listen!

Conflux Cornucopia Cerebellum Cocktail Hour Episode #038: Alchemy in Wonderland

April 28, 10pm

Welcome back fellow Alchemists. Tonight we are going down the rabbit hole to explore some of the newer music in my collection including some tracks that are less than a week old.

Podcasts

SET LIST

1. Conspiranoia by Primus from Conspiranoia (2022) 11:31
2. SIGN ON MIC BREAK: Penny by Odd Logic from Penny For Your Thoughts (2017) 1:12
3. The Dripping Tap by King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard from Omnium Gatherum (2022) 18:17
4. Ear of the Universe by Smokemaster from Smokemaster (2020) 10:24
5. MIC BREAK: Shatner’s Lament by Thank You Scientist from Terraformer (2019) 1:13
6. Gates of Dawn by KnightressM1 from Dreams and Devastation (2020) 5:31
7. Width of a Circle by Opeth from Width of a Circle Single (2019) 5:31
8. Acid Dent by the Psychedelic Porn Crumpets from Night Gnomes (2022) 3:41
9. The Children of Coyote Woman by All Them Witches from Nothing as the Ideal (2020) 3:36
10. No Return by Craig Wedren & Anna Warnoker, Main Theme Single from Showtime TV Series Yellowjackets (2022) 1:33
11. MIC BREAK: Doom Saloon by Clutch from Psychic Warfare (2015) 1:13
12. Strange Earth Illusion by Jess and the Ancient Ones from Vertigo (2021) 11:35
13. He Walked In by Kid Congo and the Pink Monkey Birds from Swinging from the Sean DeLear (2021) 14: 09
14. MIC BREAK: Interglacial by The Mercury Tree from Spidermilk (2019) 1:45
15. End of Forever by Samsara Blues Experiment from End of Forever (2021) 7:56
16. Savage Lands by Mastodon from Hushed & Grim (2021) 4:25
17. The Silent Revelation by Leprous from Aphelion (2021) 5:45
18. Days of Future Past by Iron Maiden from Senjutsu (2021) 4:04
19. SIGN OFF MIC BREAK: The End of Everything by Trivium from Ascendency (2005) 1:21
20. Into the Storm by Gojira from Fortitude (2021) 5:02

Conflux Cornucopia Cerebellum Cocktail Hour: Episode #027: Recency Bias

February 4, 12am

Podcasts

Hello fellow Alchemites and Confluxians. This week we are delving into the music I most recently have added to my collection. Most of that is brand new music, some if it is older content I recently became aware of, or just finally got around to picking up.
Special announcement: Next week for episode #028 we will have a special guest, Mia d’Bruzzi. Mia is one of the pioneers in the SF Punk Scene as a member of Frightwig and an Mudwimmin. We’ll be discussing her current project, Dizzy Twin, as well as her history in the SF scene, early and current influences, and future plans. It should be a fun evening, so be sure to tune in on 2/9/2022 for that.
Check out her web page at http://mamamiadbruzzi.com/
Follow up with The Alchemist on FB and join the Friends of Alchemist group.
Email me @ thealchemistofradiovalencia@gmail.com (like the hunchback of notre dame…but not.)
This weeks set list:
1. Interview (0:27) by I.E.M. (Incredible Expanding Mindfuck) from Headphone Dust (2005) Krautrock
2. BREAKING ALCHEMY (0.12)
3. FAKE MIC BREAK: Worship (1:41) by Anthrax from Worship Music (2011) Metal
4. Uh Uh (2:16) by Thundercat from Drunk (2017) R&B/Soul
5. Empire (5:26) by Dizzy Twin from Empire (2018) Alternative Rock
6. Billion Dollar Babies (3:46) by Eric McFadden from Hail to Hell (Acoustic Tribute to Alice Cooper) (2021) Rock
7. Army of Jesus (6:58) by Project NFidelikah from Project NFidelikah (2016) Alternative Rock
8. MIC BREAK: Entropy (1:54) by Psychedelic Porn Crumpets from High Visceral Part 1. (2016) Psychedelic Rock
9. …And the Addled Abstraction of Being (6:27) by Psychedelic Porn Crumpets from High Visceral Part 1. (2016) Psychedelic Rock
10. The Problem of Other Minds (2:33) by Animals as Leader from Parrhesia (2022) Djent Metal
11. Harridan (8:08) by Porcupine Tree from CLOSURE/CONTINUATION (2022) Progressive Metal
12. MIC BREAK: Angels Masquerading as People (1:58) by Toshi Iseda from Full On! (1998) Rock
13. Alchemical Corpus (8:06) by Alco Frisbass from Le Mystere du Gue Pucelle (2021) Progressive Rock
14. Birth of Venus (5:16) by Monkey3 from The 5th Sun (2013) Krautrock
15. Burning of the Velvet Fires (4:40) by Jess and the Ancient Ones from Vertigo (2021) Psychedelic Metal
16. MIC BREAK: Barbarossa (1:36) by Lamb of God from Resolution (2012) Metal
17. Senjutsu (8:20) by Iron Maiden from Senjutsu (2021) Metal
18. Teardrinker (5:21) by Mastodon from Hushed and Grim (2021) Metal
19. Retrospection (4:24) by Jinjer from Macro (2019) Metal
20. MIC BREAK: Isle of Few (1:36) by Frank Gambale, Stuart Hamm, Steve Smith from The Light Beyond (2000) Jazz
21. Dad’s Speakers (6:42) by Uncle Moe’s Space Farm from Uncle Moe’s Space Farm (2001) Jazz Fusion
22. Secret Crevice (5:51) by Birds and Building from Multipurpose Trap (2013) Progressive Rock
23. Bigly Strictness (7:37) by Snarky Puppy from Immigrance (2019) Jazz Fusion
24. MIC BREAK: Police (1:40) by Angelo Badalamenti from Lost Highway (1997) Soundtrack
25. Silhouette (3:45) by Leprous from Aphelion (2021) Progressive Metal
26. The Passage (8:58) by Lunatic Soul from Through Shaded Woods (2020) Progressive Folk Rock
27. FAREWELL MIC BREAK: Unicorn (2:09) by Gojira From Mars to Sirius (2005) Progressive Death Metal
28. Crawford (2:27) by Frightwig from Hit Return EP (2013) Punk
29. J-Rod’s Pigeon Ladyshapes (0:32) by The Bob Lazar Story from Ghost of Foodstool (2014) Rock

