Origin of the Woods Of Ypres name?

Miltbrand · February 9th, 2006, 01:43 PM

Well, I know where Ypres is located, it´s in the north western corner of Belgium.
But is WoY inspired by the heavy fighting in and around it during WWI?

David Gold · February 9th, 2006, 04:13 PM

The name originally comes from the song title "The Woods of Ypres" written and recorded by a Windsor, Ontario, experimental hardcore band: FACT OF DEATH (R.I.P.). The song was written about 'Ypres Park' as people commonly referred to it (I belive it was actually called Optimist Park) on Ypres Rd. in Windsor Ontario. The park itself was in fact named after the WWI 'Battle of Ypres' in Belgium that was fought by Canadian soldiers (I have also heard that that this was the first, or one of the first battles on record where chemical warfare was used). The park in Windsor was named after Ypres in tribute after soldiers from that battle settled near that area after WWI was over (or so the story goes).

In spring of 2002, I remember Aaron (former bassist) and I driving around in Windsor when he was telling me about FACT OF DEATH and 'The Woods of Ypres'. This was when we were still conceptualising our band for the first time and were still searching for the right name. I said "That's it! Let's ask those guys if they will give us permission to use it" (at this time we were completely unknown). Because we were near that neighbourhood at the time of this conversation, we drove to the park and had a walk around, just to see how we felt about it. Later that day, we contacted FACT OF DEATH and they allowed us to use the name. Thus was the beginning.

About the actual 'Ypres Park' in Windsor, Ontario: It's a fenced in park of tall, spooky trees in the middle of what is now mostly an industrial/factory area, (which was also an early metaphor for WoY, being the only black metal band in a city drowning in 'Hardcore' bands). WoY's very first promotional photo shoot was done in "Ypres Park" by a photographer named Eden Baltulis. The photo used on the back of the "Against the Seasons" re-release was taken on that night in the park. Notice the blue light behind the silouettes. This is an actual huge blue light installed in the middle of the park that is lit up throught the nights during the summer (mostly for security reasons). I loved this effect, especially in this photo because it looks as if there was a 'winter explosion' going on in the distance behind us, amongst the otherwise green leaves of trees, hence: "Cold Winter Songs from the Dead Summer Heat"

To this day, WoY has never written any music or lyrics with direct reference to history or war. The many different coincidences and most interpretations that help the name fit with what WoY has done and will continue to do, have only worked to our advantage.

Woods = black metal, and black metal themes of trees, and natural things.
Ypres = reprsentative of our Canadian heritage, in reference to Canadian history.

Overall: Woods of Ypres = black metal from Canada.

Though there are many different pronounciations throughout the world, in reference to this band, Ypres is pronounced: "E-Pray"

Miltbrand · February 9th, 2006, 04:41 PM

Cool! Right, so in some way I wasn´t too far off....

About the gas: The Germans tested their gas on the eastern front against the Russians, before Ypres. But it didn´t work because it was too cold. So Ypres was the first place it was used strategically and with a real effect.

FUBAR · February 10th, 2006, 05:15 AM

Cool thread! and great post Dave that was interesting.

February 21st, 2006, 05:30 AM

you guys have a sick logo... off topic but still

AshDLS · February 21st, 2006, 10:01 AM

Looks pretty healthy to me!

Predator's Portrait · February 22nd, 2006, 08:57 PM

There are some woods on Ypres Street in Windsor, not too far from me. I assumed that's where they got their name. David Gold seems to know a lot about it.

... but here's the funny thing... Ypres is actually pronounced "Yeeps," but I guess no one paid attention to that. I still think they pronounce it like it's spelled.

David Gold · February 23rd, 2006, 09:43 AM

Quote:

... but here's the funny thing... Ypres is actually pronounced "Yeeps," but I guess no one paid attention to that. I still think they pronounce it like it's spelled.

Everyone thinks their way is the right way, including us. In reference to this band, it is and has always been "E-Pray".

I think I should post a list of WoY FAQ's. This will be #1.

circus_brimstone · February 23rd, 2006, 03:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by David Gold

I think I should post a list of WoY FAQ's. This will be #1.

That's a very good idea. Stick it to the top of the forum to make it most effective.

Smoof · February 25th, 2006, 10:54 PM

Cool story...

NOW WHERE THE HELL IS MY ALBUM?!

I'm just a bit anxious, waiting for it to arrive in the mail :P

Renegade46n2 · March 1st, 2006, 04:29 PM

I'm glad I finally got a clarification on the pronunciation. I've been saying EE-prah, but I guess if the band says ee-pray then I will too.

February 9th, 2006, 01:43 PM	#1 (permalink)
Miltbrand Senior Member Join Date: May 2004 Location: Denmark Posts: 1,247	Origin of the Woods Of Ypres name? Well, I know where Ypres is located, it´s in the north western corner of Belgium. But is WoY inspired by the heavy fighting in and around it during WWI? __________________ Haharrrgggh! My record collection: http://www.pop.nu/show_collection.asp?user=5143 Øl, fisse og heavy metal!

