2. The Awakening
3. Beheaded
4. My Heartstrings Come Undone
5. Our Faces Fall Apart
6. Less Than Nothing
7. Summer Of Darkness
8. Beauty Through The Eyes Of A Predator
9. Anihilate The Corrupt
10. I Play Dead
11. Everything Was White
12. Coffin Builder
13. The Latest And The Last
1. Not Ready To Die
You’ve got a lot of nerve and I’ve got a lot of fingers to point
While you were busy building knowledge I was already right
I know a voice like yours is not a weapon at all
And even mine is not a chisel for a thickened skull
Chant your anthems to the deaf
And we can sit here and cry until there’s nothing left
Or we can take our voices with our hands
We’ll make like knives and make demands
We’ll take our voices, with our hands
We’ll make like knives, we’ll make demands
I’m burning bridges for the last time
I’m breaking habits for the first time
I saw my future today, it said I’m going away
And I still haven’t sung the last line
On my way down
I’m not ready to lay, not ready to fade
I’m not ready to die
And everyday of my life I can feel it getting harder to breathe
With every minute ticking by I’m getting ready to leave
I know a life like mine is not a reason to fret
But I’ve been busy building scars that you will never forget
If only 33 years can save my life
I’ve had 24 more to make things right
So when I’m taken to the sky and you’re still here
You can clear your mind and dry your tears
We’ll take our voices, with our hands
We’ll make like knives, we’ll make demands
I’m burning bridges for the last time
I’m breaking habits for the first time
I saw my future today, it said I’m going away
And I still haven’t sung the last line
On my way down
I’m not ready to lay, not ready to fade
I’m not ready to die
When I’m taken home and you’re still here
Just clear your mind, dry your tears
We’ll take our voices with our hands
We’ll make like knives, we’ll make demands
I’m not ready to lay, not ready to fade
I’m not ready to die
You’ve got a lot of nerve and I’ve got a lot of fingers to point
While you were busy building knowledge I was already right
I know a voice like yours is not a weapon at all
And even mine is not a chisel for a thickened skull
Chant your anthems to the deaf
And we can sit here and cry until there’s nothing left
Or we can take our voices with our hands
We’ll make like knives and make demands
We’ll take our voices, with our hands
We’ll make like knives, we’ll make demands
I’m burning bridges for the last time
I’m breaking habits for the first time
I saw my future today, it said I’m going away
And I still haven’t sung the last line
On my way down
I’m not ready to lay, not ready to fade
I’m not ready to die
And everyday of my life I can feel it getting harder to breathe
With every minute ticking by I’m getting ready to leave
I know a life like mine is not a reason to fret
But I’ve been busy building scars that you will never forget
If only 33 years can save my life
I’ve had 24 more to make things right
So when I’m taken to the sky and you’re still here
You can clear your mind and dry your tears
We’ll take our voices, with our hands
We’ll make like knives, we’ll make demands
I’m burning bridges for the last time
I’m breaking habits for the first time
I saw my future today, it said I’m going away
And I still haven’t sung the last line
On my way down
I’m not ready to lay, not ready to fade
I’m not ready to die
When I’m taken home and you’re still here
Just clear your mind, dry your tears
We’ll take our voices with our hands
We’ll make like knives, we’ll make demands
I’m not ready to lay, not ready to fade
I’m not ready to die
This song explores the feelings we all get concerning death. We know that through our hope in Christ, life everlasting awaits us after our time here on earth comes to an end. But sometimes I get the feeling that I have yet to achieve all that I should with the life I’ve been given here. The lyrics explain “If only 33 years can save my life, I’ve had 24 more to make things right” This means that Christ gave 33 human years living on this earth and in that time he died for us all, covering our sins. And if I needed some time to come to terms with that, I’ve had 24 years to do so.
I think everyone has a certain bitter-sweet anxiety about death, and I think that’s very natural, even inevitable. In this song I speak about this anxiety and how, regardless of not being ready, I know where my fate lies. In the song I explain, “When I’m taken home and you’re still here, just clear your mind and dry your tears.”
"Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all." - 2 Corinthians 5:1
I think everyone has a certain bitter-sweet anxiety about death, and I think that’s very natural, even inevitable. In this song I speak about this anxiety and how, regardless of not being ready, I know where my fate lies. In the song I explain, “When I’m taken home and you’re still here, just clear your mind and dry your tears.”
"Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all." - 2 Corinthians 5:1
2. The Awakening
Fall into the flood of your awakening
Drown, you’re just a trace of what I used to be
Waging the battle for appreciation you’ll never win
Behold the army that will harken with open souls
A tiny voice of pester softer than the drop of a pin
And so naïve in thinking you were the source you told
I was composing the beginning before you had begun
Where did you sharpen such a tongue for the sound you spill
I want the honor for the favor that I’ve already won
Without the ignorant deduction that you reveal
Give me the pain of something real
No empty notion, I want to see the pressure rising
Give in a way that I can feel
When you disgrace me I want to see your eyes burn
Fall into the flood of your awakening
You wrote the words you couldn’t stomach manifesting with breath
I read the thoughts you never questioned would show your face
If confrontation were to wake and rear it’s ugly head
I get the feeling you’d be wanting it all erased
This simple gossip is your only definition in life
And what a vacant purpose taking it to your grave
There is no threat of loss in hearing the slant you cry
Oh what a fool to think you fell on the mass you crave
Give me the pain of something real
No empty notion, I want to see the pressure rising
Give in a way that I can feel
When you disgrace me I want to see your eyes burn
Fall into the flood of your awakening
Drown, you’re just a trace of what I used to be
Awaken from the delusion of validity
Awaken into the truth of how it used to be
Wake up
Fall into the flood of your awakening
Drown, you’re just a trace of what I used to be
Awaken
’The Awakening’ is about critics. Someone’s always going to have an opinion about our music and not everyone’s going to like it. As a musician you have to learn to understand that one person doesn’t necessarily speak for everyone else. Most of the time, they’re speaking only for themselves.
3. Beheaded
(feat. guest vocals by Mike Williams of The Agony Scene)
In the never-ending circle where the powerless meet
There grows a struggle from the burden of sustaining defeat
In the face of every coward lies the blindest of hate
And in the eyes a sharpened image of the damage they made
You look at me to bear the burden of the suffering past
It wasn’t me behind the veil of a heartless mask
And where were you the day that everybody cursed your name?
You were the distant voice of pride that never stood the shame
The weak of the mind will use fist
And the fist of the frail will bring gun
The loudest of guns provoke bombs
And in wrath he will chase until it’s done
your history is dead
Dead wrong
Dead- Dead wrong
Philosophy is dead
Dead wrong
Dead- Dead wrong
Within the mind of modern culture there’s an idle cog
It is the section of humanity that never forgot
And in the midst of moving forward we have given the right
To let the wolves attack the sheep and bury guilt inside
I won’t forget the twisted picture of the filth that we were
Or disregard the faded voices of the people we hurt
But I was never pulling triggers or degrading your face
Don’t look at me to give the reason for the pain that you trace
The weak of the mind will use fist
And the fist of the frail will bring gun
The loudest of guns provoke bombs
And in wrath he will chase until it’s done
Your history is dead
Dead wrong
Dead- Dead wrong
Philosophy is dead
Dead wrong
Dead- Dead wrong
The scars outlive the pain
Reflections will remain
The scars outlive the pain
Your sickness will remain
Dead- Dead wrong
(feat. guest vocals by Mike Williams of The Agony Scene)
In the never-ending circle where the powerless meet
There grows a struggle from the burden of sustaining defeat
In the face of every coward lies the blindest of hate
And in the eyes a sharpened image of the damage they made
You look at me to bear the burden of the suffering past
It wasn’t me behind the veil of a heartless mask
And where were you the day that everybody cursed your name?
You were the distant voice of pride that never stood the shame
The weak of the mind will use fist
And the fist of the frail will bring gun
The loudest of guns provoke bombs
And in wrath he will chase until it’s done
your history is dead
Dead wrong
Dead- Dead wrong
Philosophy is dead
Dead wrong
Dead- Dead wrong
Within the mind of modern culture there’s an idle cog
It is the section of humanity that never forgot
And in the midst of moving forward we have given the right
To let the wolves attack the sheep and bury guilt inside
I won’t forget the twisted picture of the filth that we were
Or disregard the faded voices of the people we hurt
But I was never pulling triggers or degrading your face
Don’t look at me to give the reason for the pain that you trace
The weak of the mind will use fist
And the fist of the frail will bring gun
The loudest of guns provoke bombs
And in wrath he will chase until it’s done
Your history is dead
Dead wrong
Dead- Dead wrong
Philosophy is dead
Dead wrong
Dead- Dead wrong
The scars outlive the pain
Reflections will remain
The scars outlive the pain
Your sickness will remain
Dead- Dead wrong
’Beheaded’ addresses the issues of gang life and the meaninglessness of the retribution that keeps it alive. The song talks about the never-ending cycle of revenge that fuels the gangster mentality. In this day and age, with the growing popularity of gangster rap and gang-influenced attitude and behavior, the general public are beginning to embrace the idea of a thug mentality. This mentality suggests concern only for one’s self and a total disregard and disrespect for anyone else. Not only this, but a complete lack of accountability for their actions, instead blaming their lifestyle on the haunting mistakes and atrocities of the past. The history and philosophy behind this mentality is dead wrong.
