The band was formed by Christian Olde Wolbers and Raymond Herrera (formerly of Fear Factory) who had recorded a demo for a new band. They sent the demo to Threat Signal vocalist Jon Howard and Arkaea was spawned. They tried to obtain Sam Rivers of Limp Bizkit for bassist, who was all for it but then decided to back down due to location. Ryan Martinie of Mudvayne then offered his services for the album but it was felt it would be too difficult for another bassist to replicate his unique basslines live as he could not tour due to Mudvayne commitments. After some time spent searching for the perfect bassist, another Threat Signal member, Pat Kavanagh, was finally chosen.
Their debut entitled Years in the Darkness was set to be released on March 3, then March 10 but was not released until July 14, 2009, selling roughly 980 units in its first week. Half of the songs that appear on the album were originally intended to be for a possible new Fear Factory album. In addition to a 5 minute long sampler the band posted the opening track "Locust" on their Myspace.
Members
Jon Howard - Vocals (Threat Signal)
Christian Olde Wolbers - Guitar (ex-Fear Factory)
Pat Kavanagh - Bass (Threat Signal)
Raymond Herrera - Drums (ex-Fear Factory)
AWAKENING
Arkaea Lyrics
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Awaken to a world where choice is to decide.
I'm falling through the ground where feeble minded lay.
Deception of the mind confused by what they say.
I will not revise (will not revise),
I will not confine (will not confine),
I am not the lie (am not the lie).
Implant the new virus in those who will infect.
Denial shining through it's this you must neglect.
Divide from all the rest and choose what life to lead.
A damaged life reborn now its time to see.
I will not revise (will not revise),
I will not confine (will not confine),
I am not the lie (am not the lie).
Rise above and take them with us.
As the world falls down you will come with us.
We must all learn how to wake up and change this now.
As the world falls down you will come with us.
We must all learn how to wake up and change this now.
Entrust the hourglass and see what lies ahead.
We breed for the machine and serve until we're dead.
Apologize for what lives that have been taken.
Another paradox soon we will awaken.
I will not revise (will not revise),
I will not confine (will not confine),
I am not the lie (am not the lie).
Rise above and take them with us.
As the world falls down you will come with us.
We must all learn how to wake up and change this now.
As the world falls down you will come with us.
We must all learn how to wake up and change this now.
As the world falls down you will come with us.
We must all learn how to wake up and change this now.
As the world falls down you will come with us.
We must all learn how to wake up and change this now.
The lyrics to Arkaea's song "Awakening" convey a sense of rebellion against a corrupt society with a call to action to awaken and rise above the lies and manipulation of those in power. The opening verse speaks of disposing of the ashes of the past and awakening to a world where we can make our own choices. The line "I'm falling through the ground where feeble minded lay" suggests that those who are content with the status quo are weak and unthinking, while the singer of the song is seeking something more. The chorus reinforces the idea that the singer will not be constrained by lies or manipulation and will rise above those who try to hold them down.
The second verse speaks more directly of infecting others with a new way of thinking, choosing a different path in life, and being reborn from a damaged life. There is a sense of urgency to these lines: the time to wake up and take action is now. The final verse exhorts the listener to wake up and change the world before it falls down around us. The line "We breed for the machine and serve until we're dead" suggests that society values productivity and conformity more than individuality and authenticity, and that the singer is rejecting this way of life.
Overall, "Awakening" is a rallying cry for those who seek to break free from the constraints of a corrupt society and make their own way in the world. The song implores its listeners to awaken from their slumber and rise above the lies and manipulation that surround them.
Line by Line Meaning
Dispose of the ashes that were left behind.
Get rid of the remains of the past and move forward.
Awaken to a world where choice is to decide.
Realize that there are options and decisions to make in life.
I'm falling through the ground where feeble minded lay.
Feeling like sinking into a place where weak people reside.
Deception of the mind confused by what they say.
Being misled by false information or opinions that lead to confusion.
I will not revise (will not revise),
I won't change my stance or beliefs.
I will not confine (will not confine),
I won't restrict or limit myself or others.
I am not the lie (am not the lie).
I am truthful and genuine.
Rise above and take them with us.
Elevate ourselves and bring others along, towards a better future.
Implant the new virus in those who will infect.
Spread a new message or idea to people who can influence others.
Denial shining through it's this you must neglect.
Ignore the denial that could arise from the new concept being shared.
Divide from all the rest and choose what life to lead.
Separate from people who don't share the same vision and decide what kind of life to live.
A damaged life reborn now its time to see.
Start anew after going through tough times and realize the possibilities.
Entrust the hourglass and see what lies ahead.
Put trust in the future and see what it could bring.
We breed for the machine and serve until we're dead.
We're programmed to serve the system until the end of our lives.
Apologize for what lives that have been taken.
Feel remorseful for the loss of life that has occurred.
Another paradox soon we will awaken.
We'll soon realize the contradictions of the present and awaken to a new perspective.
As the world falls down you will come with us.
Join us in facing the fall of the world and finding ways to change it.
We must all learn how to wake up and change this now.
All of us need to understand the need to act immediately and make a difference.
Contributed by Elizabeth V. Suggest a correction in the comments below.