Citadel - Warhammer 40k Imperial Fists - Metal Song

Citadel by Lorcan Ward
A Warhammer 40000 Imperial Fists inspired Power Metal song
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Many of you guessed the Imperial Fists were next after the Iron Warriors. So here is Citadel. I wasn't expecting such a positive reaction to Heretek since it was quite a bit heavier than my recent songs. Delighted you all liked it so much! For this song we take a step back to 30k with a power metal song about Dorn and the VIIth legion. It's set at the start of the Horus Heresy when Rogal Dorn is tasked with fortifying the Imperial Palace. Inspired mostly by the short story "The Lightning Tower" and novel "Praetorian of Dorn". I loved the idea that Dorn felt so much guilt at tearing down the palace. It inspired a lot of lyrics that really explore his thoughts, dreams and fears at such a monumental task but also causes him to reflect on the genocides and destruction they unleashed during the Great Crusade in the name of the Imperium. Berzan the singer on Unbreakable makes his return for this track with an incredible vocal performance. Musically this is a power metal track inspired by Stratovarius, Blind Guardian, Symphony X, Lindsey Stirling etc
Credits:
Vocals - Berzan Önen
Guitar - Lorcan Ward
Bass - Rich Gray
Synth - Lorcan Ward
Drums - Robin Stone
Re-amped, mixed & mastered at Trackmix Studios
Artwork by Neil Roberts - / artofneilroberts
Lyrics:
Verse 1:
I look upon the downfall from a bastion of hope
The pinnacle of our greatness now the final wall
With no room for doubt I will tear down every brick
But nothing could have ever prepared me for this
Pre-Chorus 1:
Is this the end of an empire?
Has the cycle come to close?
Shall we tear down every statue?
Rewrite the stories to be told?
Deface every mural like we’ve
Done so many times before?
A mockery of what we fought for
But it’s all I’ve ever known
Chorus:
If we fail, all will fall
But death shall have no dominion
When the praetorian stands guard
If we fail, all will fall
No soul shall breach these ramparts
While the praetorian remains
Verse 2:
A monument of glory never to be made
For joy has turned to terror In such traitorous disgrace
Stoic in the face of duty until the bitter end
Standing atop this citadel the tidal wave begins
Interlude:
In our darkest hour
When they crash against the gates
I’ll promise to rebuild it all
And forgive your past mistakes
Will my brothers stand beside me
To stem the rising tide
Will we stand defiant against our own kind
#warhammermetal #imperialfists #warhammermusic

[@LorcanWard]

*Check out my Warhammer Metal Playlist:* 🎵 Spotify - open.spotify.com/playlist/7bpczbAvWDPhuT5cVAbRSE 🎵 Apple Music - music.apple.com/ie/playlist/warhammer-metal/pl.u-XkD0vlLUol9LxM 🎵 KZbin - kzbin.info/aero/PLLGcf9MM9tfSDrwi-AJOJjUSh0pQG1Vni Power Metal inspired by the VIIth legion. To your glory!! 🤘

[@GodOfWindSikar]

the heavier the better

[@LorcanWard]

@@GodOfWindSikar Lots more heavy songs to come.

[@GodOfWindSikar]

@@LorcanWard yay!

[@ZaBuKra]

Do not be affraid to go heavy, it's good! Warhammer 40K is heavy metal as fuck.

[@level20eevee75]

The heavier the better the bombardments get with these!

[@Rockcrusher22895]