Conflux Cornucopia Cerebellum Cocktail Hour Ep. #026: Secret Ingredients

January 29, 11am

Conflux Cornucopia Cerebellum Cocktail Hour: Ep. #026: Secret Ingredients

Podcasts

Hello fellow Alchemists and Confluxians: Welcome back. I hope you enjoyed last week’s four hour diversion back to the 80’s with Skeevy. There will be a part II. This week, I am looking into my laboratory of oddities for some deep cuts and rarities for you to enjoy. I hope you enjoy this tantalizing mix of warm weirdness.
Set List:
1. Opening Alchemy Jive (0:58) Featuring Rush Hour & Toy Story clips.
2. No Return (1:33) by Craig Wedren & Anna Waronker from the Yellowjackets TV show (opening theme) (2022) Punk
3. MIC BREAK: Lilah (1:00) by Morphine from Like Swimming (1997) Alternative Rock
4. Running Low (6:30) by Leprous from Aphelion (2021) Progressive Metal
5. Gilding the Lily (3:13) by Rocket Moth from Mesolow (2016) Rock
6. Intro/The Rules of the Game (3:59) by Dizzy Twin from Empire (2018) Alternative Rock
7. MIC BREAK: Caterpillar March (1:56) by Kyuss from Blues for the Red Sun (1992) Stoner Metal
8. Nate Poe Crasto (Dub) (8:37) by Angelo Moore from Dr. Madd Vibe’s Comprehensive Linkology (2001) Alternative Rock
9. Rubankh (3:25) by Anekdoten from Nucleus (1995) Progressive Metal
10. MIC BREAK: Sleep (1:58) by the Dixie Dregs from Free Fall (1977) Jazz Fusion
11. The Scythe Pendulum Swing (7:33) by Dizzy Mystics from Wanderlost (2019) Progressive Rock
12. Formicary (5:47) by Sleepytime Gorilla Museum from In Glorious Times (2007) Art Metal
13. Event Horizon (6:11) by Voivod from The Wake (2018) Progressive Thrash Metal
14. MIC BREAK: The Dog Breath Variations (1:49) by Frank Zappa and the Mothers of Invention (1969) Art Rock
15. Are You Receiving Me? (9:32) by Golden Earring from Moontan (1973) Rock
16. Second Birth (10:59) by Samsara Blues Experiment from End of Forever (2021) Psychedelic Rock
17. MIC BREAK: Glenn’s Wheels (1:47) by Bear McCreary from the Walking Dead Soundtrack (2017) Soundtrack
18. Black Mass (4:40) by En Minor from When the Cold Truth Has Worn Its Miserable Welcome Out (2020) Alternative Rock
19. Seven Ways Till Sunday (4:46) by T.R.A.M. from Lingua Franca (2012) Jazz Fusion
20. Easily Led (5:08) by We Came From Space from While You Were Away (2018) Progressive Rock
21. MIC BREAK: Miles Davis Funeral (1:41) by Morphine from Cure for Pain (1993) Alternative Rock
22. Dog Eat Dog World (3:58) by Ten from Ten (2013) Alternative Rock
23. Embers (10:47) by Elder from Omens (2020) Stoner Metal
24. Kalopsia (4:38) by Queens of the Stone Age from …Like Clockwork (2013) Alternative Rock
25. BREAKING ALCHEMY: (0:12)
26. MIC BREAK: Last May (1:40) by Allan Holdsworth from Velvet Darkness (1976) Jazz Fusion
27. Little Wing (5:56) by Oz Noy from Who Gives a Funk (2015) Jazz Fusion (Jimi Hendrix Cover)

Conflux Cornucopia Cerebellum Cocktail Hour Episode #023: Phoenix Rising; A Reflection on the New Year

