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Immortals

Immortals is an all female North American Glam metal band formed presumably in Los Angeles. They toured in all US for a year, between 1984 and 1985 and released an album before completly vanishing.

History

Nothing is certain when it comes to the enigmatic group known as Immortals. Presumably originating from Los Angeles, this American all-female band made waves in the 80s rock scene. The band consisted of four main members who performed under pseudonyms: Cleopatra (vocals), Lucrecia (guitar), Salome (bass), and Drusilla (drums). During their concerts, a second guitarist often joined them, but her identity remains unknown.

Immortals toured extensively, performing over a hundred shows across the United States between 1984 and 1985. They primarily played in small venues, roadhouses, and rock clubs.

Their album was recorded in multiple sessions, amidst their hectic touring schedule, in various studios with less than ideal conditions. The equipment was often subpar, and the sound engineers were not the most competent, which affected the overall quality of the recordings.

Originally, the vinyl was self-released in very limited numbers and sold exclusively at their concerts. After their whirlwind tour, the band vanished without a trace, and their music, like themselves, were forgotten.

The reissue of their album on a semi-official Youtube channel was made possible by the discovery of an old, poorly preserved vinyl in an attic. It has been digitized, cleaned up as much as possible, and re-released to introduce Immortals to new generations of rock fans.

Music style and influences

Immortals' music embodies the raw and energetic spirit of 80s hard rock, characterized by powerful vocals, driving guitar riffs, and thunderous drumming. Their sound is heavily influenced by iconic bands of the era such as Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, Black Sabbath and Mötley Crüe. The band's lyrical themes often explore historical and mythological subjects, bringing a unique narrative depth to their songs. Cleopatra's commanding vocal style, combined with Lucrecia's intricate guitar solos, Salome's rhythmic bass lines, and Drusilla's dynamic drumming, create a distinctive and compelling sound that has resonated with rock fans. Their ability to blend storytelling with high-energy performances sets them apart in the hard rock genre.

While most of the tracks are rooted in pure hard rock and heavy metal, some draw from other inspirations, such as blues for 'Empress of Might' and even more so in 'Last Princess.' The influence of early Black Sabbath is strongly felt in the long closing track of the B-side, 'Goddess of Hate.'

Themes

The songs of Immortals focus on powerful historical female figures, many of whom met tragic ends. Each track delves into the lives and legacies of these women, exploring their strengths, struggles, and the impact they left behind. "Dark Desire" brings to life the mythological Lilith, while "Empress of Might" tells the story of Semiramis, the legendary Assyrian queen. "Queen of the Nile" highlights the enigmatic Cleopatra, and "Shadows of Rome" portrays Drusilla, a controversial Roman noblewoman. "Off with His Head!" captures the tale of Salome, known for her role in the execution of John the Baptist, while "Burning at the Stake" recounts the heroic yet tragic story of Joan of Arc. "Reign of Blood" is centered on Elizabeth Báthory, infamous for her alleged crimes, and "Poisoned Throne" delves into the life of the enigmatic Lucrezia Borgia. "Last Princess" revisits the tragic fate of Anastasia Romanov.

The songs "Goddess of Love" and "Goddess of Hate" are two sides of the same coin, representing the dual nature of an immortal being. The lyrics are almost identical, with only a few words changed and a completely different final verse. "Goddess of Love" is a power ballad featuring soaring, powerful lyrical sections, while "Goddess of Hate" is a much darker and heavier track. These two songs embody the dichotomy of benevolence and malevolence within a single, eternal figure, which may also be the inspiration behind the band's name, Immortals.

Many of the songs on the album delve into themes involving higher powers or deities, enriching the narratives of these historical female figures. In "Off with His Head!", Astarte is invoked as a source of power. "Dark Desire" explores the mythological Lilith, often associated with demonic aspects. "Empress of Might" and "Queen of the Nile" touch upon Semiramis and Cleopatra's connections to divine figures like Isis. "Burning at the Stake" highlights Joan of Arc's divine visions from Christian saints. Similarly, "Reign of Blood" and "Poisoned Throne" feature supernatural elements and religious contexts linked to Elizabeth Báthory and the Borgia family. Shadows of Rome" highlights Drusilla, who was deified after her death by her brother Caligula. "Daughter of the Sun" references Meritaten's association with the sun god Aten, while "Goddess of Love" and "Goddess of Hate" depict an immortal being influencing humanity in both benevolent and malevolent ways.
In contrast, "Bringer of Light" (about Hypatia of Alexandria) is more grounded and less affiliated with divine powers. Hypatia is depicted as a beacon of knowledge and rational thought, fighting against the obscurantism of her time. Her struggle and tragic death highlight the conflict between science and faith, and her legacy is one of intellectual pursuit rather than divine inspiration.