‘Look?’ said Dorn. His gaze did not shift from Fulgrim’s face. ‘I don’t have to. I see it all.’ ‘All what?’ snarled Fulgrim. He swung. Dorn turned the blade aside. ‘I see your siege machines burning at the foot of the wall,’ said Dorn ‘I see your sonic weapons silenced. I see your host, foolishly committed in its entirety, pouring into a run of wall that can be held by a force a tenth that size.’ Their blades flashed and rang again. Dorn lost a chunk of shield. Fulgrim took a laceration to the shoulder. ‘And is held by a force a tenth that size,’ said Dorn calmly. ‘Imperial Fists, now bolstered by the two hundred Legiones Astartes veterans I brought with me. Two hundred veterans who are skilled in every doctrine of war. Who have rallied this garrison and this wall stretch, and are now slaughtering the vanguard you so wantonly committed. They thank you for giving them such a wealth of bodies to reap. You have no foothold.’ ‘I have!’ Fulgrim roared. He smashed his blade at Dorn, a series of furious strokes. Dorn parried them away. Only one got through, and gouged his shoulder guard. ‘No,’ said Dorn, as they circled again. ‘You’re a fine fighter, but a poor strategist. You committed everything against a gap that could be held. You’ve burned the cream of your host for nothing. Made them cannon fodder. Nine thousand dead and counting. I know, Fulgrim. I know everything.’ ‘You know nothing!’ Fulgrim cried. He railed in, and his gleaming blade sliced the flesh above Dorn’s right eye. Dorn caved his ribs with the edge of his shield, punched him in the face with his sword’s guard and kicked him backwards. ‘You’ve let yourself be used as a distraction,’ said Dorn, keeping his gaze on his adversary, ignoring the blood pouring down his face. ‘You’ve let your host be decimated. For nothing. The Saturnine ruse - I know about that too - has failed. Perturabo played his move, and lost his piece. You’re just a pawn. Was it the Lord of Iron who fooled you into this? Lupercal? Abaddon? You must have been willing. Were you getting bored with it? The spear-tip is broken. You’re holding a gate for no one. You’re just an idiot standing on a wall.’ Fulgrim’s eyes widened very slightly. ‘It failed?’ he whispered. Dorn lunged. Fulgrim leapt back. Dorn sliced, and Fulgrim capered clear. ‘I’m not trapped here’ said Dorn. ‘I’m not under siege today. You are. And that’s why I’m going to kill you.’ Excerpt from Saturnine - The Praetorian's wrath We are the Defenders of Holy Terra!!!!!

[@LorcanWard]

Dorn being an absolute boss

[@Rockcrusher22895]

@@LorcanWardHe is so without question!

[@radicalgremlin6440]

Yes as a Templar player holy Terra shall never fall.

[@LordCrate-du8zm]

"I am not trapped in here with you, _you're_ trapped in here with _me!"_ - Rogal Dorn

[@johnnyanderson2-roblox185]

The Emperor may protect, but the sons of dorn are the shield.

[@respectfulevil9022]

the emperor protects through his angels, and these angels are forklift certified

[@KhakiPants-ft7qm]

The Last Wall will never fall.

[@Nempo13]

@@KhakiPants-ft7qm I so badly want Last Wall Protocol to be enacted. The Fist's solid foundation with the Templar as their spear? Chaos planets would fall should the grand legion reform.

[@HermitRunner]

*stares at Black templars* that looks like a sword to me

[@tylermcroy6720]

​@@Nempo13 I think it's only been enacted once, and that was when the Imperial Fists were almost wiped out during the war of the beast.

[@thefridge2265]

The Emperor protects. And having a loaded bolter never hurt, either.

[@LorcanWard]

A chainsword too

[@GameLover45408]

I prefer a Terminator armor and a couple of Storm Bolter@@LorcanWard Awesome song btw

[@gideonkellander9452]

My bolter is my mercy

[@macshadow1150]

I love the lyrics for pointing irony of this whole situation. During Great Crusade hundreds of the empires fell and their history was erased from the existance, now the Imperium facing simmiliar fate and Dorn could for the first time in his life felt the same like all those of rulers of now unremebered empires: despair, defiance and so much more

[@LorcanWard]

Well spotted, I put a lot of work into this one so glad to see people picking up on those themes. I loved the book Praetorian of Dorn and the short stories around the time that really fleshed out Dorn's character.

[@MastemaJack]

You never fail to impress. You really are the 40K version of Sabaton. I listen to your songs on repeat for hours some days

[@YOESTUPIDO]

Same

[@LorcanWard]

That's awesome to hear 🤘

[@GoobieSnoobertt]

40k version of Sabaton is about the best way you could have put it 😂

[@phalanxwarden4124]

I fortify this comment section for the honor of the VIIth legion and the glory of Dorn and the Emperor!!

[@ThomasKubera]

FOR DORN FOR THE EMPEROR

[@samfire3067]

FOR TERRAAAAA

[@-inquisitor-9689]

For the Emperor and Dorn!!!