January 8, 4pm

Podcasts

Hello fellow Alchemists and Confluxians. Happy New Year! Yes, each new year brings with it the promise of renewal that is only matched by spring training baseball in a warm climate, but that is subject for another day.
A couple announcements to get to before we get into the meat of this week’s shows. I have a new Facebook identity as The Alchemist. There is also a new group Friends of the Alchemist where I am posting the activities of this show and encouraging open discussion of what you, the listening audience, want more of out my weekly expose. So, please, don’t be shy, drop a dime if you’re old enough to remember what that means, or text me bro if not.
I also have an Instagram page @ riseofalchemist. I’m not a person who enjoys social media for it’s own sake, but I do recognize the need to be present on the medium when promoting a show and gathering listeners. So, if you do use that format, please follow me.
During the last week of the year, we did a couple of shows co-sponsoring Flipper @ Bottom of the Hill in SF. These shows were a very important in that they bolstered our relationship with Bottom of the Hill, and as a result will continue to co-sponsor shows at this classic SF concert venue.
On Friday, January 21st Hellbilly rockers, The Supersuckers will be performing with Scott H. Biram and HeWhoCannotBeNamed. DJ Ace from Ace’s Space (Saturdays from 4-6pm) and DJ Malderor from Malderor’s Curated Catastrophe (Sunday’s from 2-4pm) will be manning our table and representing Radio Valencia and selling our T-Shirts.
On Friday, January 28th The Blasters will be performing with opening acts Thee Merry Widows and Sid Presley. DJ’s Skeevy and Johnny from the Skeevy Side Show (Wednesday’s from 8-10pm) will be manning our table. I want thank the again for guest hosting my show last week while I was out. At some point in the near future, I will be repaying that by taking over the Skeevy Side Show and doing a four hour set of my own…..TBD…..but in the meantime, put this on your calendar for a busy weekend to hit up a couple shows, because the very next day….
On Saturday, January 29th, Dr. Madd Vibe & the Missing Links (Angelo Moore of Fishbone) with local guitar legend Eric McFadden and special guest Dizzy Twin will be running amok at Bottom of the Hill. I will be there along DJ Uncle Ray from Uncle Ray’s Psychedelic Soul (Monday’s from 2-4pm) will be repping Radio Valencia. Also, and any of these shows, John Hell, who has arranged all of these events with Bottom the Hill, and hosts two shows on Mondays (John Hell’s Bootleg Bonanza from 6-8pm and Hell’s Kitchen from 8-12pm) could pop up at any or all of these events. Thank you, John Hell, again for all that you do to keep this station going.
Now, back to this week’s show. I began thinking of the content for this week’s show I started reflecting on the nature of New Year’s Day and what I am thinking about as I begin my new year. I had the image of a Phoenix Rising from the Ashes. A chance to let die the old self and the previous year to be reborn as imagined and be refreshed by the New Year. This doesn’t literally happen, but in some ways our intents do forge a portion of ourselves that drives our action and permeates our attitude. For me, I decided that I am focusing on Love this year. Loving those close to me more deeply, loving myself as I so often don’t and being open and loving even to those who I cannot see eye to eye with. So that is what a great deal of this week’s show entails….and now…without further ado….the setlist.

1. Interlude (0:38) by Muse from Absolution (2003)
2. Breaking Alchemy (0:12)
3. New Year’s Prayer (4:41) by Jeff Buckley from Sketches for my Sweetheart the Drunk (1998)
4. One Rainy Wish (3:44) by The Jimi Hendrix Experience from Axis: Bold as Love (1967)
5. MIC BREAK: Horizons (1:41) by Genesis from Foxtrot (1972)
6. Glory (3:19) by Jamie N. Commons from Glory (2016)
7. Underdog (3:58) by Sly and the Family Stone from A Whole New Thing (1970)
8. Found God in a Tomato (8:54) by the Psychedelic Porn Crumpets from High Visceral Pt. 1 (2016)
9. MIC BREAK: Tenor Credenza (1:46) by Chick Corea from Time Warp (1995)
10. Dream State (4:22) by the Broun Fellinis from Aphrokubist Improvisations Vol. 9 (1995)
11. Whatcha Gonna Bring (5:07) by The Motet from Death or Devotion (2018)
12. Revolutionary Love (7:10) by Ani DiFranco from Revolutionary Love (2021)
13. MIC BREAK: Yellow Theme (1:45) by Baroness from Yellow & Green (2012)
14. I Call It Love (5:17) by Concrete Blonde from Mexican Moon (1993)
15. This is What I Believe In (3:29) by Adrian Belew from Inner Revolution (1992)
16. Love Is For Me (3:55) by The Meters from Rejuvenation (1974)
17. MIC BREAK: The Oh Kee Pa Ceremony (1:41) by Phish from Lawn Boy (1989)
18. Everlasting Light (3:24) by the Black Keys from Brothers (2010)
19. Shine It All Around (4:03) by Robert Plant and the Strange Sensation from Might ReArranger (2005)
20. Perfect World (3:52) by Blackfield from Blackfield I (2005)
21. MIC BREAK: Contingent Part 1, The Campaign (1:42) by Pyramaze from Contingent (2017)
22. A Place in the Sun (6:11) by Blind Ego from Liquid (2016)
23. Rewind (7:07) by Leprous from The Congregation (2015)
24. Box in My Head (3:45) by Blue Oyster Cult from The Symbol Remains (2020)
25. MIC BREAK: Barbarossa (1:36) by Lamb of God from Resolution
26. It Matters (1:39) by fIREHOSE from Ragin, Full On (1986)
27. Optimistic (5:16) by Radiohead from Kid A (2000)
28. Higher Ground (5:57) by Stevie Wonder from Innervisions (1973)
29. One Love/People Get Ready (2:59) by Bob Marley & The Wailers from Exodus (1977)
30. Wish Them Well (5:25) by Rush from Clockwork Angels (2012)
31. CLOSING REMARKS: Hope (2:02) by Rush from Snakes and Arrows (2007)
32. Breaking Alchemy (0:12)
33. New Year’s Day (5:35) by U2 from War (1983)

Conflux Cornucopia Cerebellum Cocktail Hour: Episode #018: Bloody Mary’s!: A Metal Mix to Cure Your Iron Deficiency.

