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.
Driven
Anacrusis Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
As the soul retires, deaf, dumb and blind
And all we feel
If far from real
As these gears which, once, had driven us
Lie still and frozen
Innocence has long grown old
Right or wrong
We go along
Lame and tired
The will to try
Deep down inside all of us
Lies dying
It's easy
Not to see
What this should be
Wind this spring and watch it grow
Stand back and watch as it explodes
And all unfolds
As all we hold,
Wound tightly, carefully, silently
Unravels
Idle hands have lost their hold
As idle minds think what they're told
Right or wrong
We go along
Lame and tired
The will to try
Deep down inside all of us
Lies dying
It's easy
Not to see
What this could be
Right or wrong
We go along
Lame and tired
The will to try
Deep down inside all of us
Lies dying
It's easy
Not to see
What this could be
The lyrics of Anacrusis's "Driven" delve deep into the existential crisis that many people face in life. The opening lines of the song describe a feeling of stagnation, where time seems to stand still, and the soul feels deaf, dumb, and blind. Their passion for life and their drive to succeed, represented by the gears that once drove them, lie still and frozen. The next two verses speak of the loss of innocence and the death of our inner fire, as we go along with the motions of life without challenging ourselves to be better. The chorus repeats the lines "Right or wrong, we go along, Lame and tired, the will to try, Deep down inside all of us lies dying," emphasizing the struggle to find purpose and meaning in life.
The following verse speaks of the idea that we are merely puppets, going along with what we are told without questioning or challenging the status quo. The lines "Wind this spring and watch it grow, Stand back and watch as it explodes, And all unfolds, As all we hold" suggest that by breaking away from the monotony of life and taking risks, we can create something beautiful and profound. The conclusion of the song reiterates the chorus, finishing with the lines, "It's easy not to see, What this could be," imploring the listener to search for their own purpose and potential.
Overall, "Driven" is a thought-provoking song that many people can relate to. It speaks of the struggles of finding meaning and purpose in life, and the difficulty of breaking free from the routine. The lyrics suggest that by taking risks, and challenging ourselves, we can unlock our full potential and find happiness and fulfillment.
Line by Line Meaning
Life seems to stand still in time
Life appears to be stagnant and unchanging.
As the soul retires, deaf, dumb and blind
As our internal essence withdraws, we become apathetic, unaware and insensitive.
And all we feel
Our emotions are numbed and desensitized.
If far from real
Our perception of reality is distorted and unreal.
As these gears which, once, had driven us
Our driving force or motivation, just like gears, has ceased to function.
Lie still and frozen
Our drive and ambition have come to a halt and are now inactive.
Innocence has long grown old
Our purity or naivety is now antiquated and obsolete.
As idle hearts have long grown cold
Our lack of concern or interest has led us to become indifferent and unresponsive.
Right or wrong
Regardless of what is ethical or unethical,
We go along
We follow the crowd or accept what's presented to us without any critical thinking.
Lame and tired
We're uninspired and unenthusiastic.
The will to try
Our determination to attempt new things is dwindling.
Deep down inside all of us
In every individual,
Lies dying
Our aspiration and motivation are deteriorating.
It's easy
It's effortless or uncomplicated.
Not to see
To overlook or be oblivious to.
What this should be
The ideal or desired outcome of our lives.
Wind this spring and watch it grow
Nurture the potential of growth like a spring and observe it flourish.
Stand back and watch as it explodes
Observe how it blossoms and expands when given the proper space and support.
And all unfolds
Everything comes to fruition or is revealed.
As all we hold,
As our beliefs and values,
Wound tightly, carefully, silently
Are kept securely, cautiously and without any vocalization.
Unravels
Begins to disintegrate or become undone.
Idle hands have lost their hold
Our inactive or unengaged hands no longer have a grip on things.
As idle minds think what they're told
Our inactive or unengaged minds merely accept and regurgitate what they're told.
What this could be
The potential or possibilities of what our lives could become.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: JOHN EMERY, KENNETH NARDI, KEVIN HEIDBREDER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Deborah Shanks
I got this CD back in 93' at a used record store. Someone else didn't appreciate it but I sure did. I loved how all over the place it is. Songs sound like 2 or 3 different bands are playing fading the songs together to make 1. Fucking awesome!
Klotzkowski
this song perfectly sums up the anacrusis sound - awesome stuf!!!!
XxMinatoNamikazexX
I don't usually like thrash, but this is great.
Nunzio Cardaci
This is not 100%Thrash
axeofgod72
you said it all... anacrusis was well ahead of their time.
Ryan Miller
Pure prog metal progenerators.
Mzee1084
@Bereft008 You're right, my mistake. I must have gotten them confused with another Canadian band with a similar name or something. I have both of those albums and like them both, especially Screams and Whispers.
Mzee1084
@Bereft008 Except they are Canadian ;)
Deborah Shanks
I got this CD back in 93' at a used record store. Someone else didn't appreciate it but I sure did. I loved how all over the place it is. Songs sound like 2 or 3 different bands are playing fading the songs together to make 1. Fucking awesome!
Jamie Walters
That's how I got my copy, as well, though '94 for me. This is some extraordinary music. Good music to write to, as well! =)