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
History of Madness
Combichrist Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Attention [x2]
It's difficult to dissect the meaning behind the sparse lyrics of "History of Madness," but it's possible to take a stab at interpreting its opening lines. The repeated use of "attention" seems to signify a sense of urgency and a desire for the listener to focus on what's to come. It's a call to action, a command to pay close heed to what's about to be revealed. The repetition of the word is also reminiscent of a drill sergeant barking commands, adding to the militaristic, authoritarian feel of the song.
It's possible that the opening lines are meant to evoke a sense of foreboding, as if something terrible or overwhelming is about to happen. The urgency and militaristic tone could suggest an impending battle or conflict, and the listener is being asked to brace themselves for the coming onslaught. Alternatively, the repeated use of "attention" could be interpreted as a warning of sorts, a way of alerting the listener to a danger or threat that they need to be aware of.
Line by Line Meaning
Attention [x5]
There is a need for alertness and focus, as something significant is about to be communicated or done.
Attention[x2]
The need for alertness is being emphasized, possibly because the message that will be communicated is critical in nature.
I am the virus, are you the cure?
I am infectious and harmful in nature; are you capable of stopping the damage I cause or healing the harm I've caused?
Or are you the poison? This is for sure
Instead of being the cure, what if you are harmful like me, causing a dangerous situation?
You are the parasite, are you the host?
Just like a parasite can depend on a host, are you solely present to feed on others, or do you have something that you give back?
Or are we just doomed? It's what I love the most.
Perhaps there is no way out of this damaging cycle, and that is secretly what I desire the most - not to be saved, but to keep going on like this.
I am the chaos and the order
I encompass everything that is chaotic and unmanageable, as well as everything that is structured and organized.
The one and the none
I exist in paradox as both the one (singular and unique) and none (not a tangible being).
I am the sin and the savior
I contain both good and evil, have the potential to cause harm or save others.
The lost and the found
I am capable of both losing important things and finding what was once thought to be lost.
I am the king and the pawn
I am both the highest authority and the lowest rank, depending on the role I have in a particular scenario.
The rag and the bone
I am the very epitome of both insignificance and degradation, as well as being a valuable resource.
I am the living and the dead
I encompass all stages of the living process, from life to death.
The drunk and alone
I am capable of both mindlessly drinking my sorrows away and being completely singular in my experience.
Contributed by Lauren B. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
hozfranz
first