November 13, 2am

Podcasts

Hello fellow Alchemists and Confluxians. Yes…there in terrible epidemic in our country. Iron deficiency. Did you know, that Metal music is the dominant form of music world wide….everywhere except here….where some of the greatest metal of all time was generated?. So to help cure that iron deficiency I am bringing a healthy dose thought this tasty Bloody Mary Metal Mix featuring Metal music from all over the world. Though I listen to a great deal of non metal music, I still find that the most inclusive and explorative styles of music that seeks to include these other styles is Metal, the other is jazz, which is why this show is typically glued together with combination of jazz and metal and it’s peripheral content.

Lyrics, and band information and set list below.

Set List:
1. OPENING MIC: Crooked Mile (0:42) by Baroness from Gold & Grey (2019) Savanah, Georgia, USA. 2003-Present. New record pending in 2022.
2. Opponent (5:44) by Soen from Lotus (2019) Global supergroup featuring members from Testament, Opeth, Death, Sadus, Amon Armath & Avatarium 2010-Present
3. Hand in Heart (8:30) by Opeth from In Cauda Venenum (2019) Stockholm, Sweden 1989-Present. Touring now with Mastodon. Oakland on December 2nd at the Fox Theatre…..see you there if you dare.
4. MIC BREAK: Affinity.exe (1:24) by Haken from Affinity
5. Initiate (4:16) by Haken from Affinity (2016) London, England. 2007- Present, last record Virus released during the pandemic…..no conspiracy theories please…haha.
6. Mirage (6:49) by Leprous from Malina (20167) Notodden, Norway 2001 to Present (Also this group plays as the back up band for Ihsahn much like the Eagles did for Linda Rondstadt….except they still do it and they were a band before joining with Ihsahn…..so…not exactly…more the THE BAND, you know..with Bob Dylan….completely different world…sort of but not really.
7. MIC BREAK: Prebirth (1:11) by Lunatic Soul from Lunatic Soul (2008) Warsaw, Polland. Side project of Mariusz Duda, front man and bassist from the band Riverside. 8 records by Lunatic Soul amidst 7 Riverside releases. The man is certainly busy and writes some fantastic music.
8. Stratego (5:00 by Iron Maiden from Senjutsu (2021) London, England 1975-Present. Eddie gets a ninja makeover for this record and it’s super cool. Although nearly every metal enthusiast and historian will agree that Black Sabbath are the Godfathers of Metal, it’s clear that Iron Maiden has risen the bar to new level and have spawned the expansive evolution of the genre with nearly all sub genres owing their earliest roots to Iron Maiden, or to a band who does for some of the newer bands. Amist the immense landscape of options, Maiden still remain and intense draw. 46 years and still going.
9. Amozonia (5:01) by Gojira from Fortitude (2021) Ondres, Landes, Fance 1996-Present Originally went as Godzilla until legally challenged to change the name to which they to the Ramanji version of the name Gojira. This band is highly focused on the ecological damage humans have inflicted on the Earth and are strong activists supporting energy reform as well as animal rights. Their music is potent and carries a strong message.
10. Sickle and Peace (6:18) by Mastodon from Hushed and Grim (2021) Atlanta, Georgia, USA. 2000-Present. Mastodon has slowly risen to become on of the most prominent and influential metal bands around and are no co-headlining on tour with the legendary Opeth.
11. MIC BREAK: Cancer/Moonspeak (1:45) by Rivers of Nihil from Where Owls Know My Name
12. The Silent Life (6:35) by Rivers of Nihil from Where Owls Know My Name (2018) Reading, Pennsylvania, USA 2009-Present. An intriguing progressive death metal band that uses saxophone to elevate their sound.
13. One Less Enemy (5:18) by Ihsahn from Amr (2018) Nottoden, Norway. 2006-Present Founding member of the Black Metal Band Emperor, moved on to other efforts after two other members got themselves incarcerated for some heinous crimes. Remerged with the Band Pecculum before going solo.
14. Infinite Shapes (4:57) by Cynic from Kindly Bent to Free Us (2014) 1987-1994, 2006-2021-? Miami, Florida, USA. One of the original Death Metal bands to emerge from the late 80’s early 90’s Florida death metal scene, the band provided a unique sound with the jazz style fretless bass stylings of Sean Malone infusing jazz with metal and other music forms giving birth to more progressive avenue for the genre. Unfortunately, 2020 saw the loss of drummer Sean Reinhart and Sean Malone leaving the band’s core without its heart beat. The album due to arrive on November 26th this year will be the final album by Cynic presumably. Recently, it was revealed that Sean Malone’s death was by suicide. The proceeds from the new album are going to be dedicated to the prevention of suicide.
15. MIC BREAK: Joshua Light Show (1:52) by Steve Stevens from Memory Crash (2008) New York, New York, USA. Most well known for his on then off, now on again work with Billy Idol, Steve Stevens has several solo and collaborative releases that show case his guitar virtuosity. Stevens and Idol have just released a new EP The Roadside last September.
16. Turn on the Darkness (8:27) by Between the Buried and Me from Coma Ecliptic (2015) Raleigh, North Carolina. 2000-Present. Part of the current wave of US East Coast Metal now providing the landscape of progressive metal with unique and artfully crafted music that are now realizing great success.
