Channel Zero is a Belgian metal band. Franky DSVD (current project: Skitsoy… Read Full Bio ↴Channel Zero is a Belgian metal band. Franky DSVD (current project: Skitsoy), Xavier Carion (current project: Sons Of Jonathas), Tino DeMartino and Phil B. (R.I.P. August 10th, 2013) came together in Brussels (Belgium) in 1990. They started 'Channel Zero', inspired on the 'Public Enemy' song 'She Watch Channel Zero'. In August 1997 Channel Zero anounced the split of the band. Meanwhile they had produced five albums: Channel Zero (1992), Stigmatized for life (1993, mixed by Vinnie Paul of Pantera), Unsafe (1994), Black Fuel (1997) and a live album Channel Zero Live (1997) which contained a recording of their gig at Marktrock Leuven in 1997. As the reason for the split, different causes were cited: artistic differences, the failed attempt to consolidate the international break-through, as well as the demise of metal to commercial Britney Spears music and the like. Ironically, shortly after the split, metal became commercially more mainstream through Nu Metal (e.g. Deftones).

In 2010, Channel Zero made a widely noted comeback. At the request of fans, they played six reunion concerts in Brussels which quickly sold-out. They also released a new single. They are also scheduled to play at Graspop Metal Meeting (Dessel). In January 2010, Channel Zero features a slightly different line-up: Mikey Doling (ex-Soulfly, ex-SNOT) replaces Xavier Carion on lead guitar, since the latter suffers from ear damage.

Last Gasp
Channel Zero Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Whatever is going around?
See the deal in your mind!
Sweat burning, sweat burning!
You pray! We have forced the bravest kind!
Sleep well! We'll all see the paradise!
Sleep well! Sleep well!
Summerbirth! Summerdeath!
Soare death! Soare death!

Sweet dreams, sleep with me
No, No, No!
Suffer inside, you can't heal.
Suffering right?
This is the end!

This is the end!
This is... the end... the end!

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Channel Zero's Last Gasp seem to be discussing the inevitability of death and the hopelessness of trying to escape it. The opening lines suggest confusion and uncertainty about the world, as the singer asks "Whatever is going around?" This is followed by an imperative sentence ("See the deal in your mind!") that could be interpreted as a call to accept the reality of the situation.

The chorus then uses the phrase "Sleep well" ironically, as it is meant to provide comfort and assurance but instead suggests that death is the ultimate sleep. "Summerbirth! Summerdeath!" reinforces the idea of the cyclical nature of life, and the final lines "This is the end!" repeated for emphasis, drive home the point that death is inevitable and inescapable.

Overall, the lyrics of the song suggest a feeling of powerlessness and futility in the face of death, and seem to encourage acceptance of this fact rather than fighting against it.

Line by Line Meaning

Whatever is going around?
What is happening in the surrounding environment?

See the deal in your mind!
Visualize the situation clearly in your thoughts!

Sweat burning, sweat burning!
Intense sweating is taking place!

You pray! We have forced the bravest kind!
You hope for the best, but we have tested even the most courageous individuals!

Sleep well! We'll all see the paradise!
Have a peaceful sleep, eventually, we will reach heaven!

Sleep well! Sleep well!
Rest well, be calm!

Summerbirth! Summerdeath!
The beginning and end of life, represented by summer!

Soare death! Soare death!
Sun and death coexisting!

Sweet dreams, sleep with me
Have pleasant dreams, sleep alongside me!

No, No, No!
An immediate rejection or disbelief!

Suffer inside, you can't heal.
Endure the emotional pain, there is no cure!