4. My Heartstrings Come Undone
It’s buried deep within the past and I hope it doesn’t last
(It’s something I already chase, I already chase)
I try to give it all away, but it’s never going to fade
(It’s something I don’t want to face, I don’t want to face)
I know you feel it’s all the same, but I promise that I’ll change
(It’s something I already chase, I already chase)
You know I’m trying to believe that you’re never going to leave
(It’s something I don’t want to face, I don’t want to face)
There’s nothing left, the fear is gone
And when my heartstrings come undone
I will wait for you, pray for you
Before I make my final run
I will stay with you, decay with you
I know I’m not the perfect one and this has pain just begun
(It’s something I already chase, I already chase)
You bring me to a better path, and it’s everything I lack
(It’s something I don’t want to face, I don’t want to face)
There’s nothing left, the fear is gone
And when my heartstrings come undone
I will wait for you, pray for you
Before I make my final run
I will stay with you, decay with you
If you fade out without me will you know all about me?
If you fade out without me will you know all?
And when my heartstrings come undone
I will wait for you, pray for you
Before I make my final run
I will stay with you, decay with you
I wrote this song for my wife. It’s about my commitment to her. The gist of the song is, regardless of our past or whatever may come our way in the future, I’ll be there for her. And if one of us completely falls apart emotionally, physically or spiritually, I’ll try my hardest, with the help of God, to keep the foundation of our marriage a strong one.
5. Our Faces Fall Apart
(feat. guest vocals by Howard Jones of Killswitch Engage)
Where is the inception of digression in a human life?
When is the answer just a bright light?
Who am I in shamelessly defining all the wrong and the right?
What is the difference if we all die?
I am not the first, the last, the absolute
You will find no clarity in me
I am the deceased, the least, the solitude
Failing every face I try to be
I’m not your progress, the pay of your pains
I’m stabbing the questions for answers I can’t face
I’m losing the battle and finding no life to retrace
I built this anguish with my own hands
I felt the burn inside my heart
I built this anguish with my own hands
I watched our faces fall apart
I felt the tears of all your angels, so cold
I saw the fall of all your children, I’m so cold
We are just a fraction of the poison living in this place
How can we answer with a straight face?
Who are you in gauging every standard you would have us chase?
Are we alone to run the last race?
We are all the weak, the meek, the innocent
Kissing every fault that we disgrace
We are of the worst, the cursed, the desolate
Leaving every hope that we embrace
I’m not your progress, the pay of your pains
I’m stabbing the questions for answers I can’t face
I’m losing the battle and finding no life to retrace
I built this anguish with my own hands
I felt the burn inside my heart
I built this anguish with my own hands
I watched our faces fall apart
I felt the tears of all your angels, so cold
I saw the fall of all your children, I’m so cold
You turn your eyes to me in hope of my decline
Pointing your blame as I faltered on that line
We saw your slander when you pulled it off the shelf
If you want justice you’ll point it at yourself
Face your fears, trace your tears
Kill the blind assumption that you know how I react inside
I am not so hollow, you can’t see what grows inside my mind
Straight-faced, straight-faced
I built this anguish with my own hands
I felt the burn inside my heart
I built this anguish with my own hands
I watched our faces fall apart
5. Our Faces Fall Apart
(feat. guest vocals by Howard Jones of Killswitch Engage)
Where is the inception of digression in a human life?
When is the answer just a bright light?
Who am I in shamelessly defining all the wrong and the right?
What is the difference if we all die?
I am not the first, the last, the absolute
You will find no clarity in me
I am the deceased, the least, the solitude
Failing every face I try to be
I’m not your progress, the pay of your pains
I’m stabbing the questions for answers I can’t face
I’m losing the battle and finding no life to retrace
I built this anguish with my own hands
I felt the burn inside my heart
I built this anguish with my own hands
I watched our faces fall apart
I felt the tears of all your angels, so cold
I saw the fall of all your children, I’m so cold
We are just a fraction of the poison living in this place
How can we answer with a straight face?
Who are you in gauging every standard you would have us chase?
Are we alone to run the last race?
