From The Past Comes The Storms
Sepultura
A Storm of Reflection and Despair: Sepultura's 'From The Past Comes The Storms'
Sepultura's 'From The Past Comes The Storms' is a powerful and evocative song that delves into themes of human greed, destruction, and the cyclical nature of suffering. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a world in turmoil, where the sky itself seems to be seeking vengeance. This imagery sets the tone for a narrative that explores the consequences of humanity's actions, particularly the bloodshed and pain inflicted upon innocents.
The song's reflection on human greed as a catalyst for destruction is a central theme. The metaphor of 'apes in their cages surrounded by thorns' suggests a sense of entrapment and suffering, highlighting how our own actions have led to a self-imposed prison. This imagery is further reinforced by the idea of 'brains of armed lives hidden in pits,' symbolizing the buried potential and lost lives due to conflict and greed. The song's portrayal of a collective cry of despair, juxtaposed with the 'buzz of flies over the rotten flesh,' underscores the pervasive sense of decay and hopelessness.
The recurring motif of reflection, both literal and metaphorical, serves as a reminder of the past's impact on the present. The mirror showing a 'past soiled by the blood of innocents' is a stark reminder of the consequences of our actions. The song's closing lines, 'Insanity - lacerating the last sanity / Endlessly - still remains on minds,' emphasize the enduring nature of this madness. The phrase 'from the past comes the storms' encapsulates the idea that the repercussions of our past actions continue to haunt us, creating a cycle of suffering and destruction that seems inescapable.