Critically compared to prog acts like Dream Theater and Fates Warning for m… Read Full Bio ↴Critically compared to prog acts like Dream Theater and Fates Warning for much of the mid-to-late 1990’s, Alchemy X nonetheless has managed to carve out their own niche in the very underground scene that is progressive metal in the U.S. At times sounding heavier than the aforementioned bands, AX has also drawn comparisons to Iron Maiden and Savatage, as well as contemporaries in the field like Symphony X, Aztec Jade and Defyance All these characterizations have merit, depending upon which album or song one is hearing at the moment. The superior Petrucci-esque guitar work of twin 7-string ax-men Chris Fox and Rob Schreiber finds the perfect balance between furious riffing and bottom-end heaviness, while Steve Ratchen’s virtuosity on seven string bass(upside down no less!) is a well-documented configuration that further adds to AX's unique sound. Ratchen also adds everything from atmospheric strings to classical piano, laying texture to the bands more lush pieces. Drummer Chris Scorsese walks the fine line between Neil Peart precision and all-out thrashing. New vocalist Tom Engel brings amazing chops and a more modern sound as the band continues to move away from the DT comparisons, evoking the dark imagery and sound of bands like Tool, Tea Party and Korn, as well as the conceptualized lyrics and themes we’ve come to expect from Mr. Ratchen and company. The band is currently recording their third studio album, tentatively due out sometime in 2006.

Music Style
Progressive Metal

Past Members:
Martin Morin (vocals on "A Delicate Balance" album 1999)
Bob Mitchell (vocals on "11:59:59" album)

Penance
Alchemy X Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Green was my deceit
Like fickle embers to a flame
How came I to this?
So many faces without names

Final moments of a hundred eyes
Witness sacrifice divine

There's no justice
No retribution for our crimes

Sweet was my descent
Indulgence in the blackest eyes
Mercy from a god
Corruption was complete my friend

Hearing nothing but the lamb's shrill cry
Witness sacrifice divine

Cruelty in defeat
Receive this fallen angel
Empty are the words
This bitter silence holds no solace

No proportion to the pain we bring
None to make us feel the same

There's no justice
No retribution for our crimes

Only torment
From within a fractured mind

Overall Meaning

In Alchemy X's song "Penance," the singer seems to be admitting to having deceived and brought harm to others. This is represented by the color green, which traditionally symbolizes jealousy and envy. The singer wonders how they came to be in this situation, surrounded by people they don't even know. The lyrics then describe a sacrifice, a lamb's cry, and a lack of justice or retribution for the crimes committed.

The second verse continues with the theme of descent, describing the singer's indulgence in the "blackest eyes." This could be interpreted in a few ways, but could possibly refer to indulging in sinful behavior or losing oneself in despair. The mercy of a god is mentioned, but it is clear that corruption has taken hold. The lamb's cry is heard again, and there is no solace to be found in the silence. The pain caused to others is described as being out of proportion to any punishment or consequences that could be felt by the singer.

Overall, "Penance" seems to be a confession of sorts, with the singer grappling with their own guilt and the lack of justice in the world.

Line by Line Meaning

Green was my deceit
My lies and deception were plentiful

Like fickle embers to a flame
My deceit was like sparks that would come and go quickly

How came I to this?
I wonder how I ended up in this situation

So many faces without names
I have deceived so many people that their identities are no longer important to me

Final moments of a hundred eyes
Many people witnessed my ultimate sacrifice

Witness sacrifice divine
People saw and experienced the holy sacrifice

There's no justice
We will not be punished for our sins

No retribution for our crimes
We will not face any consequences for the wrongs we have done

Sweet was my descent
I enjoyed my fall into darkness

Indulgence in the blackest eyes
I reveled in my sinful ways