"I always wanted to do a multi layered drum band. But not in a jam band kin… Read Full Bio ↴"I always wanted to do a multi layered drum band. But not in a jam band kind of way, in a crushing tribal way." So says Erik Larson of Axehandle, a power trio unlike any other. Indeed "Power" is the first thing that you hear on Axehandle's debut. Recorded in true stereo, you will feel the band surround you every step of the way. At times it's a head splitting drumming overload, and others a slow building melody of doom ladened guitar waves. "We wanted to create a sort of soundscape with the songs. Not just a whole lot of banging on drums with some heavy riffs laid over the top, but a whole experience that takes you to the place the lyrics are describing. Kind of like a bad trip that you don't want to leave." A statement hard to believe and yet irresistible when considering the lyrical topics of revenge, serial killers, mutilation and general human carnage set to the lush and dense musical backdrop of such songs as "All Redheads are crazy" or "Pulp".
Consisting of Erik Larson (Drums/percussion/Vocals), Bryan Cox (Drums/Percussion) and Ryan Lake (Guitars/bass) this may appear to be an Alabama Thunder Pussy side project (which technically it is) but don't be fooled. Axehandle is a chance for Erik and the boys to examine ground untrodden by ATP and expand beyond the confines of genre and style and create something totally unique.

Recorded by Vince Burke (Guitarist for Beaten Back To Pure) in a weekend of beer fuel fury, Axehandle's debut album is a disturbingly addictive barrage of musical blood avarice. Axehandle draws the listener in with their tribalistic layering of rythmns and then swings dynamically between melody and bone crushing metal the way most bands move from chorus to verse. Don't be fooled by the sense of security a song title like "Self Help" can provide, for underneath is something sinister as in the message behind the beautiful ballad "The damage that can be done at the ocean." It only gets more addictive when coupled with songs like "Face Down" and "Fine Food". It's like being invited to a dinner party and then finding out you're the main course. You have been warned. Meet Axehandle..

Face Down
Axehandle Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Is not he one getting tired of complications and denials
A loss of hope a loss of speed leaves me face down in misery
You are the cause you are disease keep it down walk with ease
This constant dance with egos breeze leaves us face down with no relief

Now in the one on handles side
I will beat you down in stride
Leave you empty, leave you drained

Leave you face down in your plain

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Axehandle's song "Face Down" reflect the pain and misery of being caught up in a cycle of complications, denials, and egos. The opening line expresses the exhaustion that one feels when faced with these issues. It suggests a loss of hope and speed, a feeling of being stuck and unable to move forward. The following lines point the finger at the cause of the problem, who is described as a disease. The phrase "keep it down walk with ease" implies that the singer is trying to stay calm and composed despite the turmoil around them.

The lyrics become more confrontational towards the end, with the singer asserting their power and determination. The lines "I will beat you down in stride/ Leave you empty, leave you drained" suggest that they are ready to take on their adversary and emerge victorious. The phrase "face down in your plain" could refer to the person's defeat or humiliation. Overall, the lyrics portray a sense of frustration and helplessness, but also a desire to fight back and overcome the obstacles in one's path.

Line by Line Meaning

Is not he one getting tired of complications and denials
Isn't he weary of dealing with complex issues and rejections?

A loss of hope a loss of speed leaves me face down in misery
I feel miserable and defeated because I've lost hope and motivation.

You are the cause you are disease keep it down walk with ease
You're the source of my problems and negativity, so stay quiet and move away calmly.

This constant dance with egos breeze leaves us face down with no relief
Our constant conflict and struggle with each other's egos only leads us to more misery and no escape from it.

Now in the one on handles side
Now it's the turn of the one holding the axe (the one in control).

I will beat you down in stride
I will defeat you effortlessly and with confidence.

Leave you empty, leave you drained
I will leave you feeling hollow and exhausted.

Leave you face down in your plain
I will leave you lying helpless and defeated on the ground.

Contributed by Annabelle L. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

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