They haven't had as much success as some major thrash bands have, but they have toured with Megadeth and have a devoted fan base.
Formed way back in the 80s by lead vocalist and guitarist Kenn Nardi, Anacrusis combined classical thrash metal with diverse progressive components, shifting time signatures, a strong melody sense and killer riffs. Focused on a combination of listenability and high grade technicality, their most popular album, "Manic Impressions" (1991), was far ahead of its time (with a spectacular cover version of New Model Army's "I Love The World"). However, with metal in a temporary decline and long-time drummer Chad Smith leaving due to financial difficulties, the band was never able to gain the commercial success that it deserved. In spite of this, they remain a true underground tip for lovers of more complex, yet heavy metal.
All four of their albums can be downloaded for free at their site.
Note: It is a common misconception that Anacrusis shared a member with the famous Red Hot Chili Peppers. While both bands had a drummer by the name of Chad Smith, these are two different people.
Division
Anacrusis Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Is there room for more than one inside?
Walk the course in shallow strides
A bridge connects, and space divides
How had I misjudged so badly
All the things you tried to hand me?
Ties of truth should bind us tightly
Wrong, so wrong
You and I
Long, so long
Living lies
Living, driving through indecision
Face to face, without recognition
Blind, we ignore this condition
Now I'm left with only division
Wrong, so wrong
You and I
Long, so long
Living lies
Breathe, one breath
And I find
A voice, one voice
And it's mine
And it speaks a heart-felt silence
The lyrics to Anacrusis’s song “Division” explore the breakdown of a relationship or connection due to misunderstandings and selfishness. The opening lyrics set the tone for the theme of the song, with the singer acknowledging their flawed sense of pride and questioning if there’s space for anyone else in their life. The second line, in particular, suggests a sense of possessiveness and exclusivity that may have been detrimental to their relationship.
The chorus speaks to the growing divide between the two parties, with the use of repetition emphasizing the weight of the situation. The lyrics “Living lies” suggest that both parties may have been living in a façade or concealing their true feelings. The bridge mentioned in the third line could be a metaphor for the connection that once existed between them; however, its current state is now one of division.
The second verse delves deeper into the cause of the separation. The singer admits to misjudging the other individual and failing to appreciate their efforts. The line “Ties of truth should bind us tightly” hints at how honesty and communication could help them to work through their issues, but their “tired wills” have led to a lack of effort, resulting in “division.”
Overall, the song portrays the pain and regret that comes with the breakup of a relationship due to miscommunication and the inability to see past one’s own desires.
Line by Line Meaning
I'll take away this selfish pride
I will remove my ego and self-centeredness
Is there room for more than one inside?
Can we coexist without conflict?
Walk the course in shallow strides
Proceed with caution and a measured pace
A bridge connects, and space divides
While we are linked, differences still separate us
How had I misjudged so badly
I was wrong in my assessment of the situation
All the things you tried to hand me?
Did I fail to recognize your attempts to help?
Ties of truth should bind us tightly
Honesty and trust must keep us together
For tired wills die so gently
When we give up, we do so peacefully
Wrong, so wrong
We were mistaken
You and I
Both of us
Long, so long
It has been a long time
Living lies
We have been living untruthfully
Living, driving through indecision
We have been aimlessly going through life
Face to face, without recognition
We do not see or acknowledge each other
Blind, we ignore this condition
We are unaware of our situation
Now I'm left with only division
We have separation and conflict
Breathe, one breath
Take a moment to gather oneself
And I find
I discover
A voice, one voice
My own voice
And it's mine
I am in control of my own thoughts and actions
And it speaks a heart-felt silence
I express my true emotions through quiet reflection
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc., BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC
Written by: KENNETH NARDI, KEVIN HEIDBREDER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
MichuggaH
Very underrated and - moreover - overlooked piece of audio art. In my Top 5 of 1993 albums. This particular song reminds me (a little) of Voivod (which is a compliment).
Dennis Mayo
this album is way awesome
Cory Anthony
Perfect song for a horror movie..imo lol love it
Jamie Walters
Yes, or sci fi. =) I can easily picture a ship at warp/hyperspace to the fast clean bits of that.
Cory Anthony
@Jamie Walters right on ✊
Frank M
Saw them in 95 in New Jersey open for Mercyful Fate, Flotsam and Jetsam, and Cathedral.
alphaenemy
Such smart songwriting. Nardi makes thrash his ultimate bitch.
Zergoth Thrash
Fucking epic
Meb Themes
1:31. The guitar kinda reminds me of Siouxsie and The Banshees.