So today is my Birthday, though this is going to be only place I reveal such information openly. It's not that it's a well kept secret, but rather that I tend to celebrate it quietly. Looking back this past year, I can see how wildly life has thrown me around. Friends whom were distant re-appeared back in my life. And family relations seem strengthened. For each bitter moment, there have been just as many (if not more) moments of established accomplishment. Like a fine masterpiece heard for the first time, there are emotions of greatness and of turmoil found within the blending chords of creativity. Though this thought is seldom appreciated - and often overlooked - ...the greatness of one is cherished due to the understanding of the other. Thus, it brings me to the reason I write the words which you are reading now...
It may be my Birthday, but I celebrate what has transpired in my life - by music - but through you. How many times have we opened our Myspace or Facebook accounts only to find them there; the myriad of advertisements of bands and bandmates trying to promote themselves (because in their defense, that is what the industry has come to). Truthfully, until I found myself within a band, I would get annoyed and frustrated more often than not. But, through the dedication and devotion of my bandmates, their family, and good friends, I've come to realize that there is a calling greater than I had at first believed. I've found that music can develop bonds and strengthen pacts which may have been lost. I've found that there are those whom I can call 'brother' in this world who are family to me by Metal, and that bond is the truest bond that exists. I've learned that even at my weakest point, a driving riff and the right chorus will allow me to stand where others fall.... and this year, I've witnessed how powerful it can be when the music you develop brings together the strong, the proud, and the brave. It is in that time.... when you look out from the stage, just before you're about to cut into your first song... you see that there is a bond which everyone takes part in. And the second right before the guitar grinds it's distorted sounds... before the sticks fall hard and crack upon the drum heads.... before time itself realizes that it has been stopped - just briefly - for a moment to make it all a memory....
.... there is you. The reason we want to share what we create in the band.... the reason we practice.... the reason we create.... the reason we set aside so many other avenues to an otherwise standard life which we almost forcibly leave behind. You are the reason. These words.... are for you. You will find no advertisements at the end of my post. No band plugs... No subtle prompt to visit another site.... All you will find is appreciation. No matter if one....ten.....or hundreds read this, you are all a damn good reason to continue doing what I (and all of The Last Alliance) will do for this next year....and with hope... many more to come.
For Honor, Loyalty, and Trust,
Knight Soul
