The band has been pounding the pavement hard since their formation in 2001, touring furiously and earning themselves a cult-like following across the US and Canada. Playing a hybrid style of thrash, metal, sludge, grind and punk, Ed Gein, who call Syracuse, NY home, use their self-described "angry-noise punk" style as a means to deliver their politically and socially charged message. "It's all a matter of being aware and thinking for yourself," says Jenkins. "A 'Judas-goat' is an older animal at a slaughter-house trained to lead the other animals to slaughter. In exchange, the animal is taken care of almost like a family pet until they are no longer of use. A large portion of the world's population falls into one of the unfortunate categories of either being a betrayer or one of the millions of mindless, resource-eating followers."
The band takes influence from such bands as Coalesce and Pig Destroyer.
A Conflict of Interest
Ed Gein Lyrics
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The lyrics of Ed Gein's "A Conflict of Interest" are highly political in nature and speak against the mixing of big business and government. The first line of the song states that the two should not mix, which implies that the merger of the two can have negative consequences, such as corruption and unjust economic policies. The following lines "go back to running Harkin into the ground, and take that Haliburton piece of shit with you" specifically call out two companies known for questionable practices and unethical behavior. This further underscores the sentiment of the song, which is that when big business and government align, the average person is at risk of suffering.
In essence, the song is a message to those in power that they need to be held accountable for their actions and that their loyalties should lie with the people they represent, not the companies that fund them. The lyrics also suggest that when businesses are allowed to have too much power and influence over government, it can lead to a severe power imbalance that can negatively impact the lives of everyday citizens.
Line by Line Meaning
Big business and government shouldn't mix.
The combination of large corporations and political power is not ethical or beneficial for society as a whole.
Go back to running Harkin into the ground,
Return to the practice of exploiting and damaging the environment and natural resources for financial gain, as exemplified by the action of destroying the Harkin River.
and take that Haliburton piece of shit with you.
Also, remove the presence of corrupt multinational corporations known for their exploitation of foreign countries and political influence, such as Haliburton.
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