A particularly intriguing aspect is the song "Daughter of the Sun," which is about Meritaten. The existence of Meritaten was only validated through recent archaeological findings, long after the song was written, making it a curious anomaly, as nothing was known about her at the time.

Rumors

During their tour, the band gave several interviews to local newspapers and radio stations. Despite intensive researches, no traces of these articles have been found, but by speaking with interested parties, a few details and rumors were learned :
It appears that during the interviews, the band members called themselves by their firstnames. Cleopatra was called Hope, Salome was referred to as Diana, the guitarist was known as Sarah and the drummer as Julia. Hope and Diana seemed to have known each other since childhood, possibly even from the same foster family, and they were the ones who started the band. Sarah reportedly met the two founders in college, while Julia was hired after a casting call for the band.

It is also rumored, though this information should be taken with caution, that Hope was a police officer in Los Angeles during the 1984 Olympics, while Diana was a waitress at a rock club on Sunset Street, possibly even The Roxy. All of them apparently abandoned music after the tour. It wasn't due to a lack of success, as the audience seemed to appreciate them, but rather for reasons of discretion. It is speculated that some of the members came from wealthy and influential families who did not want this kind of publicity (recalling that this was the 1980s, when heavy metal wasn't always well-regarded).

Speculations on the Goddess of Love and Hate

The Goddess of Love and Hate portrayed in this album and more particularly in these two powerful closure songs embodies a duality that is both captivating and mysterious. Her identity, while not explicitly named (except maybe in Off with his Head !), can be speculated upon through various lenses, drawing from mythology and the thematic elements presented in the album.

Mythological Connections
  1. Lilith : In mythology, Lilith is often depicted as a complex figure associated with both love and destruction. As Adam's first wife, she defied subservience and chose her own path, later becoming a symbol of female independence and, in some traditions, a demoness. The dual nature of Lilith—being both nurturing and vengeful—aligns with the themes of these songs. The second track is about her.
  2. Aphrodite/Venus : The Greek and Roman goddess of love, beauty, and fertility, Aphrodite (Venus) also had a darker side, often associated with jealousy and the destructive aspects of love. Her involvement in various myths highlights both her benevolent and malevolent capabilities, making her a fitting candidate for the goddess described.
  3. Inanna/Ishtar : The Sumerian and Akkadian goddess of love, beauty, sex, and war, Inanna (Ishtar) embodies both creative and destructive powers. She is known for her passionate love affairs and fierce battles, symbolizing the dual aspects of love and war.
  4. Astarte : A goddess of love, fertility, and war in ancient Semitic religions, Astarté (also known as Ashtoreth) represents a powerful blend of nurturing and warrior traits. Her dual nature as both a life-giver and a destroyer fits well with the theme of a goddess who embodies both love and hate. Astarté's influence in various ancient cultures as a potent deity of both passion and conflict adds depth to the speculation around the identity of the goddess in these songs. Additionally, Astarté is explicitly named in the song "Off with His Head," reinforcing her thematic connection to the album.
Thematic Interpretations

The Goddess of Love and Hate could be seen as an amalgamation of these various influences, representing an archetypal figure that transcends specific mythologies and histories. She embodies the timeless struggle between light and darkness, creation and destruction, compassion and vengeance. This duality is a fundamental aspect of many deities across different cultures, suggesting that the goddess in the songs might be a universal symbol rather than a single, identifiable figure.

The speculation around her identity adds a layer of intrigue to the album, inviting listeners to draw their own connections and interpretations. By encompassing such a wide range of characteristics and influences, the Goddess of Love and Hate serves as a powerful reminder of the complex and multifaceted nature of divinity and the human condition.

Band members

  • Cleopatra : Lead vocals
  • Salome : Bass, Backing vocals
  • Lucrecia : Lead Guitar, Backing vocals
  • Drusilla : Drums, Backing vocals
  • Unknown : Rythm guitar for live performances, Backing vocals

Discography

Images

Aside from the album cover, no other images of the band or its members are known.
Immortals album cover front Front album cover
Immortals album cover back Back album cover

Links & Sources

Immortals
Immortals lead singer Cleopatra - lead vocal of Immortals (taken from the album cover)
Background information
Origin Los Angeles, US
Genres Glam Metal, Heavy Metal, Hard Rock
Years active 1984 - 1985
Members Cleopatra (Lead vocals)
Salome (Bass, Backing vocals)
Lucrecia (Lead Guitar, Backing vocals)
Drusilla (Drums, Backing vocals)
Unknown (Rythm guitar for live performances, Backing vocals)