We are all the weak, the meek, the innocent
Kissing every fault that we disgrace
We are of the worst, the cursed, the desolate
Leaving every hope that we embrace
I’m not your progress, the pay of your pains
I’m stabbing the questions for answers I can’t face
I’m losing the battle and finding no life to retrace
I built this anguish with my own hands
I felt the burn inside my heart
I built this anguish with my own hands
I watched our faces fall apart
I felt the tears of all your angels, so cold
I saw the fall of all your children, I’m so cold
You turn your eyes to me in hope of my decline
Pointing your blame as I faltered on that line
We saw your slander when you pulled it off the shelf
If you want justice you’ll point it at yourself
Face your fears, trace your tears
Kill the blind assumption that you know how I react inside
I am not so hollow, you can’t see what grows inside my mind
Straight-faced, straight-faced
I built this anguish with my own hands
I felt the burn inside my heart
I built this anguish with my own hands
I watched our faces fall apart
’Our Faces Fall Apart’ is about Christians being held to an unattainable standard. I believe that, as a man of God, it is my duty to be a light to the people around me. And though I feel that is an important part of my walk with Christ, I, like most of us, often fall short of this duty.
The point I try to make in this song is not to put people on a pedestal. Humans, by nature are failures and people tend to forget that. It’s not my intention to fail as a witness to Christ, but I do. Fortunately for all of us who fall short, the grace and mercy of God washes us clean as if we were flawless in his sight.
"For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus." - Romans 3:23-24
The point I try to make in this song is not to put people on a pedestal. Humans, by nature are failures and people tend to forget that. It’s not my intention to fail as a witness to Christ, but I do. Fortunately for all of us who fall short, the grace and mercy of God washes us clean as if we were flawless in his sight.
"For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus." - Romans 3:23-24
6. Less Than Nothing
I Suffocate
Reality is tearing my life away
All in vain
I’m taking my pride into the grave
What a fine line we walk with our eyes closed
Giving our worst as first like we don’t know
Burning my way through life with a vengeance
Giving my weight in hate until the neck bends
Tearing out every trace of emotion
Falling into this cell that you’ve opened
Hollow as all these faces around me
Feeling your fatal infection surround me
We all live in fear of something
We all disappear like nothing
We all live in fear of something
We all equal less than nothing
I Suffocate
I’m taking my life from first to last
All this hate is dragging my face through broken glass
How can we be so blind in the same light?
Covering all these scars that we can’t hide
Feeling my way through thorns of rejection
Bleeding out all this filth of infection
We all live in fear of something
We all disappear like nothing
We all live in fear of something
We all equal less than nothing
Nothing
Nothing
We’re nothing
Nothing
I Suffocate
Reality is tearing my life away
All in vain
I’m taking my pride into the grave
What a fine line we walk with our eyes closed
Giving our worst as first like we don’t know
Burning my way through life with a vengeance
Giving my weight in hate until the neck bends
Tearing out every trace of emotion
Falling into this cell that you’ve opened
Hollow as all these faces around me
Feeling your fatal infection surround me
We all live in fear of something
We all disappear like nothing
We all live in fear of something
We all equal less than nothing
I Suffocate
I’m taking my life from first to last
All this hate is dragging my face through broken glass
How can we be so blind in the same light?
Covering all these scars that we can’t hide
Feeling my way through thorns of rejection
Bleeding out all this filth of infection
We all live in fear of something
We all disappear like nothing
We all live in fear of something
We all equal less than nothing
Nothing
Nothing
We’re nothing
Nothing
The only reason we can be a blessing to God is by his grace. We, by our sinful, human nature fall so short of his glory that it’s only by the miracle of grace that we are so precious in his sight. The Bible tells us that in and of ourselves and without God, we are no one, nothing. No matter the person, without God’s grace, we are collectively worthless. We attempt to do things with our own power fail and time and again. This song speaks about the stubborn human nature and the reality of our worth apart from God.
"All have turned away, they have together become worthless; there is no one who does good, not even one." - Romans 3:12
"All have turned away, they have together become worthless; there is no one who does good, not even one." - Romans 3:12
7. Summer Of Darkness
Consider me the one last breath before this death
I’ll be the final glimpse of hope when there’s none left
And if I shame your face, degrade your faith
I’ll be the first to hide behind disgrace
Blood-loss- on account of my failing aim
Treason- at the root of my shameful name
I found my way to fall
I never meant to break your heart
Breathing in this pain
(Rejecting all I am)
I hear you cry again
(Is this my final stand?)
Before I go
(Before I lose it all)
You should know
(I hate myself for hurting you)
I see the burn of the light from within my grave
I feel the pain of contradiction despite decay
And if the shadow of doubt will betray this gain
Then put an end to me now while the hope remains
Blood-loss- on account of my failing aim
Treason- at the root of my shameful name
I found my way to fall
I never meant to break your heart
Breathing in this pain
(Rejecting all I am)
I hear you cry again
(Is this my final stand?)
