Half Me's sound blends modern metal and hardcore with elements of 90s nu metal, characterized by pounding riffs, intense breakdowns, and a mixture of aggressive and refined vocals.
The band's breakthrough came in May 2021 with the single Exitwound, which featured Jack Bergin from Void of Vision. The track garnered significant attention, landing the band in KNOTFEST’s “Countdown to Oblivion,” which helped propel them into the spotlight.
In February 2023, they released their debut album Soma via Arising Empire, with standout tracks that explore dark and introspective themes. The track Blacklight delves into the concept of losing control, inspired by true crime stories and characters like Michael Myers and Fritz Honka. Another track, I Am But A Guest In Exile, portrays a protagonist spiraling into paranoia and delusion, questioning their own reality while suffering from sleep deprivation and schizophrenic episodes.
Following the album's release, Half Me embarked on a European tour, playing high-profile festivals like Wacken Open Air. They were also nominated for the Heavy Music Awards.
Around 2023, the band's lineup shifted when guitarist Julius Jansen departed from the band, and Silvan Petersen filled his role. This change influenced their songwriting, as they moved away from a polished sound, opting for a more raw and organic feel in line with the new themes they were exploring.
In September 2024, Half Me released the EP titled Opium. They are also planning to release a second part to the EP in early 2025. Thematically, this follow-up will connect with the original Opium release, and recording sessions are scheduled after their upcoming U.S. tour.
OUTBREAK
Half Me Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I better watch my mouth when they come and ask
yeah it’s time again for me to pass
running around with a bounty on my head
it’s getting harder to escape
i don’t think anyone relates
time again to understand
that i am cutting off deadweight
everybody lies
crowned a witness, scraped my eyes
wash away the bitter taste of scapegoat innocence
find a way to fucking cope with it
a pattern in the snow, and i‘m alone with it finally
finding truth in every gear of this machinery
blame, take it away
blaaaaame, paralyzing
the weight that i can feel, their eyes on me
heavy bones repel the flesh; the price of being free
pay up
everybody lies
crowned a witness, scraped my eyes
wash away the bitter taste of scapegoat innocence
lingering in my fate
I will never break
treacherous, what are you hiding from the rest of us?
i will never lay down arms
i will never scorn my fate
everybody lies
The lyrics of Half Me's song Outbreak seem to delve into themes of self-awareness, accountability, and defiance against external pressures. The opening lines, "retain the image with a concrete mask, I better watch my mouth when they come and ask," suggest a sense of self-preservation and vigilance in dealing with outside forces. The reference to having a "bounty on my head" and the difficulty of escaping implies the feeling of being targeted or burdened by others' expectations.
The lyrics touch on the idea of shedding toxic relationships or situations, as seen in the lines "time again to understand that I am cutting off deadweight." This could be interpreted as a metaphor for letting go of negative influences in one's life and prioritizing one's well-being and personal growth. The mention of finding truth within the machinery of life could symbolize searching for authenticity amidst the chaos and complexities of existence.
The chorus of "everybody lies, crowned a witness, scraped my eyes, wash away the bitter taste of scapegoat innocence" conveys a sense of disillusionment and betrayal, where the singer seems to be grappling with deceit and the burden of being blamed unfairly. The repeated emphasis on lies and scapegoating suggests a struggle against falsehoods and injustice, with a desire to cleanse oneself of the bitterness that comes with being wrongly accused.
The lyrics conclude with a declaration of resilience and defiance: "I will never break... treacherous, what are you hiding from the rest of us? I will never lay down arms, I will never scorn my fate, everybody lies." This defiant stance against giving in to pressure or falsehoods underscores a sense of strength and conviction in staying true to oneself, even in the face of adversity and deception. Overall, the song Outbreak appears to encapsulate a journey of self-discovery, empowerment, and standing firm in one's truth amid a world of lies and betrayal.
Line by Line Meaning
retain the image with a concrete mask
Maintain a facade to hide my true emotions and thoughts
I better watch my mouth when they come and ask
I need to be cautious and careful about what I say when questioned
yeah it’s time again for me to pass
It's time for me to move on or leave a situation behind
running around with a bounty on my head
Feeling constantly pursued or under threat
it’s getting harder to escape
The challenges of avoiding or overcoming difficult situations are increasing
i don’t think anyone relates
I feel isolated or like no one understands me
time again to understand
It's a recurring opportunity to learn or gain insight
that i am cutting off deadweight
I am freeing myself from burdensome or unnecessary things
everybody lies
People are not always truthful or sincere
crowned a witness, scraped my eyes
Being forced to see the truth or reality, even if it's painful
wash away the bitter taste of scapegoat innocence
Trying to rid oneself of feeling unjustly blamed or scapegoated
find a way to fucking cope with it
Looking for a way to deal with or manage a difficult situation
a pattern in the snow, and i‘m alone with it finally
Discovering a consistent or repeating theme in life, and coming to terms with it on my own
finding truth in every gear of this machinery
Uncovering the reality or facts in every part of a complex system or situation
blame, take it away
Feeling overwhelmed or burdened by blame, wanting it to be removed
blaaaaame, paralyzing
The weight or impact of blame is paralyzing and immobilizing
the weight that i can feel, their eyes on me
Sensing the burden or pressure of others' expectations and scrutiny
heavy bones repel the flesh; the price of being free
The physical and emotional toll of striving for freedom and independence
pay up
Acknowledging the cost or consequences of actions or choices
lingering in my fate
Reflecting on or remaining in acceptance of my destiny
I will never break
I am determined to remain strong and resilient
treacherous, what are you hiding from the rest of us?
Questioning the hidden motivations or secrets of others
i will never lay down arms
I will never surrender or give up the fight
i will never scorn my fate
I will never reject or disdain my destiny
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
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