February 9th, 2006, 04:13 PM	#2 (permalink)
David Gold Son of the Darkest Blues Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: No hometown, Ontario. Posts: 1,367	The name originally comes from the song title "The Woods of Ypres" written and recorded by a Windsor, Ontario, experimental hardcore band: FACT OF DEATH (R.I.P.). The song was written about 'Ypres Park' as people commonly referred to it (I belive it was actually called Optimist Park) on Ypres Rd. in Windsor Ontario. The park itself was in fact named after the WWI 'Battle of Ypres' in Belgium that was fought by Canadian soldiers (I have also heard that that this was the first, or one of the first battles on record where chemical warfare was used). The park in Windsor was named after Ypres in tribute after soldiers from that battle settled near that area after WWI was over (or so the story goes). In spring of 2002, I remember Aaron (former bassist) and I driving around in Windsor when he was telling me about FACT OF DEATH and 'The Woods of Ypres'. This was when we were still conceptualising our band for the first time and were still searching for the right name. I said "That's it! Let's ask those guys if they will give us permission to use it" (at this time we were completely unknown). Because we were near that neighbourhood at the time of this conversation, we drove to the park and had a walk around, just to see how we felt about it. Later that day, we contacted FACT OF DEATH and they allowed us to use the name. Thus was the beginning. About the actual 'Ypres Park' in Windsor, Ontario: It's a fenced in park of tall, spooky trees in the middle of what is now mostly an industrial/factory area, (which was also an early metaphor for WoY, being the only black metal band in a city drowning in 'Hardcore' bands). WoY's very first promotional photo shoot was done in "Ypres Park" by a photographer named Eden Baltulis. The photo used on the back of the "Against the Seasons" re-release was taken on that night in the park. Notice the blue light behind the silouettes. This is an actual huge blue light installed in the middle of the park that is lit up throught the nights during the summer (mostly for security reasons). I loved this effect, especially in this photo because it looks as if there was a 'winter explosion' going on in the distance behind us, amongst the otherwise green leaves of trees, hence: "Cold Winter Songs from the Dead Summer Heat" To this day, WoY has never written any music or lyrics with direct reference to history or war. The many different coincidences and most interpretations that help the name fit with what WoY has done and will continue to do, have only worked to our advantage. Woods = black metal, and black metal themes of trees, and natural things. Ypres = reprsentative of our Canadian heritage, in reference to Canadian history. Overall: Woods of Ypres = black metal from Canada. Though there are many different pronounciations throughout the world, in reference to this band, Ypres is pronounced: "E-Pray" __________________ Woods of Ypres is... "A Black and Doom band from Ontario, Canada" "Both a Mirror and a Hammer." "An expression of life, not a product of time."

February 9th, 2006, 04:41 PM	#3 (permalink)
Miltbrand Senior Member Join Date: May 2004 Location: Denmark Posts: 1,247	Cool! Right, so in some way I wasn´t too far off.... About the gas: The Germans tested their gas on the eastern front against the Russians, before Ypres. But it didn´t work because it was too cold. So Ypres was the first place it was used strategically and with a real effect. __________________ Haharrrgggh! My record collection: http://www.pop.nu/show_collection.asp?user=5143 Øl, fisse og heavy metal!

February 22nd, 2006, 08:57 PM	#7 (permalink)
Predator's Portrait Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Windsor, Ontario, Canada Posts: 90	There are some woods on Ypres Street in Windsor, not too far from me. I assumed that's where they got their name. David Gold seems to know a lot about it. ... but here's the funny thing... Ypres is actually pronounced "Yeeps," but I guess no one paid attention to that. I still think they pronounce it like it's spelled. __________________ From love to death in a time span of seconds.

February 25th, 2006, 10:54 PM	#10 (permalink)
Smoof Vacancy Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Colorado, USA Posts: 132	Cool story... NOW WHERE THE HELL IS MY ALBUM?! I'm just a bit anxious, waiting for it to arrive in the mail :P __________________ My sig sucks.

February 10th, 2006, 05:15 AM	#4 (permalink)
FUBAR Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: UK Posts: 3,174	Cool thread! and great post Dave that was interesting.

February 21st, 2006, 05:30 AM	#5 (permalink)
sorceron Posts: n/a	you guys have a sick logo... off topic but still

February 21st, 2006, 10:01 AM	#6 (permalink)
AshDLS Huh? Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Shanghai now, Melbourne later Posts: 405	Looks pretty healthy to me!

March 1st, 2006, 04:29 PM	#11 (permalink)
Renegade46n2 Wanderer of Dark Woods Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Florida Posts: 127	I'm glad I finally got a clarification on the pronunciation. I've been saying EE-prah, but I guess if the band says ee-pray then I will too. __________________ "In the rays of the sun, I am longing for the darkness." -Opeth