Cancer Of The Soul
Bloodbath
The Dark Rejection of Faith in 'Cancer Of The Soul'
Bloodbath's song 'Cancer Of The Soul' delves into a vehement rejection of organized religion, particularly Christianity. The lyrics are filled with imagery of destruction and decay, symbolizing the artist's disdain for what they perceive as the falsehoods and hypocrisies of religious institutions. The opening lines, 'Kill them, for they must die / Mongers of the greatest lie,' set a tone of aggression and condemnation, suggesting that the followers of these religious doctrines are perpetuating a grand deception. The repeated calls to 'burn them' and the depiction of faith left to 'rot on poles' further emphasize the artist's desire to see the end of these religious structures.
The song continues to dismantle religious symbols and figures, referring to the 'holy trinity' with disdain and describing the 'House of God' as a 'pit of snakes.' This vivid imagery portrays the church as a place of corruption and fear rather than sanctuary and salvation. The line 'Preaching tongues, lizard spawned' suggests that religious leaders are deceitful and manipulative, likening them to serpents, a common symbol of treachery. The song's chorus, 'The cancer of the soul,' encapsulates the central theme, portraying religion as a malignant force that corrupts and destroys the human spirit.
In the final verses, the song shifts to a more personal level, describing the physical and spiritual decay of individuals who cling to their faith. The imagery of 'casket cracks, (with) human debris' and 'body cracks, (with) vivisection' paints a grim picture of death and disillusionment. The repeated mention of 'salvation' as a 'dead infection' underscores the futility and emptiness the artist associates with religious belief. Through its brutal and unflinching lyrics, 'Cancer Of The Soul' serves as a powerful critique of organized religion, questioning its role and impact on humanity.