[@LorcanWard]

Legend 💪🏻

[@heavy-assault_unit33]

😎💯👍

[@sirreaper3067]

Ok so this one is a bit different than usual. The fists have been my favourite chapter, and main army, since I moved into the wargame, having been introduced to the setting through deathwatch and kill team. This song captures perfectly the determination of the chapter, those last man standing battles atop ancient citadels, and gruesome boarding actions, it sort of transfers you between the view of the primarch, standing atop his most brilliant work during the most harrowing battle of the imperium, and the view of the battle brother, who holds the breaching point of the voidship, shield and boltgun in hand, without even changing lyrics. In sort, this song captures the mentality of the Imperial Fists and their successors, showing you the thought process that is shared from the highest command, down to the last soldier, astonishing work once again, been waiting for this and I am really happy to hear it! Also that solo is perfect, short, but so so sweet!

[@LorcanWard]

Delighted to hear it did the legion justice and especially how you picked up on all the details. When writing the lyrics I try to paint a picture in my head of those kind of things for inspiration so it’s awesome to hear that someone is experiencing that through the end result.

[@sirreaper3067]

@@LorcanWard First of all, you are doing amazing work with every song so far. As someone who got into power metal pretty early on in life, I am used to lyrics telling a story, so it is very enjoyable to see someone saying all these stories through song.

[@Dudenob123]

Honestly this might be your best work to date. i would never assosiated power and synth metal with the Imperial Fists. Yet hearing this song i cant think of something more fitting. Sigesmund Fafnir Alexis Polux and Dorn all have that vibe of a hero standing against the forces of evil which is so prevelant in more old school "dnd" powermetal but they are all diffrent subgenres so to speak. I ussually see the fists as one of the more sombre legions similar to the Iron hand so slower more heavy as in pressing songs fit them better but atleast for the Fists you changed that oppinon.

[@LorcanWard]

Thanks! I love hearing how a new song really resonates with someone. For the music it felt right to have a slowish power metal song while he contemplates and then ramp up the tempo for the outro to simulate the siege(or beginning of it). Sometimes I'll have a metal style in mind but once I start the song it goes in a completely different direction. I find it best to let the song lead itself rather than forcing it.

[@Afro_Redneck]

You never cease to amaze, can't wait to see what comes for all the other legions.

[@LorcanWard]

Thanks! Lots planned for the rest

[@LordCrate-du8zm]

This is EXACTLY what I was waiting for. The best legion finally gets a song! TERRA VULT!

[@LorcanWard]

Glad I could do the VIIth justice!

[@LordCrate-du8zm]

@@LorcanWard I never doubted it!

[@Pasci234]

Cant wait for my magic Bois to get their own song. Realy good job with that one!

[@LorcanWard]

Thanks! Working on it

[@Pasci234]

Cool to hear!

[@P1CRR]

And you knocked another one out of the park. Nicely done!

[@nonamed9613]

Another "straight to the daily Playlist" Banger, hot damn you peeps do good work xD

[@Nekros90]

Primarch, to your glory and the glory of him on Earth!

[@YOESTUPIDO]

Discipline. Duty. Unyielding Will. These are the measures by which every warrior is judged. Unarmed, a warrior with these qualities will still find victory, no matter how long or arduous the path. When girded with the sacred armaments of the Adeptus Astartes, such a warrior becomes truly indomitable. Love all of it And also love heretek heavy as f

[@Darek_B52]

This man is on a roll cranking these out

[@darthralin]

I just stumbled on your channel and listened to all your songs back to back, and I just want to say that I love how distinct all of them sound. Rather than merely being songs *about* Space Marine legions or the Cadians, they feel like they're songs *of* those legions.

[@LorcanWard]

Thanks! That was one rule I had starting this, every song had to be from a POV, taking into account the legion's lore, it's strengths and equally it's flaws. Writing it as in universe fan fiction/homebrew/head canon to be paired with music. Delighted to see people really notice all the hard work : )

[@veznan7010]

im so glad i found you

[@korbiireiff4802]

We shall build fortifications in this comment section. May the Emperor have pity on the traitorous souls who dare to assail it, for our bolters will not

[@paulthiede]

Epic!

