STORY
Of War and Flames (Orchestral Version) is a symphonic retelling of divine wrath transformed into mercy. Inspired by one of the most iconic myths of Egyptian legend, the song shifts from its original power metal intensity into a deeply cinematic and emotional arrangement, revealing the inner conflict of the goddess Sekhmet – and the balance between chaos and compassion.
The Silent Flame
According to myth, Sekhmet was created by the sun god Ra to punish humanity for their disobedience. As the embodiment of vengeance and fire, she unleashed destruction upon the earth, burning everything in her path with divine fury. But her bloodlust grew beyond control. Fearing she would wipe out all of creation, Ra devised a plan to calm her rage.
He filled the land with beer dyed red to resemble blood. Believing it to be the blood of her enemies, Sekhmet drank deeply and fell into a long, intoxicated sleep. Her fury faded, and with it, the world was saved. This turning point – from divine rage to reluctant peace – is the emotional heart of the song.
The lyrics capture this transformation with lines like “Her wrath seemed so endless until one day Ra tricked her mind”, reminding us that even the fiercest forces can be stilled by wisdom, and that true strength may lie in surrender.
Musical Composition
The orchestral version opens with a soft, contemplative piano and a restrained vocal line. The arrangement leans into symphonic textures – lush strings, ambient atmospheres and an ethereal choir evoke a sense of solemnity and ancient power.
Nicoletta’s performance moves gently at first, almost whispering the story of Sekhmet’s descent into fury. As the arrangement unfolds, orchestral elements rise, reflecting the growing chaos and divine magnitude.
Divine Balance Restored
Of War and Flames (Orchestral Version) stands as a meditation on the fragile boundary between destruction and mercy. By embracing orchestral storytelling, Alterium transforms a fierce anthem into a reflective epic, revealing new emotional depth in one of their most defining songs.
This is not just a softer version – it is a new perspective, where mythology and music meet in quiet reverence, and fire gives way to peace.
Behind the Song
Lyrics
Lady dressed in red
And silken flames
With scorching desert winds
And burning breath
She slays the mortals
Goddess of the war
And raging flames
Emblem of the solar rays
With deadly warmth
And power
Her bloodlust never ends
Not even after the revenge
Surrender to her rage
See, the blood of the fallen, blood of the fallen
Made the Nile run red - made the Nile run red
And her wrath seemed so endless
Until one day Ra tricked her mind
Mistress of the dread
A lioness
The One Before Whom Evil Trembles
Vengeful queen of slaughter
Fooled by Ra
She drank the blood
Which was beer dyed in red instead
The peace has been restored
Her bloodlust never ends
Not even after the revenge
Surrender to her rage
See, the blood of the fallen, blood of the fallen
Made the Nile run red - made the Nile run red
And her wrath seemed so endless
Until one day Ra tricked her mind
See, the blood of the fallen, blood of the fallen
Made the Nile run red - made the Nile run red
And her wrath seemed so endless
Until one day Ra tricked her mind
