Like a Storm, the hard rock band hailing from New Zealand, has created a discography that resonates deeply with themes of transformation, resilience, and self-discovery. Through their four major albums—The End of the Beginning(2009), Awaken the Fire (2015), Catacombs (2018), and Okura (2022)—we can trace an alchemical journey reflecting the ancient process of spiritual transmutation.
In alchemical terms, this journey involves four core phases:
- Nigredo (Black Work): The chaos and destruction of the old self.
- Citrinitas (Yellow Work): Enlightenment and the dawning of awareness.
- Albedo (White Work): Purification and rediscovery of inner light.
- Rubedo (Red Work): Integration and realization of wholeness.
Each of Like a Storm’s albums aligns with these transformative stages, offering listeners a path through darkness into light.
1. Nigredo: The End of the Beginning (2009)
The debut album, The End of the Beginning, reflects the Nigredo phase—a time of darkness, dissolution, and confronting the shadow self. The themes of struggle, inner conflict, and destruction dominate the album, setting the foundation for growth.
Key Tracks:
- Chemical Infatuation: A tale of toxic cycles, symbolizing the dissolution of old patterns.
- Enemy: An introspective journey into one’s inner demons.
This album represents the necessary breakdown of illusions before true transformation can occur.
2. Citrinitas: Awaken the Fire (2015)
In their sophomore album, Awaken the Fire, Like a Storm transitions into the Citrinitas phase. Here, themes of enlightenment, resilience, and awakening take center stage. The fire represents both the dawning of awareness and the spark of new life.
Key Tracks:
- Become the Enemy: Accepting and integrating the shadow self as part of personal growth.
- Love the Way You Hate Me: A defiant anthem of self-acceptance amidst external challenges.
This phase bridges the darkness of Nigredo with the clarity of Albedo.
3. Albedo: Catacombs (2018)
The third album, Catacombs, delves into the Albedo phase, where purification and rediscovery of inner light take precedence. The album’s exploration of duality—light and dark, good and evil—reflects the cleansing and balancing of the soul.
Key Tracks:
- The Devil Inside: Integrating the shadow to achieve balance.
- *These Are the BriMa *f the past to embrace the future.
- Pure Evil: A reflection on the coexistence of light and darkness within.
Through Catacombs, Like a Storm invites listeners to find clarity and align with their true selves.
4. Rubedo: Okura (2022)
The latest album, Okura, solidifies the Rubedo phase, where wholeness is achieved, and the band reconciles with their origins. Named after a location in New Zealand, the album reflects reconciliation with the past and a renewed sense of identity.
Key Tracks:
- Empire of Ashes: Rising stronger from destruction.
- The Phoenix: A direct symbol of alchemical rebirth.
- Tongariro and Kariotahi: Instrumental pieces evoking connection to origin and authenticity.
With Okura, Like a Storm completes their alchemical journey, demonstrating the power of transformation through music.
Conclusion
Like a Storm’s discography offers more than powerful rock anthems—it’s a transformative alchemical journey. From the shadowed depths of The End of the Beginning to the fiery enlightenment of Awaken the Fire, and from the purification in Catacombs to the triumphant realization in Okura, their music resonates with universal themes of growth and renewal.
For fans and newcomers alike, exploring their albums through the lens of alchemy reveals deeper layers of meaning, making the listening experience all the more profound.
Alessio Puppi's 