In 2003 Andy LaPlegua of "Icon of Coil" wrote a few power noise/techno cross over tracks under the name of "D.R.I.V.E.". This was changed to "Combichrist" when the debut album, "The Joy of Gunz" was set to be released on Out Of Line. The name Combichrist originates from a hardcore fanzine LaPlegua made during the late 90s, with "JR Ewing" guitarist Håkon Mella.
The follow up EPs, and the clamour for live shows, sent Combichrist out on the road where they would become known for their strong and energetic performances.
Their second EP, "Sex, Drogen und Industrial", spent 7 weeks at number one in the DAC charts.
In March of 2007 they released their third album "What The Fuck Is Wrong With You People?". "Today We Are All Demons", was released on January 20th, 2009.
The band had been selected to support industrial metal band "Rammstein" for their 2009 European tour and continued to support them during the 2010 part of the tour.
August 2010 saw the release of "Making Monsters", which had full tracks available for streaming on the website, each track being rolled out for a new one. Combichrist undertook a tour in support of the new album in late 2010, with "Aesthetic Perfection" and "iVardensphere" as the support bands.
Their most recent album, "No Redemption", was released in January of 2013 in both single and 2CD versions. This album was the official soundtrack album for the video game "Devil May Cry". The limited edition bonus CD was essentially a greatest hits compilation.
March 2014 will see the release of a new album titled "We Love You", with an accompanying tour of North America starting in April. "William Control" and "New Years Day" have been announced as the support bands.
Combichrist have had much more success than many of the other acts emerging from the electronic underground and the band have become one of the dark electro scene's most popular live acts.
The roster of live members is currently Joe Letz (ex "Genitorturers"), Mr Petersen, Z_Marr (ex "Hell Trash"), Kourtney Klein (who also played drums for the reformed "Nitzer Ebb") and Trevor Friedrich who was the drummer for "Eighteen Visions" and "Imperative Reaction". Past live members include Håkon Mella, Bjoern Petersen, Syn M, Shaun Frandsen & Jon H.
The band's website is at: www.combichrist.com
Can't Change The Beat
Combichrist Lyrics
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I gotta hold it
I gotta force it out, like it never happened at all
I need to be, I gotta hold it
I need to fail, and it's so sensational
And they sent you, through the ages
Now you want me, to restrain me
Tried to reach through, and I failed you
Can't change the beat
Can't stand alone, we never did
Keeps me alive, as we begin
You oughta know, how we will starve
Aesthetic, let it, force it, never again
Can't change the beat
The lyrics to Combichrist's "Can't Change the Beat" speak of a struggle to hold onto something, to force it out even if it feels like it never happened. This could be interpreted in a number of ways, as the lyrics don't provide any specific context. However, the following lines suggest that the singer is trying to resist something that they need to fail at, something sensational that they are being urged to restrain from. Despite failing, they want to continue on this path, although they imply that they are begging for more.
The line "Can't change the beat" seems somewhat ambiguous as well, although it could be interpreted to mean that the singer is unable to change the course they are on. The beat, in this sense, could represent the rhythm of their life, the path they are following, or even their own heart that they cannot control. The repetition of this line throughout the song could also suggest that there is an external force or pressure that the singer is unable to resist.
Overall, the theme of the lyrics seems to be one of struggle, resistance, and the desire to keep going despite failure. The singer seems dedicated to the path they are on, despite the hardships along the way.
Line by Line Meaning
I gotta bring it
I have to put in effort and deliver
I gotta hold it
I have to maintain and keep control
I gotta force it out, like it never happened at all
I have to push hard to make it happen and forget the past
I need to be, I gotta hold it
I have to remain composed and steady
I need to fail, and it's so sensational
I have to experience failure and it's a profound feeling
And they sent you, through the ages
You were put here by some higher power for a purpose
Now you want me, to restrain me
But now you're trying to prevent me from doing what I need to do
Tried to reach through, and I failed you
I attempted to connect with you, but I was unsuccessful
And now we're begging for more, I am here for you
Now we want more of what I have to offer, and I am always available for you
Can't change the beat
We can't alter the course of events
Can't stand alone, we never did
We can't survive without relying on each other
Keeps me alive, as we begin
Working together is what fuels me
You oughta know, how we will starve
We will suffer greatly without each other
Aesthetic, let it, force it, never again
We must embrace our unique qualities and push forward, never looking back
Contributed by Chloe P. Suggest a correction in the comments below.