Keeper of the Flame

Keep of the Flame


Lyrics by Shaun Zizi

Music by Bryan Underwood
Released: May 13, 2026
Album: Elemental
Label: Moosic Entertainment
ISRC: QZWFK2675756
Key: F# Major
BPM: 150

Listen!

Spotify

iTunes

Deezer

bandcamp

Song Overview

"Keeper of the Flame" is an alt-rock anthem about transformation, empathy, and spiritual awakening.

The song was inspired by a deeply challenging personal experience that forced vocalist Shaun Zizi to confront vulnerability from a new perspective. Accustomed to helping others through difficult moments, Shaun found himself in a position where he needed support instead. The experience highlighted the importance of tearing down emotional barriers and allowing others to see the person beneath them.

Drawing inspiration from Initiates of the Flame by Manly P. Hall, the song explores the idea that every person is an initiate of spirit in their own way. Through themes of compassion, understanding, and self-discovery, "Keeper of the Flame" examines what it means to serve others while remaining true to oneself.

As the Spirit entry within the Elemental album cycle, the song represents personal growth through vulnerability and the power of empathy to create meaningful human connection.

Lyrics

We burn inside
Yet I don’t believe me
Emotions I hide
When will I truly see

Who you thought you knew
Who I thought I was

Tear the walls down
So you can see the fire inside
Climb up so high
Do you see the keeper of the flame?
Tear the walls down
So our light may shine
Soar to new heights
Keeper of the flame

I’ll do it on my own
On my own

Was once alone
I’m starting to believe
Emotions disowned
So a new me is weaved

Who you thought you knew
Who I thought I was

Tear the walls down
So you can see the fire inside
Climb up so high
Do you see the keeper of the flame?
Tear the walls down
So our light may shine
Soar to new heights
Keeper of the flame

I’ll do it on my own
On my own

One day I’ll let you in
I’m breaking down
One day I’ll let you see
To build back up
One day I’ll let you know
Who I’ve become
One day I’ll let you help
Once the walls fall

Tear the walls down
So you can see the fire inside
Climb up so high
Do you see the keeper of the flame?
Tear the walls down
So our light may shine
Soar to new heights
Keeper of the flame

I’ll do it on my own
On my own

Follow us

Credits

Writing & Performance

Role Credit
Lyrics Shaun Zizi
Music Bryan Underwood
Vocals Shaun Zizi
Guitars Bryan Underwood
Bass Tyler Wolter
Drums Kevin Prince (Drummer 101)

Production

Role Credit
Producer Bryan Underwood
Recording Engineer Bryan Underwood
Vocal Recording Engineer Shaun Zizi
Drum Recording Engineer Kevin Prince (One Eleven Music Studio)
Digital Programming Bryan Underwood
Vocal Tuning Shaun Zizi
Mixing Engineer Bryan Underwood
Mastering Engineer Bryan Underwood

Recording & Mix Approach

This mix was built around a core set of processors and signal chains that define the overall sound of the record. Additional fine-tuning plugins and corrective processing were used throughout the session where needed.

Vocals

Recording Chain

  • Microphone: Shure SM7B
  • Preamp: Black Lion Audio B173

Processing Chain

  • Slate Digital VMR
  • Waves CLA Epic

Guitars

Guitar Used

  • PRS SE Custom 22 (Seymour Duncan JB/Jazz Set)

Lead Guitar Processing Chain

  • Neural DSP Archetype: Nolly (Amp 3 / Cab 3)
  • Brainworx SSL 4000 E Channel Strip
  • UAD LA-3A Compressor

Clean Rhythm Guitars Processing Chain

  • Neural DSP Archetype: Nolly (Amp 1 / Cab 1)
  • Brainworx SSL 4000 E Channel Strip
  • UAD LA-3A Compressor
  • Valhalla Supermassive

Distorted Rhythm Guitars Processing Chain

  • Neural DSP Archetype: Nolly (Amp 2 / Cab 3)
  • Brainworx SSL 4000 E Channel Strip
  • Waves C4 Multiband Compressor

Bass

Bass Used

  • Fender American P-Bass

Processing Chain

  • Black Salt Audio: Telos Bass

Drums

Drums were recorded at One Eleven Music Studio.

Drum Kit

  • Pearl Reference Pure
  • 20” Kick
  • 12” Rack Tom
  • 14” Floor Tom
  • 14” x 6.5” Pearl Reference Steel Snare

Drum Microphones

  • Kick In: AKG D112
  • Kick Out: Rode NTK
  • Snare Top: Shure SM57
  • Snare Bottom: Shure Beta 57A
  • Rack Tom: Audix D2
  • Floor Tom: Audix D6
  • Overheads: Rode NT5
  • Room Mic: Groove Tubes GT57

Close Mics

  • Brainworx SSL 4000 E Channel Strip
  • Black Salt Audio Clipper (Kick + Snare)

Overheads

  • FabFilter Pro-Q 3
  • UAD 1176 Compressor

Room Mics

  • FabFilter Pro-Q 3
  • UAD 1176 Compressor

Drum Bus

  • Black Salt Audio Drum Bus
  • Black Salt Audio Clipper

Parallel Drum Compression

  • Black Salt Audio Drum Bus

Drum Signal Chain

  • Close Mics → A. Vitec 473 (Neve 1073-style preamp)
  • Overheads → Avalon 737s
  • Room Mic → ART Pro Channel

Mix Bus

  • Brainworx Townhouse Compressor
  • Brainworx bx_digital V3
  • UAD Pultec EQP-1A
  • UAD Ampex ATR-102 Tape Recorder

Mastering Chain

  • Waves Curves Equator
  • Waves IDX
  • FabFilter Pro-Q 3
  • Black Salt Audio Clipper
  • FabFilter Pro-L2

DAWs

  • Pro Tools Studio: vocals, guitars, mixing, mastering
  • Pro Tools 10: drums
  • Reaper: bass

Press & Reviews

“More honest, more vulnerable, and tighter than ever.”

Music Crowns

Read the full review.

“Instantly compelling and memorable.”

“Delivers a powerful listening experience that balances heaviness with emotional vulnerability.”

Breathing the Core

Read the full review.

“A kind of moment that transforms you.”

Music Crowns

Read the full review.