[@archmagoskalan]

This song fortifies my heart. Nice job mate.

[@jeffreylembcke4585]

I started listening after the cadia song and I must say u have nailed every song uv made great job😊

[@LorcanWard]

Thanks!!

[@therealcarlxii]

Nice, I´m now about to go through the whole siege of terra series. Just started Mortis.

[@LorcanWard]

11 days until The End and the Death part 3 is out. I can't believe its finally coming to a close. Unless they announce part 4....

[@tylerdavis6389]

Just found you guys. Now I waiting, ready for The Night Lords and The Custodes, because this is awesome.

[@LorcanWard]

Thanks! VIIIth Legion song coming soon

[@kadewiedeman3127]

Dude it's so sick, you've done such a good job. Love the Maiden and Judas Priest inspiration, it fits perfectly with the age of 40Ks origin.

[@claraw7]

Another amazing hit!! So much work has gone into these. You are inspiring ❤❤❤

[@derfisch06studios]

I'm in awe, Mr. Ward! I didn't know how you could possibly top tracks like Men of Iron or Heretek, but here we are! Keep it up, man! You're doing the Emperor's work!

[@LorcanWard]

Thanks! Lots more to come.

[@jeremyrm7]

Excited for more music, new logo looks awesome though I will always miss the Simpsons marine 😂

[@LorcanWard]

Ha I was wondering if people dug that or not. Just trying something different since the Heretek artwork fits so neatly in a circle.

[@Epifairos]

It is no wonder that I consider the IF song second best after the RG one as this is my order for the legions too! I have to mention one of the most powerful and symbolic moments in the HH series when Rogal Dorn laments his orders to strip down the decorations from the Palace hoping to return them after this all is over when you as a reader already know that it will never come to pass and the overall theme of the murdered golden future that will never be the same - just as you did in the Sojourn. I mean, You'd be against yourself to not include it but it definitely does not lessen its impact.

[@LorcanWard]

Thanks! This song has similar themes with Sojourn. Both Dorn and Corax are lamenting the future that was in their grasp but now gone forever.

[@Numinon]

This has got to be the best track yet, and I'm not trying to undermine just how much I like the others, but Citadel strikes a special cord. There's so much drama in that song, so many emotions. That and I grew up with the likes of Hammerfall so power metal gets bonus points :D

[@Bl4keBelladonna]

Hammerfall comes right into my mind when i heard the first verse :D Great song as allways , The Emperor protects !

[@LorcanWard]

I love Hammerfall. Those first 6 albums had a big influence on how I write power metal.

[@Yohanbig94]

@Lorcan Ward - another amasing banger, will be listened on repeate for hours. BUT - where is the Dark Angel song?!

[@LorcanWard]

Thanks!! Coming soon

[@charleypixel7604]

Amazing work as always

[@Buce-bn6gn]

Someone send this to Valrak

[@toddbatchelder9380]

He'd cream himself.

[@LorcanWard]

I'll send him an email ✊

[@christianleocastelo342]

Dorn the Builder's theme song

[@heavy-assault_unit33]

😎💯👍

[@Mr.Mosquito89]

Has anyone sent this to Baldemort yet? The man wrote an hour-long audiodrama of the Fists, I feel like he deserves to experience the honoring of the Praetorian, the Emperor's truest son, the Fist.

[@LorcanWard]

I will email him it. Thanks for the heads up. I've watched a bunch of his videos before and love his approach.

[@hebelehubele2017]

You guys are so underrated. I love your songs 🪨🔥

[@LorcanWard]

Thanks!

[@ElessarFrey]

After what happened a few days ago this lyrics hit closer to home.

[@decampus23]

Another great song, keep it up!

[@memecat9468]

thats more like it , good work mate!

[@tormunnvii3317]

These are fantastic. I can't get enough.

[@Hegataro]

I think all of these bangers are gonna give me a concussion

[@georgekittridge6411]

This song is up there with rylanors lasts stand

[@jameshunter3867]

... The Commissar is pleased! 😎👍

[@oscarcrack6647]

Awesome

[@rollutherhodie3076]

Not missing ONE banger brother - I'm almost terrified by how awesome every piece you've put out is!

