Something Wicked

Nuclear Assault's 'Something Wicked' is a haunting exploration of fear, chaos, and the loss of innocence. The song opens with the imagery of a circus, a traditionally joyful and entertaining spectacle, but here it is twisted into a malevolent force that 'steals your life away.' This inversion of the circus as a symbol of joy into one of dread sets the tone for the rest of the song, suggesting that what was once familiar and safe has now become a source of terror.

The lyrics continue to build on this theme of impending doom with references to a 'storm on the horizon' and a 'traveller' who warns of an 'evil thing.' These elements evoke a sense of foreboding and inevitability, as if the characters in the song are powerless to stop the approaching darkness. The recurring mention of 'autumn times of sin' and 'a mad collection of broken men' further emphasizes the cyclical nature of this evil, suggesting that it is a recurring force that emerges time and again to wreak havoc.

The chorus, with its reference to 'thunder ripping out across the sky' and 'lightning out of my mind,' uses natural phenomena as metaphors for the internal turmoil and fear experienced by the characters. The line 'By the prickling of my thumbs, something wicked this way comes' is a direct reference to Shakespeare's 'Macbeth,' adding a layer of literary depth to the song. The 'house of mirrors' and 'ten thousand faces driving you insane' symbolize the confusion and loss of identity that come with facing such overwhelming fear. Ultimately, 'Something Wicked' is a powerful commentary on the pervasive and inescapable nature of evil, using vivid imagery and literary references to create a chilling narrative.