Before I go
(Before I lose it all)
You should know
(I hate myself for hurting you)
This is not my life
This is not our life
Every day I die
This is not my life
Consider me the one last breath before this death
I’ll be the final glimpse of hope when there’s none left
And if I shame your face, degrade your faith
I’ll be the first to hide behind disgrace
Blood-loss- on account of my failing aim
Treason- at the root of my shameful name
I found my way to fall
I never meant to break your heart
Breathing in this pain
(Rejecting all I am)
I hear you cry again
(Is this my final stand?)
Before I go
(Before I lose it all)
You should know
(I hate myself for hurting you)
I see the burn of the light from within my grave
I feel the pain of contradiction despite decay
And if the shadow of doubt will betray this gain
Then put an end to me now while the hope remains
Blood-loss- on account of my failing aim
Treason- at the root of my shameful name
I found my way to fall
I never meant to break your heart
Breathing in this pain
(Rejecting all I am)
I hear you cry again
(Is this my final stand?)
Before I go
(Before I lose it all)
You should know
(I hate myself for hurting you)
This is not my life
This is not our life
Every day I die
This is not my life
’Summer Of Darkness’ deals with the repetition of human error. Day after day we’re reminded of our flawed human nature from the trials we face and the temptations we feel. This song is a reminder that this life is not ours- “This is not my life, this is not our life, everyday I die, this is not my life.” The lyrics “Before I go, you should know… I hate myself for hurting you” are a message to God that we desire to turn away from our sinful nature and have (through repentance) received his forgiveness for our sins. Though we continue to fall each day, Christ will be there to pick us up whenever we need him.
8. Beauty Through The Eyes Of A Predator
(feat. guest vocals by Brock Lindow of 36 Crazyfists)
I’m not the only one who can’t see why it crossed your mind
I see your life and death reduce into a product line
It’s not enough to see you speaking through the blindest of eyes
The same dead, cold breath is reducing mine
I can’t see why
You’re not a saint, you’re a thief
You can’t deny
It’s all a ploy underneath
All I’ve seen
(You better learn to keep your face under the dark)
All I need
(Wake up and feel the blood escape your heart)
Your disease
(For every word that you devalue and mistake)
I can’t breathe
(For every soul you nauseate with what you say)
You’ve brought this verdict on yourself
(Before we ever had a chance)
I hope you cry for the one’s you’ve lost
You built this burden when you fell
(You know we never took a glance)
I hope it’s worth all the blood it cost
It’s been a long way back from the dissipated path
Only half way through, say goodbye and take a breath
And when the end shines new with the burn of nothing left
I’ll give you one last chance to say you’re done and give it back
I won’t agree
Your remedy is a joke
I can’t believe
That you can breath and not choke
All I’ve seen
(You better learn to keep your face under the dark)
All I need
(Wake up and feel the blood escape your heart)
Your disease
(For every word that you devalue and mistake)
I can’t breathe
(For every soul you nauseate with what you say)
You’ve brought this verdict on yourself
(Before we ever had a chance)
I hope you cry for the one’s you’ve lost
You built this burden when you fell
(You know we never took a glance)
I hope it’s worth all the blood it cost
Peddle your faith to the blind
And cheapen the love that you feel so painful
Pushing the guilt through your spine
And suffer the mold of a prime example
You’ve brought this verdict on yourself
(Before we ever had a chance)
I hope you cry for the one’s you’ve lost
You built this burden when you fell
(You know we never took a glance)
I hope it’s worth all the blood it cost
I feel my lungs beginning to burn
With every fooling word that you spit, another nail you get
It seems that in every group, whether “religious” or other, there is always going to be someone giving a bad name to whatever you believe in. Christianity is not exempt of this. There are many “Christians” out there in the world doing things supposedly in the name of Christ, but ultimately pushing non-believers further and further away from accepting the truth of Jesus and the bible. Now I know that no one is perfect, and legitimate, God-fearing Christians can make some of the worst mistakes, but I think there is a difference between these mistakes and taking a big part in jeopardizing the validity of Christ to the people around you.
One thing Christ is not, is a product. There is a fine line between selling Christian products as a witnessing tool and selling Christian products purely for personal profit. I believe that there are ways to make a comfortable living within the Christian business world and still be focused on the spreading of the gospel. I think that some people need to evaluate just what they’re selling when it has Jesus’ name stamped on it. Is it something that is going to make Him look much less important than He really is?
One thing Christ is not, is a product. There is a fine line between selling Christian products as a witnessing tool and selling Christian products purely for personal profit. I believe that there are ways to make a comfortable living within the Christian business world and still be focused on the spreading of the gospel. I think that some people need to evaluate just what they’re selling when it has Jesus’ name stamped on it. Is it something that is going to make Him look much less important than He really is?
