From Ashes Rise is an influential crust/d-beat band formed in Nashville, US… Read Full Bio ↴From Ashes Rise is an influential crust/d-beat band formed in Nashville, USA in 1997. They then relocated to Portland, USA. Their debut EP entitled 'Fragments Of A Fallen Sky' and the follow-up 'Life And Death' had more in common with His Hero is Gone and other notorious crust bands of that era. By the release of their 2000 debut full-length, 'Concrete and Steel' (it even has the same production as Tragedy's self-titled debut), they started displaying characteristics (although not as melodic) very similar to what is commonly attributed to the band Tragedy. They released a discography compilation in the year 2000. Their second full-length, 'Silence' was released in 2001 and features different production, most notably the snare sound.

In 2003, they released a split record with Swedish band Victims, it serves as transition point for the band between the material from the previous releases and their next record; 'Nightmares', their last album, was released on Jade Tree that same year. Further influenced by Tragedy, it is their most popular, melodic and influential record. Not all the aspects of their sound are derived from Tragedy but rather they simultaneously helped define and further develop what was later known to become 'neocrust'. Both bands evolved at the same time and possessed differing elements, however the Tragedy influence is there since both bands are close friends and reside in the same place.

The band split up in fall 2005 after doing a tour with the legendary UK band Subhumans.
On October 12, 2009 a reunion show at the Satyricon in Portland, OR for February 21, 2010 was announced via the band's MySpace blog. A limited number of shows were since performed. The 2010 live album entitled 'Live Hell' documents one of these performances. Their latest release is a 2012 two-song single entitled 'Rejoice the End / Rage of Sanity'. It is very melodic and even more similar to the neocrust style Tragedy became known for.

Brad Boatright became a producer/sound engineer and founded his own recording label/facility referred to as 'Audiosiege' in 2011 which has become considerably popular in the hardcore scene worldwide, many artists want their music produced by him.

Current line-up

*Dave Atchison – drums (1997–present) (Also of No Parade, Assassinate and Smoke or Fire)
*Brad Boatright – guitar (1997–present), vocals (1998–present) (Also of Deathreat and Warcry. Formerly of The Cooters, No Parade, Midnight, World Burns To Death and Lebanon)
*John Wilkerson – guitar, vocals (1998–present) (Also of Criminal Damage. Formerly of Coldbringer and Welcome Home Walker)
*Derek Willman – bass (2004–present) (Also of The Estranged, Coldbringer, Hellshock and Lebanon. Formerly of Remains Of The Day)

Former members:

*Marshall Perdue – vocals (1997–1998)
*Jeff Andrews – guitar (1997–1998)
*Jason Piercey – bass (1997–1998)
*Billy Davis – bass (1998–1999; 2001–2004) (Also of Deathreat and Tragedy)
*Ryan Teetzen – bass, vocals (1999–2001) (Also of the Fort Smith, Arkansas band Burned Up Bled Dry)

What the Good Book Says
From Ashes Rise Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Enough of indoctrination in a stalemate game. Enough of logic hidden away
Behind textbooks, capturing the dust. Here lies the method of control, to
Focus us, to keep our eyes on the cross and our knees in the sand, while
Salivating on every command to what the good book says.

Overall Meaning

From Ashes Rise's song "What the Good Book Says" is a commentary on the indoctrination and control that organized religion can have on individuals. The lyrics suggest that the strict adherence to religious dogma and scripture can prevent individuals from critical thinking and trusting their own logic. Instead, it suggests that people are being controlled by religious leaders who are able to manipulate them into focusing solely on the teachings of the Bible. The lyrics present the idea that people are being trained to keep their eyes fixed on the cross and follow religious doctrine blindly, without questioning or challenging it.

The song is critical of the traditional mode of religious instruction that involves the use of textbooks and systematic instruction, which the lyrics suggest are outdated and restrictive. The lyrics suggest that, instead of focusing so much on religious teachings, people should be taught to think for themselves and to trust their own logic. The lyrics convey a sense of urgency and frustration, as the band seems to be urging people to break free from the control of religious institutions.

Line by Line Meaning

Enough of indoctrination in a stalemate game.
We are tired of being taught one way of thinking without room for discussion or progress.

Enough of logic hidden away behind textbooks, capturing the dust.
We are tired of being taught only what is in old books, and not using our own logic and reasoning to question and explore new ideas.

Here lies the method of control, to focus us, to keep our eyes on the cross and our knees in the sand, while salivating on every command to what the good book says.
Religion is often used as a tool for controlling people, keeping them blindly devoted and uncritical to the teachings of the Bible.

Contributed by Nicholas C. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

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