17. Ebb & Flow (7:07) by The Contortionist from Language (2014) Indianapolis, Indiana, USA Avant-Garde Metal flowing the middle of the US. Creative use of soft flowing jazz fusion with djent style metal riffing. Heady lyrics and strong intellectual content. Emerging as new leaders in the metal scene.
18. MIC BREAK: Litanie contre la puer (2:14) by Tool from Fear Inoculum
19. Invincible (12:24) by Tool from Fear Inoculum (2019) Los Angeles, California, USA 1993-Present. Tool is one of the most intriguing and iconic bands have an extreme cult following despite only releasing 6 albums in the 31 year existence. Fear Inoculum, released already two years past now in 2019 was preceded 13 years earlier by the album 10,000 Day, which fans jokingly refer to as the interval between albums. Despite constant touring, the time between recording became such as that there was a fear that they had become irrelevant in the musical landscape. The album as a whole and this song in particular, address those feelings in Maynard’s typical deep and reflective manor. GO READ THE LYRICS BELOW.
20. Egoist Hedonist (8:57) by Riverside from Anno Domini High Definition (2009) Warsaw, Polland. 2001 -Present. The musicianship and texture of this band and the way it flows credits the name they chose to represent themselves. Each release is unique with a flow of continuity with thought provoking lyrics and music that generates a mindscape.
21. Spherical Perspective (7:41) by Voivod from The Wake (2018) Quebec, Canada 1982-Present Emerging at the great time of the Bay Area Thrash Metal Scene, Voivod took that style and added a more progressive rock approach with the song structures while keeping the essential vibe of thrash metal at its core. Former Metallica Bassist Jason Newstead also spent time as member of this classic band. The band continues somewhat under the radar producing great music.
22. FINAL MIC BREAK: XIV (1:52) by Born of Osiris from The Discovery
23. Behold (5:51) by Born of Osiris from The Discovery (2011) Chicago, Illinois, USA (where I was born) 2003-Present. Part of the next wave of Djent (originated by Meshuggah) which includes bands such as Animals as Leaders and Periphery. They dropped off my radar for a little while as I felt they entered a period of mediocrity, however the 2021 release of Angel or Alien seems to have revitalized their creative juices and has been an intriguing listen so far.
The lyrical content of these songs are deep and reflective. Please spend the time to read them while you listen to these wonderful songs.
SOEN: OPPONENT
Quiet rest, with a rope around my neck
I assure you that the time is coming near
Fight them all, break the spirit and the bone
All I care for is what’s happening to me
Pushed away and rejected from first day
Never felt that I am like everyone else
Architects of my intellect and flesh
Always pressured me towards the common frame
So now, chuck it down your throat
See me stand
Among the waves
The slaying hand
Still I am
The dream and fall
A hateful grace
Growing darkness war within
Emptiness
Shadows alter my reflection
Desolation marks my skin
Loneliness
Visions alter my perception
In Isolation, I slowly drown
Vague destination
For words I shout
Victimized by my equals all my life
Consequently rival of the obedient mass
Parody, be submissive to act free
Be what dividend is telling you to be
Mockery of the essence of our kind
In the mirror you see nothing but a farce
Linger on, aiming far but ending close
Bearing excess as an instinct, not a choice
Desire, downfall
Possessed by greed and numbers
The more we want it all
The worse we treat each other
Desire, downfall
Possessed by greed and numbers
The more we want it all
The worse we treat each other
Growing darkness war within
Emptiness
Shadows alter my reflection
Desolation marks my skin
Loneliness
Visions alter my perception
In Isolation, I slowly drown
Vague destination
For words I shout
Source: Musixmatch
Songwriters: Martin Lopez / Lars Ahlund / Joel Ekelof / Leif Stenberg
Opponent lyrics © Amf Music Limited

OPETH: HEART IN HAND
Det är för bedrövligt. Usch!
Vem fan är du?
Take it as a threat now and leave
Drop of toxins flows to a habit
Tell me what it is you can’t see
Teeth grinding flesh in the sabbat
Factual drowning stream, you believe
Slaves will follow conspiracy
Turn the locks on brother and kin
Murder lust on affinity
War in utopia
Slay cornucopia for symmetry
The parody is real
And we’re biding time
And while losing ground, make sure to worship monarchy
Death is but a story in a land of borrowed wealth
The burdened scale weighs heavy with the hunt for dopamine
Intolerance disguised as a faith
In secrecy we shun empathy
Soul critique online far too late
A throne for the devout enemy
War in utopia
Slay cornucopia for symmetry
The parody is real
And we’re biding time
And while losing ground, make sure to worship monarchy
Death is but a story in a land of borrowed wealth
The burdened scale weighs heavy with the hunt for dopamine
When I was young
So, so much younger than today
It seemed easier to lead your life
There was no time to surrender
And no reason to perceive
The burden of pain
As it passed through our lives every year somehow
And it never (really) went away
Yet behind my door
Was a kingdom
A secret outline showed the way
To treasures of clay
And beads made of glass
Source: LyricFind
Songwriters: Mikael Lars Akerfeldt
Heart in Hand lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.

