By being one of the first bands to blend anarcho-punk and heavy metal music, Amebix are often cited as one of the key bands that helped to create the crust punk style, and are considered as a proto-thrash metal band. Such notable bands as Sepultura, Neurosis, and Deviated Instinct have paid homage.
Progress?
Amebix Lyrics
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Technology? That's nothing new
"Advance!" you scream insanely
"Advance"? From this to what?
And every time you smile I smell decay, killer!
Your empty eyes stare, cold and grey, look at that face!
It's just so obvious, it's more dependable
This progress will mean a number
Branded to your skin
They lead you to your slaughter
Like they lead a horse to water
They can't force you to drink
But you do!
The song Progress by Amebix speaks to the idea that society is often obsessed with the idea of progress, without really considering what exactly that entails. The first lines of the chorus, "Progress? That's just regression/Technology? That's nothing new" implies that what we consider to be advancements in society are just a rebirth of an old idea or concept. The second line of the chorus, "Advance!" you scream insanely/"Advance"? From this to what?, is a repudiation of the constant push for progress without clear goals or outcomes. It suggests that blindly following ideas of progress is a form of insanity.
The song also critiques the idea of technology and machinery being the ultimate answer to societal problems. The line, "Machinery (master?), we're all expendable/It's just so obvious, it's more dependable" suggests that while machinery may seem like a great idea, it ultimately doesn't value human life. The idea of being "all expendable" suggests that the progress of society is built on the backs of those who are seen as less valuable or replaceable than the machines they operate. The lines, "This progress will mean a number/Branded to your skin" point to another common criticism about the potential dangers of technology – the loss of privacy and individuality.
The song concludes with commentary on societal control, with the line "They lead you to your slaughter/Like they lead a horse to water/They can't force you to drink/But you do!" This suggests that while individuals may have the ability to make their own choices, they are often led down certain paths by society and the powers that be.
Line by Line Meaning
Progress? That's just regression
The idea of progress is actually a step backwards in society.
Technology? That's nothing new
The concept of technology is not something innovative or novel.
"Advance!" you scream insanely
The need to constantly move forward is causing irrational behavior.
"Advance"? From this to what?
Questioning what exactly there is to progress to.
And every time you smile I smell decay, killer!
Seeing through the facade of happiness and success and seeing the destruction it leaves behind.
Your empty eyes stare, cold and grey, look at that face!
Observing the lifelessness and lack of emotion in people's eyes due to societal pressure.
Machinery (master?), we're all expendable
The emphasis on machines and automation over human life and choice.
It's just so obvious, it's more dependable
Replacing humans with machines is easier and more reliable in the eyes of the ones in power.
This progress will mean a number
The push for constant societal progression is only driven to reach a goal, rather than improve life itself.
Branded to your skin
The inevitable marking and control over individuals to measure their worth and productivity in society.
They lead you to your slaughter
Blindly following society's standards and expectations will eventually lead to ruin.
Like they lead a horse to water
Comparing humans' lack of free will to animals being led to water.
They can't force you to drink
Although society can pressure individuals, ultimately everyone has a choice.
But you do!
Despite having a choice, many still succumb to the pressure and expectations of society.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
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