Whatever That Hurts

Tiamat's 'Whatever That Hurts' is a haunting exploration of altered states of consciousness, blending surreal imagery with dark, introspective themes. The song opens with references to 'Jimsonweed,' a plant known for its hallucinogenic properties, setting the stage for a journey through a mind distorted by substances. The lyrics 'Claustrophobia and blood mixed seed' and 'Cursed downstairs against my will' evoke a sense of entrapment and involuntary descent into a nightmarish realm, suggesting a struggle with inner demons or external pressures.

The recurring motif of tears and dreams, as seen in 'I wipe the silver bullet tears / And with every tear a dream,' hints at the cathartic release and the fragile boundary between reality and fantasy. The mention of 'psilocybe larvae' and 'psilocybe tea' further emphasizes the theme of psychedelic experiences, with psilocybin being a well-known hallucinogenic compound found in certain mushrooms. These elements suggest a search for meaning or escape through altered perceptions, possibly as a coping mechanism for deeper emotional or existential pain.

The song also touches on themes of deception and disillusionment, as indicated by lines like 'Stake the saviour of their daily fraud' and 'Masterminds and the suicide squad.' These lyrics critique societal norms and the facades people maintain, hinting at a desire to break free from these constraints. The imagery of 'overfilled toothpaste tubes' and 'sleepless and timeless faces' paints a picture of exhaustion and the relentless passage of time, further deepening the song's melancholic and introspective tone. Tiamat's blend of gothic rock and metal, combined with these vivid, often disturbing images, creates a powerful narrative about the complexities of the human psyche and the search for meaning in a chaotic world.