9. Annihilate The Corrupt
Behind the eyes of my compassion lies a suffering soul
And in my blood a bitter darkness slowly taking it’s toll
I feel the death of our connection and the fading of light
Between the shards of sudden panic from choking on my life
I see the scars of your addiction and the feeling you hide
A blackened heart from all the hatred you will never rewind
Within the depths of your depression hear you pleading for help
Your just a shell of vacant ruin, a portrait of myself
I can’t breathe alone
You can guide me home
I am the face of your affliction
Feeding new life through the cracks in your skull
Beneath the skin of your aggression is a thickening fear
A swelling plague from every devastating voice that you hear
You feel the throes of contradiction in the word that you left
Another day in your delusion, the never-ending death
I can’t breathe alone
You can guide me home
I can feel you here
You can draw me near
I am the face of your affliction
Feeding new life through the cracks in your skull
I am the pain of your conviction
Stabbing you right through the back of your soul
This is life, this is love
I am the face of your affliction
Stabbing you right through the back of your soul
I am the face of your affliction
Feeding new life through the cracks in your skull
I am the pain of your conviction
Stabbing you right through the back of your soul
I can feel you here
You can draw me near
Behind the eyes of my compassion lies a suffering soul
And in my blood a bitter darkness slowly taking it’s toll
I feel the death of our connection and the fading of light
Between the shards of sudden panic from choking on my life
I see the scars of your addiction and the feeling you hide
A blackened heart from all the hatred you will never rewind
Within the depths of your depression hear you pleading for help
Your just a shell of vacant ruin, a portrait of myself
I can’t breathe alone
You can guide me home
I am the face of your affliction
Feeding new life through the cracks in your skull
Beneath the skin of your aggression is a thickening fear
A swelling plague from every devastating voice that you hear
You feel the throes of contradiction in the word that you left
Another day in your delusion, the never-ending death
I can’t breathe alone
You can guide me home
I can feel you here
You can draw me near
I am the face of your affliction
Feeding new life through the cracks in your skull
I am the pain of your conviction
Stabbing you right through the back of your soul
This is life, this is love
I am the face of your affliction
Stabbing you right through the back of your soul
I am the face of your affliction
Feeding new life through the cracks in your skull
I am the pain of your conviction
Stabbing you right through the back of your soul
I can feel you here
You can draw me near
’Annihilate The Corrupt’ is about extinguishing the corrupt within your life. In the song I parallel my life with the listener’s, explaining that I go through the same feelings and struggles that many of them might face. It’s about conviction. The “stab through the back of your soul” describes how painful that conviction can sometimes be. Though the song is directed outwards to the listener, it’s knowing what’s inside myself that makes it possible for me to address conviction. And even though conviction can be painful, I explain that repentance will feed you new life. “I can’t breathe alone, You can guide me home, I can feel you here, You can draw me near” explains the giving up of these things to God.
10. I Play Dead
Play dead again, it just might stop before the end
If I pretend you may not see the pain I’m in
So close to me, can’t tell what I’m supposed to be
Don’t stop to breathe, can’t bear to think what you might see
This tourniquet, these blessed hands around my head
To keep my self from…
Bleeding
I’ve got to find a way to stop before it starts
Finding it’s way through my veins right to my heart
I never thought it something everyone could see
And it kills within me
Bleeding
I’ve got to find a way to stop before it starts
Finding it’s way through my veins right to my heart
I never thought it something everyone could see
And it kills
I won’t
I won’t leave without a trace
I won’t be erased
It’s in my head, I can’t forget what you once said
The words I read, the fractured soul that I can’t mend
Right here with me, killing the void I used to be
Remembering through fading sparks of memory
Two broken hands lift seven wounds and fight to stand
To keep the lungs from…
Caving
I’ve got to find a way to stop before it starts
Finding it’s way through my veins right to my heart
I never thought it something everyone could see
And it kills within me
Caving
I’ve got to find a way to stop before it starts
Finding it’s way through my veins right to my heart
I never thought it something everyone could see
And it kills
I won’t
I won’t leave without a trace
I won’t be erased
Turning, it’s moving, escaping right through me
I care not, I bleed not, for you I believe not
I play dead
I won’t
I won’t leave without a trace
I won’t be erased
Play dead again, it just might stop before the end
If I pretend you may not see the pain I’m in
So close to me, can’t tell what I’m supposed to be
Don’t stop to breathe, can’t bear to think what you might see
This tourniquet, these blessed hands around my head
To keep my self from…
Bleeding
I’ve got to find a way to stop before it starts
Finding it’s way through my veins right to my heart
I never thought it something everyone could see
And it kills within me
Bleeding
I’ve got to find a way to stop before it starts
Finding it’s way through my veins right to my heart
I never thought it something everyone could see
And it kills
I won’t
I won’t leave without a trace
I won’t be erased
It’s in my head, I can’t forget what you once said
The words I read, the fractured soul that I can’t mend
Right here with me, killing the void I used to be
Remembering through fading sparks of memory
Two broken hands lift seven wounds and fight to stand
To keep the lungs from…
Caving
I’ve got to find a way to stop before it starts
Finding it’s way through my veins right to my heart
I never thought it something everyone could see
And it kills within me
Caving
I’ve got to find a way to stop before it starts
Finding it’s way through my veins right to my heart
I never thought it something everyone could see
And it kills
I won’t
I won’t leave without a trace
I won’t be erased
Turning, it’s moving, escaping right through me
I care not, I bleed not, for you I believe not
I play dead
I won’t
I won’t leave without a trace
I won’t be erased
I have a tendency to be carefree in many circumstances. In some ways it is helpful. I don’t stress out about many situations that I think are trivial. But sometimes this laid-back attitude can evolve into full-blown apathy. Often times I let things that are important to others roll right off my back. I am constantly reminding myself that there are plenty of things that I need to care more about. It seems like a small problem, but it’s proven to be quite a struggle. I want to be sincere about the things I believe in deeply. This song is a reminder of what Christ did for me and just how important that was. It says “Two broken hands lift seven wounds and fight to stand.” This explains the agony of the cross that Christ hung upon to wipe away my sins. This is one thing that I don’t want to take for granted.