[@LorcanWard]

Thanks for listening! Lots more to come 🤘🏻

[@Grimdark-Melodies]

Amazing work as always. I cant wait for whats to come :)

[@vivamexico254]

Yes ! Yes ! Yes!

[@travisbrewer1641]

Another absolute gem, like the electronic elements to this one. You just keep making banger after banger. This is a ballad worthy of the sons of dorn!

[@LorcanWard]

Thanks! I wanted electronic elements so it matches Heretek on paper but both are worlds apart.

[@travisbrewer1641]

@@LorcanWard I think it worked out wonderfully, and really does make the two songs feel yin and yangy, opposed but complimentary to one another, like any good rivals/ opposites

[@ancientmariner9460]

Blown away with this new song. Amazing. Keep on rocking, brothers.🤘

[@specialoperatorlolbit8671]

The Emperor's Bulwark! Fantastic song!

[@lusario2650]

This is so fucking good dude. This stuff trumps Avantasia and even Aryeon and I love Aryeon

[@LorcanWard]

Thanks! I love Avantasia. I even reached out to Jorn Lande to do vocals but didn't get an answer.

[@lusario2650]

@@LorcanWard That would've been sweet as hell! Berzan gives strong Jorn vibes here. Amaazzing choice to pair that vocal style to this song. The power in Jorn's Voice is fucking incredible.

[@docstrife3749]

oh God-Emperor is song is so fucking sick

[@heavy-assault_unit33]

😎👍

[@dj11o9er]

2 minutes ago. Neat. At this rate we're gonna get one of every single legion lmao

[@LorcanWard]

It looks that way! Legion as an album title would be pretty cool

[@BrotherStororius]

this song is awsome

[@horizon5761]

Another banger, you just dont miss

[@titanofthenorth6677]

Hail the God Emporer and Dorn!

[@ThePaeppa]

Defence is the best offence when you wear yellow

[@calebhebert2733]

Yuyeeeaaahhhhh! Now do the templars.

[@LorcanWard]

A sequel song is in the works

[@Matthias-San]

FORTIFY! FORTIFY! FORTIFY! FORTIFY!

[@Alex-jl3el]

This is Metal!

[@LorcanWard]

Thanks 🤘🏻

[@kaleflordofinganok7226]

LETS GO

[@DeathKF]

hell yea, great song! now i need one about sigi

[@LorcanWard]

That's an idea. What I love about Warhammer is this is just one song about a legion, there's so much more that can be done like how Emperoros' Children has Noise Marines, Fulgrim before and after HH, Lucius the Eternal and the legion itself. Endless inspiration and ideas for future songs.

[@LucaMoriconi-f7q]

it's very cool 😎🤟🤟

[@spartastic4]

Reminds me of Iron Maiden. Fuck man, keep up the good work.

[@LorcanWard]

I'm a big Iron Maiden fan and a lot of band's who influence me are also big fans so it all trickles down.

[@tyjytjafdf689]

Not going to lie, this was a bit of a slow burner for me, took a couple of days of having it on the playlist on my way to work but i think it's actually one of the better ones from you now (btw i still have about 15-20min of lesser music left on the commute, so going to need for you to fill at least that much). Also, glad to see this being already over 10k views and the numbers for the other songs going up as well!

[@LorcanWard]

Yeah people really like this one, getting a lot of plays and streams. Occasionally I find a band that can take me a lot of listens to really get into but I once I do they end up on repeat for months. I’ll have that playlist filled up soon 🤘🏻

[@tyjytjafdf689]

@@LorcanWard 🤘🏻

[@WounderVaflel]

We need a song about the Raven Guard!

[@LorcanWard]

That one is nearly finished. It's one, if not my favourite.

[@WounderVaflel]

@@LorcanWard What kind of band will it be like?

[@LorcanWard]

@@WounderVaflel A mix of European melodic death metal and American metalcore. Simiarlish to Men of Iron but more technical.

[@Hugomeitor]

This shit is fire

[@LorcanWard]

Thanks!

[@doublep1980]

*FORTIFY!*

[@Strale3234]

The best song for the best legion!!! Btw day 6 of asking for custodies song

[@kelshadowmourne9466]

position fortified.. good..

[@Scarecrow_Krieg]

I wouldn't mind even heavier, but this one is perfect as well.