HAKEN: INITIATE
Love and pain
Engage your senses
And let them carve the way

Give me
(Give me)
Focus
(Focus)
Sharpen
My view
Initiate

Live here and now
And forever or never

I observe a world jarring in turmoil
A million people waging war at the hands of a god
And I can hear them crying
Cold fires blazing before me
An affliction fast consuming and fascinating me

(Drifting)
You’ll be
(Deeper)
The life and the death of me
(Into)
I
(The unknown)
Initiate

We’ll make this dream last forever and ever
Tears will run dry
From my ever wandering eye
But I’m prepared to stay
‘Til my dying day

I’ll see things you won’t believe
In tomorrow’s memories
I’ll do things you can’t conceive
There’ll be no strings on me

Open the floodgates
Form the colours and the shapes
Let there be a light
Initiate, all my senses are engaging
Open the floodgates
All the love and all the pain
Let there be a light
Initiate, all my senses are engaging

(Distance)
Tell me
(Stretches)
How does it feel to breathe?
(Further)
(From home)
Initiate

I’m drifting
(drifting)
Deeper
(deeper)
Into
(into)
The unknown

LEPROUS: MIRAGE
Join in with me, with me
We’ll fly on someone else’s wings
To where everybody’s one
Above the sky, we reach
It’s written black on white
The truth, follow the lead
Echoes of the same old song
Sing with me, with me
In unity
Join in with me
I, I have been trying to break out for too long
From the cage
I found my path when I thought that I was wrong
I have been trying to break out for too long
From the cage
I found my path when I thought that I was wrong
Stay close to me, to me
I’ll show you all you need
To see, to see
Close your eyes, your eyes
Trust in me, I’ll be your guide
Blindly
Join in with me, with me
I will be your guide
I, I have been trying to break out for so long
I found my path when I thought that I was wrong
I have been trying to break out for too long
From the cage
I found my path when I thought that I was wrong
I, I have been trying to break out for too long
From the cage
I found my path when I thought that I was wrong
I have been trying to break out for too long
From the cage
I found my path when I thought that I was wrong
Source: Musixmatch
Songwriters: Solberg Einar Lia
Mirage lyrics © Reservoir Media Music

IRON MAIDEN: STRATEGO

How do you read a madman’s mind?
Teach me the art of war
For I shall bring more than you bargained for
Give me an ultimatum
That I could not dream of
Spills of a crying nation
Upon my soul
For I have not a mortal soul
That you already know
Look at my eyes
There’s no surprise
Ocean is black, the devil’s track
Looking beyond, beneath the sea
Eye of the storm is here again
Been there before you were ever born
Beyond the dark, I feel the pain
It’s hidden but I can’t explain
A cross to bear
A heavy faith
My sorrow whispers
Time again
I hear you calling my name
Come to claim my life again
Pray for me, I’m almost there
The pain almost too much to bear
I try to find my way back home
To feel the same again
The voice of nothing listened far too long
Little by little, eat away
I think I’ve lost my mind
Too late to change now
What I left behind
Hear me, listen to my call
I am ready to fall
Lord, hear me now, let me go
Ocean is black, the devil’s track
Looking beyond, beneath the sea
Eye of the storm is here again
Been there before you were ever born
Beyond the dark, I feel the pain
It’s hidden but I can’t explain
A cross to bear
A heavy faith
My sorrow whispers
Time again
Source: LyricFind
Songwriters: Janick Gers / Steve Harris
Stratego lyrics © BMG Rights Management

GOJIRA: AMAZONIA
Incite a riot, put yourself in a trance
You rotate the frame in a world you rely on
A scar, a line has been drawn in the sand
Behold the life, the boundaries fools will crush
The greatest miracle
Is burning to the ground
On to the next stage of the plan
Mourn the witness of the wind
A hand, full of thunder
Will rise one last time
There’s fire in the sky
You’re in the Amazon
The greatest miracle
Is burning to the ground
Godly Amazonia
Bloody Amazonia
Mighty Amazonia
Killing Amazonia
Godly Amazonia
Bloody Amazonia
Mighty Amazonia
Killing Amazonia
Godly Amazonia
Bloody Amazonia
Burn the land
Learn the end
Burn
Another gold mine is unveiled
The source of our sorrow
Learn
Embedded in these walls of green
Is the curse that we follow
There’s fire in the sky
You’re in the Amazon
The greatest miracle
Is burning to the ground
Source: LyricFind
Songwriters: Joseph Duplantier / Mario Duplantier
Amazonia lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.