11. Everything Was White
As I clear my mind enough to see
Decaying pieces of my being that have fallen on me
I find the one clean cut that has given the wrath
Beneath the deep and cleansing fire that is shaping the path
I’ve had all my life to fall in place
I watch all my past in right decay
And with every step that shames my face
I see all my pieces catch ablaze
The pain is fading, now you’re leaving me alone
I can’t stop bleeding, I’m depleting on my own
With every word I breathe out
I feel it escaping from my soul
With every though created
Omission leaving me so cold
The pain is fading, now you’re leaving me alone
I can’t stop bleeding, I’m depleting on my own
With every word I breathe out
I feel it escaping from my soul
With every though created
Omission leaving me so cold
I’ve seen inside the downward fall
Remember all the filth I saw
I’ve seen inside the downward fall
Remember everything I saw
With every word I breathe out
I feel it escaping from my soul
With every though created
Omission leaving me so cold
As I clear my mind enough to see
Decaying pieces of my being that have fallen on me
I find the one clean cut that has given the wrath
Beneath the deep and cleansing fire that is shaping the path
I’ve had all my life to fall in place
I watch all my past in right decay
And with every step that shames my face
I see all my pieces catch ablaze
The pain is fading, now you’re leaving me alone
I can’t stop bleeding, I’m depleting on my own
With every word I breathe out
I feel it escaping from my soul
With every though created
Omission leaving me so cold
The pain is fading, now you’re leaving me alone
I can’t stop bleeding, I’m depleting on my own
With every word I breathe out
I feel it escaping from my soul
With every though created
Omission leaving me so cold
I’ve seen inside the downward fall
Remember all the filth I saw
I’ve seen inside the downward fall
Remember everything I saw
With every word I breathe out
I feel it escaping from my soul
With every though created
Omission leaving me so cold
’Everything Was White’ talks about the times in life when you look back to a better time. Often times I find myself in a lesser place (spiritually) than where I used to be. And sometimes I go far too long before I realize that I need to make conscious steps away from where I’m heading and back to the way that I know is right. The beautiful thing about these situations is that God is always there for you, even when you forget about him. This song talks about the emptiness that takes over when you starve yourself spiritually. Sometimes, in hindsight, I can see the times that I stopped caring so much. And when I have targeted those times, I can make the effort to not make the same mistakes in the future.