[@LorcanWard]

Thanks! There's a lot of heavy songs coming up.

[@Scarecrow_Krieg]

@@LorcanWard Can't wait! We need our playlists to grow larger and larger.

[@Hazeyearth-r1b]

I’d love to see your take on a night lords song! The release of this song fits amazingly well with the release of the end and the death part 2!

[@LorcanWard]

I set myself the goal to at least get a song out before the End and the Death. Thankfully Dan split it into 3 parts so I had lots of time ha. I have a Night Lords song coming soon. It’s a heavy one, i don’t want to spoil anymore :)

[@Loyalist-i7p]

✊

[@Historyfrek4ever]

Praetorian’s walls held, but all he fought for was washed away by those he fought for. 😢 Amazing song though. ❤

[@Prognosticar]

Во славу Его на земле!

[@The0Stroy]

Primarch-Progenitor, to your glory and the glory of Him on Earth!

[@Ollyatlas]

Do a song as tribute for the salamanders and vulkwn or the adeptus mechanicus or the inquisition

[@alphariusomegon3965]

I would love a song on vostroyan first born or alpha legion

[@LorcanWard]

I plan to have a lot more Imperial Guard songs in the future. Alpha Legion song? I cannot say when that will happen

[@alphariusomegon3965]

@@LorcanWard I’ll take what I can get.

[@CHRISTOSANESTI2023]

Can you please do Dark Angels or Blood Angels next?

[@LorcanWard]

Dark Angels coming soon and working on a Blood Angels song.

[@CHRISTOSANESTI2023]

@@LorcanWard love to see it

[@Psub950]

Are you going to make a song for The Revenant legion to?

[@LorcanWard]

I don’t have much plans for individual chapters but who knows what inspiration might make happen.

[@adeptusmusicaimperatoria8612]

Hello, can I translate your "Warhammer" songs? I love all your songs and a part of my community has asked me if I can translate your songs, and my channel is totally dedicated to the Warhammer universe (and soon to Metro 2033 and The Lord of the Rings) And, of course, I will leave the links of your channel and your albums so that they are fully supported. I understand if you don't agree, but I will leave the link to your channel so that they can visit you and listen to all your songs and fully support you. Greetings and hugs from Mexico.

[@LorcanWard]

Hi! I really like your channel and I have wondered if I should hire people to translate my songs so I have more subtitle options. Dedicated videos in Spanish would be a great idea. I just ask you use a different picture for the art than the one I use. A link to my KZbin and Spotify would be great. If you could message me on Facebook, Instagram or the email address on my page here that would be great.

[@lordtallon5610]

Oh my god it’s beautiful and I’m not even a fan of loyalist marines.

[@bigshotbig6084]

I don’t wanna be the annoying guy who requests songs, do whatever you want man, but also… Do you think you could do one for the Cult Mechanicus? They’re probably one of my favorite factions(? Don’t quite know if that’s the right word) along with the Death Guard. All I need is Mechanicus metal and I’ll be a happy man.

[@LorcanWard]

I have a few ideas for Mechanicus songs. The series Forges of Mars is my favourite 40k novel(s) and inspired quite a few ideas. They are a little unusual so they got put on the back burner in favour of more manageable songs. Hopefully I can make them a reality cause I’d love to hear them myself haha

[@bigshotbig6084]

In the words of a large purple man: “This… does put a smile on my face.”

[@akumaking1]

Does SuperAnchors approve?

[@253637zero2]

I can't find your original playlist anymore. Why? :(

[@LorcanWard]

it's on my profile but here is the direct link: kzbin.info/aero/PLLGcf9MM9tfTZ_RTfNH0lg_ZqDIck6H76

[@ydraig95]

can you do orks some time

[@LorcanWard]

I have a bunch of Ork songs in the works, they are very fun to write. I'm not sure how well they will go down but I'll try get one out soon to gauge interest in more.

[@ForTheWarmasterHorus]

Sigismund song please

[@generalradec2635]

Boy you will play bass

[@toddbatchelder9380]

Ah yes..., Donald Trump's campaign theme song!

[@macewindu3492]

"We will build a huge wall and make the Xenos pay for it"

[@henkhenk4396]

Dorn would have shot Ashli Babbitt