Carrion
Kevin Sherwood
The Dark Descent: Exploring Kevin Sherwood's 'Carrion'
Kevin Sherwood's 'Carrion' is a haunting exploration of darkness, control, and the struggle between one's inner demons and the external world. The song's lyrics paint a vivid picture of a protagonist who is trapped in a nightmarish existence, unable to escape the grip of their own destructive impulses. The recurring theme of 'carrion'—decaying flesh—serves as a powerful metaphor for the protagonist's insatiable hunger for destruction and chaos.
The song opens with the imagery of falling and calling out, symbolizing a loss of control and a descent into madness. The protagonist's resistance is described as silent, indicating a sense of helplessness and inevitability. The lines 'I can feel but I still can't control myself' and 'Please forgive me now' suggest a deep internal conflict, where the protagonist is aware of their actions but powerless to stop them. This duality is further emphasized by the juxtaposition of 'shadow' and 'nothing,' highlighting the emptiness and darkness that define their existence.
As the song progresses, the protagonist's identity as a creature of the night becomes more apparent. The references to being 'spawned from eternal night' and 'by infernal rite' evoke images of a being born from darkness and evil. The need for 'carrion' symbolizes a craving for destruction and death, which is further reinforced by the physiological responses described—neurons firing, pupils dilating—when the protagonist engages in violent acts. The repeated refrain of 'I need your carrion' underscores the insatiable nature of this hunger.
The song's climax reveals the protagonist's acceptance of their fate as a bringer of doom. The lines 'I bring doom and defile light' and 'Your entire life will now cease to carry on' convey a sense of finality and inevitability. The protagonist's return, 'never to atone and forever carry on,' suggests a perpetual cycle of destruction and chaos. The imagery of begging, pleading, and crying victims adds a layer of horror, emphasizing the relentless and merciless nature of the protagonist's actions. Ultimately, 'Carrion' is a chilling portrayal of a being consumed by darkness, unable to escape their own destructive nature.