12. Coffin Builder
(feat. guest vocals by Trevor McNevan of Thousand Foot Krutch)
My fall draws near
Within these walls you’ll see me fall
Alone in here, the end draws near
My life fell out of my hands and into this hole where everything’s cold
I lost the feeling of guilt, there’s nothing inside, my innocence died
And now the emptiness grows, it’s bringing me down and taking my crown
I’ve seen where everything’s dark, it’s here in my soul, I’m losing control
Have mercy on me
Have mercy on me
Have mercy on me for every thorn I’ve driven in
Within these walls you’ll see me fall
Alone in here, the end draws near
Before my very last day I’m making it stop, I’m turning it off
I’ll fight this feeling I have until everything’s gone, resistance has won
Now time is healing these wounds and you are still here releasing my fear
My life fell out of my hands, they took it away, I’m taking it back
Have mercy on me
Have mercy on me
Have mercy on me for every thorn I’ve driven in
Within these walls you’ll see me fall
Alone in here, the end draws near
And everyday I feel like this weight’s
Constantly dragging me down
Broken for the last time (Never get the best of me, won’t get the best of me)
I’ve got a heart of steel, but your words are
Constantly bringing me down
I’m open for the first time (Never get the best of me, wont’ get the best of me)
Have mercy on me
Have mercy on me
Have mercy on me for every thorn I’ve driven in
Within these walls you’ll see
Alone in here, the end
My fall draws near
Constantly dragging me down
Broken for the last time (Never get the best of me, won’t get the best of me)
I’ve got a heart of steel, but your words are
Constantly bringing me down
I’m open for the first time (Never get the best of me, wont’ get the best of me)
Have mercy on me
Have mercy on me
Have mercy on me for every thorn I’ve driven in
Within these walls you’ll see
Alone in here, the end
My fall draws near
This song is about the power that media has over people today. We live in a society that is force-fed media-slanted garbage from the day we’re born. It’s hard to avoid it even if you try. From the objectification of women to the importance of financial gain to the justification of substance abuse, it’s all there- at every newsstand and on every TV channel. The over-saturation of worldly values is no irony. It works. People relate to these desires and that’s why it sells. I’m no different from the next guy when it comes to this stuff. I have the same sinful nature that anyone else might have. The one thing that I have that a lot of people don’t, is a relationship with Christ that helps me overcome these challenges. I know that if I ask for direction and guidance in my daily walk, He’ll help me avoid the pressures that are pushed to us everyday.
"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” - John 16:33
"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” - John 16:33
13. The Latest And The Last (The Wheels Of Judgment Turn Slowly)
Words of high cost
(You spit a curse at my name)
When thoughts of hate cross
(I can’t devour your blame)
This is your choice
(This is your hammer to crush)
I have no voice
(You’re not the hand that I trust)
Throw it down on me
Throw it down on me
Before you break your silence, before we tear this open…
We’ll count the dead and hopeless for every word unspoken
Thoughts, like blood, run
(Forever staining our hands)
Mouth like cold gun
(Before the barrel we stand)
The latest and last
(You put a price on my head)
The latest and last
(The worst is already said)
Throw it down on me
Throw it down on me
Before you break your silence, before we tear this open…
We’ll count the dead and hopeless for every word unspoken
Before you break your silence, before we tear this open…
We’ll count the dead and hopeless for every word unspoken
Spilling through your teeth
You’re sick of what you’ve seen
You point your guilt at every step we took in loyalty
Before you break your silence, before we tear this open…
We’ll count the dead and hopeless for every word unspoken
Before you break your silence, before we tear this open…
We’ll count the dead and hopeless for every word unspoken
Throw it down on me
Throw it down
Words of high cost
(You spit a curse at my name)
When thoughts of hate cross
(I can’t devour your blame)
This is your choice
(This is your hammer to crush)
I have no voice
(You’re not the hand that I trust)
Throw it down on me
Throw it down on me
Before you break your silence, before we tear this open…
We’ll count the dead and hopeless for every word unspoken
Thoughts, like blood, run
(Forever staining our hands)
Mouth like cold gun
(Before the barrel we stand)
The latest and last
(You put a price on my head)
The latest and last
(The worst is already said)
Throw it down on me
Throw it down on me
Before you break your silence, before we tear this open…
We’ll count the dead and hopeless for every word unspoken
Before you break your silence, before we tear this open…
We’ll count the dead and hopeless for every word unspoken
Spilling through your teeth
You’re sick of what you’ve seen
You point your guilt at every step we took in loyalty
Before you break your silence, before we tear this open…
We’ll count the dead and hopeless for every word unspoken
Before you break your silence, before we tear this open…
We’ll count the dead and hopeless for every word unspoken
Throw it down on me
Throw it down
Passing judgment on one another as Christians can be very devastating and it happens so often, we’ve grown accustomed to it. Only God knows what lies in the hearts of each and every one of us. The judgmental ideals of Christians against each other result in a very segregated mindset.
For instance, many Christians have passed judgment on heavy metal as a whole, saying that it’s not a healthy platform for reaching people in the name of Christ, and rather a blasphemous and worldly alternative to other genres of Christian music. The amazing things that I’ve seen happen for the kingdom of God within the heavy metal scene prove that thought to be a very ignorant perception.
Basically the song suggests, you can have the latest judgment, but God will have the last.
For instance, many Christians have passed judgment on heavy metal as a whole, saying that it’s not a healthy platform for reaching people in the name of Christ, and rather a blasphemous and worldly alternative to other genres of Christian music. The amazing things that I’ve seen happen for the kingdom of God within the heavy metal scene prove that thought to be a very ignorant perception.
Basically the song suggests, you can have the latest judgment, but God will have the last.
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