with just one sandal will come and claim his throne. Indeed, when Jason arrives at Pelias’ palace at the Poseidon’s Festival he is wearing only one sandal having lost the second one on his journey. Pelias realizes that the oracle has come true. He pretends to acknowledge Jason’s claim to the throne, on the condition that Jason brings the Golden Fleece in return for the throne. Pelias thinks that this quest is impossible to fulfill and that Jason will die.
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4. The Launching Of The Argo
Jason agrees to Pelias’ condition and then gathers some of the greatest heroes of ancient Greece around him. Further, he gains Athene’s affection and she blesses the Argo, the ship designed to bring the so-called Argonauts to Colchis. After Jason and Chiron have discussed the meaning of this quest everything is prepared for the launch of the Argo.
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5. Wings Of Metal
On their way to Colchis, the Argonauts meet many challenges. One of these adventures takes place in Bythynia where king Phineus reigns. The blind man once provoked the Gods’ anger so that he was haunted by mysterious creatures called ‘harpies’ (half women, half birds of prey) which steal any food from Phineus that he does not need to survive. The Argonauts help Phineus to put these creatures to flight. Grateful, Phineus presents a dove to Jason because Phineus knows this dove will be of great help to the Argonauts.
~~~ LINERNOTES ~~~
T. Bartel: That's our prize exhibit in terms of Heavy-Power-Doublebass-Metal: rather straight and riff-based. It may be unexpected that this tune is also written in a rather non-standard scale, namely B Harmonic Minor (or rather F# Lydian #2 !?!?). The latest version of 'Wings Of Metal' incidentally differs significantly from the first one. Since Oliver's, Andre's and Chris' contributions to the song were not as I initially wanted them to be (in terms of their cues) but really improved the song, 'WOM' was rearranged twice. In particular, Chris' keyboard solo makes me smile (or even laugh) every time I hear it!
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6. The Crashing Rocks
One of the greatest mysteries of ancient Greece is treated in this song, namely the Symplegades. Two rocks at both sides of straits smash against each other every time some tries to pass through. So far no one has ever escaped them until the Argo arrives. Jason lets Phineus’ dove fly through the passage and the Symplegades crash against each other. Yet, as the rocks withdraw the heros row through with all their might. And with Athene’s help the Argonauts manage to pass through the stones. From then on the magic of the Symplegades has vanished.
~~~ LINERNOTES ~~~
T. Bartel: A very diversified song. Inspired by recent Fates Warning like riffs in the beginning, the song then turns into a triplet feeling. The chorus is rather catchy. In summary, there happens quite a lot during this tune without being too complex and confusing.
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7. Arrival In Colchis
Finally the Argonauts find a passage to Colchis and step in front of Aeetes. He is still the sovereign of Colchis and still holds the Golden Fleece. Jason reclaims the Golden Fleece in the name of the King of Thessaly. Again, like Pelias before, Aeetes appears to agree to Jason’s demand under one condition: Jason has to tame mysterious bulls and plough the fields with them. And as Pelias before, Aeetes is sure that Jason will be killed by these creatures.
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8. Medea
When she sees him the first time, Medea immediately falls in love with Jason. From then on she is torn between Jason and her father - between love and her sense of duty.
~~~ LINERNOTES ~~~
T. Bartel: 'Medea' was designed to be the only classical ballad on this album. Actually, I don't like most of the ballads out there - I find them too cheesy or insignificant in most cases. But I'm convinced that we here made a nice compromise.
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9. Creatures Of The Underworld
In order to gain the Golden Fleece, Jason has to conquer the magic bulls. After a heavy fight Jason gets control over the creatures and really ploughs the fields with them. However, the seeds in the earth are magic dragons’ teeth from which strange iron men sprout to attack Jason. Here, Medea interferes in the unfair fight and destroys the creatures with her magical skills. Finally, Aeetes has to admit that Jason has fulfilled his tasks. Aeetes now has to give the Golden Fleece to Jason, but he thinks up a new sinister plan …
~~~ LINERNOTES ~~~
T. Bartel: The challenge here was to transfer the complexity of the lyrics and the different involved characters to the song. That's why this tune is one of the most complex and at least from my point of view most interesting songs of "T.Q.O.T.A.". It starts with a clean guitar part displaying kind of unique atmosphere followed by a bridge in a 13/8 pattern. Furthermore, the song which is longer than 8 minutes exhibits an obvious (and desired) homage to Fates Warning, an electro-/techno-like drum pattern, guitar riffs like from an outstanding former metal band from Texas, polyphonic leads and in total 5 tempo changes.
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10. The Theft Of The Golden Fleece
Medea warns Jason because she knows that her father will never keep his vow and hand over the Golden Fleece. Hence, both Medea and Jason decide to steal it from Aeetes and then to return to Thessaly with the Argonauts. Medea is set to join the Argonauts and leave her father and home behind.
~~~ LINERNOTES ~~~
T. Bartel: This actually has been the first complete song - and I still like it very much! And that means quite a lot! In particular, I really like the catchy chorus and the interplay between the involved singers Regina, Oliver and Francis. Even if the song is rather of the Hard Rock style it keeps ready some surprises as well, e.g. the first solo part.
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11. A Bloody Return
With Jason’s return to Iolkus the whole story could turn into a happy ending at last. However, Pelias denies Jason his throne. As a consequence Jason takes revenge with the help of Medea. Medea instigates Pelias’ children to kill their own father. But Pelias’ troops attack and defeat the rightful king’s men and Jason has to retreat. He and Medea flee to foreign lands. They live happily for some time and raise their two children, when another twist of fate occurs. Jason falls in love with a queen and leaves his family for her. Mad with anger, Medea kills this queen and also her own two children. Then she disappears from her home.
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12. See You In The Underworld
Jason stands on the shores of his new home country. He's full of despair, grief and self-reproaches for he found his children's bodies lying in their own blood. He reflects his life and the greatest adventure ever. Finally, he takes the blame for this tragic ending and draws the only possible conclusion...
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