Within two months of existence these four death metal enthusiasts recorded a demo (Tangled In Gore). A Dutch independent label, Foundation 2000, signed them for one album, however, before recording they first released another demo Horrors In A Retarded Mind in 1990, which also received positive feedback. As a supporting act for Carcass they travelled through Belgium and the Netherlands impressing the metal-scene also on stage. Colin Richardson was the producer of 1991's album Mindloss.
Prior to a tour with New Jersey band Revenant, guitarist Alex van Schaik was replaced by Boudewijn Bonebakker. Not satisfied with Foundation 2000, Gorefest signed a contract in 1992 with Nuclear Blast. Hoogendoorn was dismissed because of lack of interest and drummer Ed Warby (who came from melodic band called Elegy) took his place just two weeks before recording sessions of their second LP False which was again produced by Colin Richardson. The album sold relatively well in the Netherlands and Germany for a band of their genre. In the months to come they completed a European tour with Deicide and Atrocity, playing in Germany, Sweden, Spain, Czechoslovakia and England. In 1993 Gorefest played a show at the Dynamo Open Air at Eindhoven. A live album The Eindhoven Insanity was released shortly after. Also in 1993, they toured America as a supporting act for metal band Death.
Erase was recorded in 1994 with producer Pete Coleman and revealed a more mature Gorefest with a different attitude towards traditional death metal. As a result, public opinion towards the band was divided. Erase, however, proved to be a success as international sales went well through 1994 and 1995. The band reached a broader set of countries in the following tours.
For the Fear EP and Freedom single, Gorefest revealed new tracks showing that they wanted to drastically expand upon the musical changes they had applied in Erase (De Koeijer declared in some interviews that he even had thoughts about taking singing lessons). This would be confirmed in 1996 with a rockish Soul Survivor - a total departure from their roots even showing traces of pop - and a very similar Chapter 13 was released in 1998. By this time the band had abandoned their heavy image, and the graphics for these works were less extreme. Inexorably, fans turned their backs on them and the sales of the album was a relative fiasco, thus they split up in 1998.
Gorefest reformed in 2004 and played various summer festivals in 2005. The band then unveiled a new album, La Muerte, another album followed in 2007, entitled Rise To Ruin.
On the 15th of June 2009 the band announced that they were calling it quits again, stating that they felt they had gone as far with the band as they could.
Exorcism
Gorefest Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
But then again, can you blame me?
I won't carry the weight of the world on my back
But when I see tomorrow, it looks black
Eerie
I need an exorcism
Wash me clean from man's pollution
Wash me clean
I admit, it's a weak solution to quit
But then again, can you blame me
I have visions of blood flowing free in the street
Too numb to care for those in need
Weary
My thoughts and feelings beaten senseless
My communication's proven useless
I'm the lone survivor in a pool of dead
I've become the man who has no regret
No regret
WASH ME CLEAN!
The lyrics of Gorefest's song "Exorcism" are about the singer's pessimistic view of the future, his desire for a cleansing of his soul, and his feelings of despair and isolation. The opening lines express the singer's bleak perception of what's to come, suggesting that there are few reasons for hope. He does not want to carry the burden of the world, but even if he did, it would seem that there is no way to turn things around. The mention of "eerie" adds to the ominous tone of the song, creating a sense of dread about what's to come.
The chorus of "Exorcism" essentially serves as a plea for help. The singer is desperate for something to free him from the pollution of mankind - whether this pollution is in the form of physical dirt and grime or the corruption and evil he sees around him is unclear. He repeats that he needs "an exorcism" to wash him clean, a metaphorical solution to his feeling of being weighed down by the world's problems.
The second verse continues with the theme of hopelessness, as the singer admits that giving up feels like the only solution. He sees violence and bloodshed as inevitable, and describes himself as being too numb to care about those who will suffer. The word "weary" suggests that he is not only tired but emotionally drained, as though he has already been through the worst and has little energy left for anything else. The lines "My communication's proven useless / I'm the lone survivor in a pool of dead" add to the sense of isolation and despair - it seems as though he has tried and failed to connect with others, and is now completely alone.
Overall, "Exorcism" paints a vivid picture of a world that is dark, dangerous, and corrupt, and of a narrator who feels utterly hopeless in the face of it all. Despite this, the song retains a sense of urgency and energy, with pounding drums and heavy guitar riffs adding to the powerful atmosphere.
Line by Line Meaning
I agree, it's not a bright future I see
I acknowledge that the future looks bleak.
But then again, can you blame me?
But it's understandable given the circumstances.
I won't carry the weight of the world on my back
I won't shoulder the burden of humanity's problems alone.
But when I see tomorrow, it looks black
But the future seems grim and full of despair.
I need an exorcism
I need to be purged of the corruption of mankind.
Wash me clean from man's pollution
Cleanse me of the filth and evil of humanity.
I need an exorcism
I need to be freed from this spiritual darkness.
Wash me clean
Cleanse my soul and purify my spirit.
I admit, it's a weak solution to quit
I know that giving up is not the strong choice.
But then again, can you blame me
But it's difficult to be resilient in such dire circumstances.
I have visions of blood flowing free in the street
I imagine violence and chaos reigning.
Too numb to care for those in need
I am desensitized to the suffering of others.
My thoughts and feelings beaten senseless
The weight of my despair has left me feeling helpless.
My communication's proven useless
I can't find the words to convey the scope of my distress.
I'm the lone survivor in a pool of dead
I feel entirely alone in a world full of despair.
I've become the man who has no regret
I've lost the capacity for remorse and compassion.
No regret
I am consumed by my own hopelessness and despair.
WASH ME CLEAN!
I beg for spiritual purification and redemption.
Contributed by Eli L. Suggest a correction in the comments below.