MASTODON: SICKLE AND PEACE
Death comes and brings with him
Sickle and peace
Please excuse the madness
Of the situation I am in
Are we only united
For we both share the cause of this
You choose to apply logic
It’s hard to ply where there is none
My detonation’s unknown
Allow the man to walk in his shoes from here
Death comes and brings with him sickle and peace
Shelter from storms come with long flowing robes
Justifying all your control
I cease to mourn what never could be
No feeling’s ever final
Just another scar I wear and hold dear
Death comes and brings with him sickle and peace
Shelter from storms come with long flowing robes
Falling down and losing ground
Save me from myself
All I’ve seen and all I know
I’ve not been this low
Now I stand up on my own
Learning from myself
Where I’ve been and where I’ll go
Still remains unknown
Death comes and brings with him sickle and peace
Shelter from storms come with long flowing robes…
Source: Musixmatch
Songwriters: Troy Jayson Sanders / Brann Timothy Dailor / William Breen Kelliher / William Brent Hinds

RIVERS OF NIHIL: “Cancer / Moonspeak”

Fear, fear drowns the mind
In this kingdom of mine
And standing in the hall
The faces of them all
Real, like empty space
They know what I became

RIVERS OF NIHIL: THE SILENT LIFE

The sun leaves on its own
A simple passage of the days that I have wasted
I feel the summer slipping through
These aging fingers

Compelled to walk upon the same path that I have tread so long
Still nothing changes
A simple passage to a place that I have come to know
I still remember

A better time
When the thoughts that we had connected
Between our open eyes
We say goodbye, to a life that’s been mostly silent,
Erroneously lead.

Strive to complete myself
It seems my work is never truly done.
I see your face, barely through the haze
You see a life, erroneously lead.

There’s hope in younger days
There’s warmth within the past that’s so familiar
I forget just why I came here
I Hope that you remember
Home.

IHSAHN: ONE LESS ENEMY
Half awake, deprived of sleep and dignity
I stand before the blinding lights
My body trembling, survival instincts gasp for air
Rays of madness tear the nights in me
Torn from the slumber, like a drunken king
To watch the cities burn
The world I used to see, no longer a part of me
In bleak reflections, stripped of my humanity
Yet I have all to gain
The slate is clean
And all the “why’s” I need
The stakes are high
The wheels of fate have turned
The chariot awaits
And I will set the course
On paths of tribulation
A refugee of reason
In a world of disbelief
Outnumbered by the thousands
Empowered by the ones I seek
Yet I have all to gain
The slate is clean
And all the “why’s” I need
The stakes are high
The wheels of fate have turned
The chariot awaits
And I will set the course
On paths of tribulation.
Source: Musixmatch
Songwriters: Vegard Sverre ‘ihsahn’ Tveitan

CYNIC: INFINITE SHAPES
The indivisible goose egg
An irreplaceable loose peg
It never satisfies, incomplete
The future won’t arrive
Nothing to seek
Don’t you worry now

Infinite shapes
Architectures opaque
Infinite shapes
Paper tigers at play

A kamikaze seed
Breaks ground
Sprouts up inside of me
Spreading down
It poked into my eye
Cracked the egg
Now there’s a tentacle
Growing limb-like eggs
I won’t worry now

Infinite shapes
Alpha beta erased
Infinite shapes
Vital connections engaged
Sit down
Behold the open crown
Through the eternal halls
An Earth amidst the balls
One spark
Shooting across the dark
Fear, craft and avarice
Become a dust-filled wish

Infinite shapes
Paper tigers at play
Infinite shapes
Alpha beta erased
Infinite shapes
Vital connections engaged

The indivisible goose egg
An irreplaceable loose peg
I won’t worry now

BETWEEN THE BURIED AND ME: TURN ON THE DARKNESS

Lyrics
The winters breathe evenly.
Flickering moments engage our senses.
Slowly trembling advantage.
They won’t take notice.
Dragging feet. Will time notice me?
We turn our backs on ourselves.
Nothing in sight.
I see a flame erupt in the distance.
The charted course towards my direction.
A wealth of moving light, they now seek my disguise.
Legs soon crack as they stand above/below.
Where do you drift from, sir?
This land is for those who have lost.
Our humanity has passed its curse.
We roam with all that’s left.
I come from a movable past.
A distant future is in my grasp.
You all will survive this fate.
Trust the man you gaze.
Take me with your flame.
Darkness
Show the brighter way.
Hopeless
Take in all. Sit with our teachings.
Above. Below.
Take in all.
Above. Below.
Sit with our teachings…
Dream tonight to push us forward.
Black ash improves me. Dark skies are hollow.
Above. Below.
Take in all.
Above. Below.
Sit with our teachings…
Dream tonight to push us forward.
Black ash improves me.
Can’t look past the damage to this life.
Dark skies are hollow.
Can’t look past the damage to this life.
Welcome to our journey. Please walk with me.
I’ll put your mind at ease
Our breath, disrupts their flames.
We walk through their walls.
Life exists apart from this.
This lone world drifts on and on.
In the distant light modern man awaits.
Dripping jaw accept our twisted travel.
Screaming grins howl loud from high…
A gritty focus gripped.
We turn our backs on ourselves.
Nothing in sights.
We turn our backs on ourselves.
They won’t take notice.
Source: Musixmatch
Songwriters: Rogers Thomas Giles / Waggoner Paul Andrew / Briggs Daniel Hanford / Richardson Cartland Blake / Waring Robert Dustin

THE CONTORTIONIST: EBB & FLOW
The integration has taken hold.
We have risen from our roots.
We have seen
Signals, (the end) start of progression (the end).
Drift with the ebb and flow.
Sink in the ebb and flow.
Source: LyricFind
Songwriters: Cameron Asbury Maynard / Eric Henry Guenther / Joseph Richard Baca / Michael Lessard / Robert Michael Baca
Ebb & Flow lyrics © Entertainment One U.S. Lp

Litanie contre la peur (The litany against fear-Frank Herbert)
I must not fear.
Fear is the mind-killer.
Fear is the little-death that brings total obliteration.
I will face my fear.
I will permit it to pass over me and through me.
And when it has gone past I will turn the inner eye to see its path.
Where the fear has gone there will be nothing. Only I will remain.

