obZen

Meshuggah's song 'obZen' delves into the paradoxical concept of finding a state of zen or balance within the chaos and filth of the world. The lyrics paint a picture of a world where perfection is achieved not through purity and goodness, but through an acceptance and immersion in the darker aspects of existence. This 'state of perfection' is described as being 'immersed in filth,' suggesting that true equilibrium is found in embracing the unpleasant and the corrupt.

The song introduces a 'new belief-system' where salvation is found in the most grotesque and violent aspects of life, such as 'vomit and blood.' This stark imagery serves to highlight the idea that in a world filled with 'deprivation, lies, corruption, war, and pain,' these elements become the new gods. The lyrics suggest that harmony and balance are achieved not by avoiding these negative aspects, but by confronting and accepting them as integral parts of existence.

The recurring theme of decay and degeneration is evident throughout the song, with lines like 'decay, disgrace, disgust - our state of zen' and 'the grime of contempt and degeneration.' These phrases emphasize the idea that our current state of being is one of decline and moral corruption. Yet, within this decay, there is a perverse sense of flourishing, as described in the final line, 'we flourish in this bloodred soil.' This suggests that even in the most corrupt and degenerate conditions, there is a form of growth and balance to be found.

Meshuggah's 'obZen' challenges the listener to reconsider traditional notions of balance and harmony, proposing that true zen can be found in the acceptance of life's inherent chaos and filth. The song's intense and unsettling imagery serves to provoke thought and reflection on the nature of existence and the human condition.