Conquer Or Die!
Megadeth
The Battle Cry of 'Conquer Or Die!' by Megadeth
Megadeth's instrumental track 'Conquer Or Die!' from their fifteenth studio album, 'Dystopia', released in 2016, is a powerful piece that, even without lyrics, conveys a strong message through its title and musical composition. The title itself suggests a theme of victory at all costs, a do-or-die attitude that is often associated with war, struggle, and determination. Megadeth, known for their complex guitar work and political themes, often explores the darker aspects of human nature and societal issues in their music.
The Latin phrase in the song, translated to 'And men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,' is a reference to a biblical prophecy from 2 Timothy 3:2 describing the moral decay of people in the end times. This inclusion adds a layer of apocalyptic and moral judgment to the song, aligning with the band's frequent use of dystopian and end-of-the-world imagery. The instrumental nature of the track allows listeners to interpret the music in their own way, but the title and the Latin phrase set a tone of urgency and a call to action against the backdrop of a decaying world.
The song, through its title and the Latin excerpt, seems to be a commentary on the state of the world, where individuals must choose to either conquer their circumstances or be destroyed by them. It reflects a survivalist mentality and a critique of self-centeredness and moral decline, themes that are recurrent in Megadeth's work. The music itself, with its aggressive guitar riffs and fast-paced rhythm, complements the message, creating a sense of tension and the need for decisive action.