TOOL: INVINCIBLE
Long in tooth and soul
Longing for another win
Lurch into the fray
Weapon out and belly in
Warrior
Strugglin’
To remain
Consequential
Bellow out loud
Bold and proud
Of where I’ve been
But here I am
Beating chest and drums
Beating tired bones again
Age-old battle, mine
Weapon out and belly in
Tales told of battles won
Of things we’ve done
Caligula would grin
Beating tired bones
Tripping through remember when
Once invincible
Now the armor’s wearing thin
Heavy shield down
Warrior
Strugglin’
To remain
Relevant
Warrior
Strugglin’
To remain
Consequential
Cry aloud, bold and proud
O’ where I’ve been
But here I am
Where I end
Warrior
Strugglin’
To remain
Relevant
Warrior
Strugglin’
To remain
Consequential
Tears in my eyes, chasing Ponce de Leon’s phantom soul
Filled with hope, I can taste mythical fountains
False hope, perhaps
But the truth never got in my way
Before now, feel the sting, feeling time bearing down
Tears in my eyes chasing Ponce de Leon’s phantom soul
Filled with hope, I can taste mythical fountains
False hope, perhaps
But the truth never got in my way
Before now, feel the sting, feeling time bearing down
False hope perhaps
But the truth never got in my way
Before now, feel the sting, feeling time bearing down
Bearing down
Source: Musixmatch
Songwriters: Justin Gunner Chancellor / Maynard James Keenan / Adam Thomas Jones / Daniel Edwin Carey

RIVERSIDE: EGOIST HEDONIST
Once in the middle of the crowd
I stopped
Suddenly I felt so good
Not being on the move
But became an obstruction
In your way
And I was surprised how fast you could unite
Against me
When you forced me to the ground
And tied my hands
Certain I couldn’t disturb
Anymore
I saw the sadness in your eyes
Your fear
And the most secret desire:
“Escape from here”
In pursuit of uniqueness
And individuality
We must be unlike anyone else
To survive
But in the mass of different runners
Different lies
We can’t make time to realize
How the same we are
So let me live without your pain
Just let me live without your pain
‘Cause I want to feel so
It’s not right
It’s not fair
When I am forced to live your life
It’s not right
It’s not fair
When I am forced to live your life
It’s not right
It’s not fair
When I am forced to live your life
It’s not right
Just let me live without your pain
Just let me live without your pain
Just let me live without your pain
Just let me live without your pain
Just let me live without
Congrats this time
You’re a borderline pass
Here’s your reward
Now smile
After all
You conform to us
Drag on
Forget yourself in the final dance
You already know the steps
Source: Musixmatch
Songwriters: Duda Mariusz / Grudzinski Piotr / Kozieradzki Piotr Wlodzimierz / Lapaj Michal Krzysztof
Egoist Hedonist: I. Different? – II. Hedonist Party – III. Straw Man Dance lyrics © Reservoir Media Music

VOIVOD: SPHERICAL PERSPECTIVE
This nice spot that I found
Connected to the ground
I’m staying here all night
Staring at the open sky
Till my eyes… Bleed!
Then my soul starts to fly
Far from the chaos of this life
All these calls seem unheard
For the lost cause of this world!
This forest where I hide
Away from the city lights
It’s where I meet my peers
Those who are no longer here
Till my heart… Bleeds!
For so long, I’ve been out there
Being strong in despair
But tonight, I’ll get lost
Till my bones turn to dust!
Hard to be heard
No one is listening
You can’t be seen
If the sun refuses to shine
Why should I be?
If this life has no meaning
I’m travelling far away out there
Through the sky deep in my head
I escape!
Feelings get hurt
And no care is given
Such a lonely star
In darkness confined
Look up at the sky
And no care is given
Such a lonely star
In darkness confined
For so long, I’ve been out there
Being strong in despair
But tonight, I’ll get lost
Till my bones turn to dust
…Tonight
Source: Musixmatch
Songwriters: Langevin Michel / Belanger Denis
Spherical Perspective lyrics © Piggy Was Here Music

BORN OF ORSIRIS: BEHOLD
I can’t stand
The bitter denial
Neglected consciousness
Forgotten rights
The book has been written
You cant change the ending
What is your confusion
Know your own condition
Lay down and think about how you’ve lived out
Your wasted time here is over and gone
They left us and we can start now our evolution
Expired
Empty
Expired
Extinction
The refugees have deserted the city
No longer producing the age old concerns
Of how we can conquer and watch them crumble
It’s far too late to question
They knew this would happen the book has been written
Set in stone now they’ve seen it now they know
Is this a miracle or imagination
Your invention or destruction
We are here alone
At last we are finding answers
Reveal the meaning of what we really are
Source: LyricFind
Songwriters: Lee McKinney / David Darocha / Ronnie Cannizaro / Cameron Losch / Joseph Buras / Jason Richardson
Behold lyrics © Killphonic