Refusal

Cynic Cynic

A Dark Rejection: Unpacking Cynic's 'Refusal'

Cynic's song 'Refusal' delves into themes of rejection, darkness, and the struggle against malevolent forces. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a ritualistic and occult scenario, where the protagonist is caught in a battle against a new, sinister entity. The opening lines, 'Leeching off the blood of old / Lasting gaze turned heart of tone,' suggest a parasitic relationship with the past, where old wounds and memories continue to haunt and drain the individual. This sets the stage for a narrative steeped in darkness and resistance.

The imagery of tearing the heart out and dripping the bone evokes a sense of brutal dissection, both physically and emotionally. The phrase 'Conceived in blood / Is the untruth' hints at the birth of a falsehood or a deceptive force, possibly a new 'god' born out of malevolent rituals. This new entity is abhorred by the pure, who are depicted as beings of light, contrasting sharply with the darkness clawing at night. The protagonist's plea, 'Tear me from this life I once knew,' underscores a desperate desire to escape from this corrupted existence.

The repeated refrain 'Carnivorous perversion / I refuse the possessed' serves as a powerful declaration of defiance. The term 'carnivorous perversion' suggests a predatory and twisted force, while 'I refuse the possessed' indicates a strong will to resist being overtaken by this darkness. The solos by Suecof and Mongrain add an intense, almost chaotic energy to the song, mirroring the internal struggle and turmoil described in the lyrics. Overall, 'Refusal' is a dark, intense exploration of resistance against malevolent forces and the quest to reclaim one's purity and light amidst overwhelming darkness.

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  1. How Could I
  2. Refusal
  3. Carbon-based Anatomy
  4. Box Up My Bones
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