Hinterlist
Daily Terror
A Dark Reflection on Historical Atrocities: 'Hinterlist' by Daily Terror
Daily Terror's song 'Hinterlist' delves into the harrowing events of the Sabra and Shatila massacre, a tragic episode in the Lebanese Civil War where a large number of Palestinian refugees were killed by the Phalangist militia. The lyrics are stark and unflinching, painting a grim picture of the aftermath of the massacre, with a 'decaying stench' lingering over the city. The song criticizes the involvement and perceived complicity of Israeli forces, who are mentioned as having given their blessing to the Phalangists. This sets the tone for a song that is deeply critical of political and military actions that lead to such atrocities.
The chorus of the song repeatedly questions the outcry against these events, suggesting a cynical view that the victims were labeled as terrorists by the PLO (Palestine Liberation Organization), thus justifying the violence in the eyes of the perpetrators. This repetition underscores the song's theme of dehumanization and the brutal logic often used to rationalize mass violence. The mention of 'Begin and Sharon' refers to Israeli leaders Menachem Begin and Ariel Sharon, who were in power during the time of the massacre, further emphasizing the political critique embedded in the song.
'Hinterlist' also touches on the broader theme of historical memory and the misuse of past atrocities to justify current violence. The reference to the 'Holocaustkredit' suggests that the moral capital gained from the suffering of the Holocaust has been squandered by engaging in or supporting further acts of mass violence. This provocative statement challenges listeners to reflect on the cyclical nature of violence and the moral responsibilities of nations and leaders. The song's raw and confrontational style is characteristic of Daily Terror's punk roots, using music as a vehicle for social and political commentary.