Heaven Shall Burn's musical style has been described as metalcore, melodic death metal, and deathcore. Their lyrics express strong support for anti-racism and anti-fascism, as well as political resistance and animal rights. All members are vegans or vegetarians and most follow a straight edge philosophy.
Like A Thousand Suns
Heaven Shall Burn Lyrics
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So many lives reduced to ashes
So many homes razed to the ground
A shine like from a thousand suns
Betrayed by their proud leaders
And executed by atrocious enemies
So many homes, so many lives
A thousand books all full of vindications
Simple explanations, coloured declarations
Where silent sense of guilt should rise
But a victor's story cannot lie
Betrayed by their proud leaders
So many homes, so many lives
A silent sense of guilt should rise
One modest truth they teach their children
Again, a victor's story cannot, it can not lie!
See these branded generations
Hear, their bells are tolling
Hear, hear them calling
The lyrics of Heaven Shall Burn's song, "Like A Thousand Suns," deal with the aftermath of war and the destruction it leaves in its wake. The opening lines describe the shadowy remnants of those who perished, their memories burnt into the walls of buildings that were destroyed. The following lines address the impact of war on entire communities, stating that countless lives and homes have been reduced to ashes. Despite the enormity of the loss, the imagery of "a shine like from a thousand suns" suggests that there is still hope amid the destruction.
The song then goes on to address the role of leaders and enemies in the cause of war. There is a sense of betrayal and outrage as the lyrics suggest that these individuals have doomed their people to a horrific fate. The idea that there is a silent sense of guilt that should rise is a powerful indictment of those who would start a war and then distance themselves from the consequences.
The second half of the song deals with the aftermath of war and the process of rebuilding. The lyrics reference a thousand books that seek to offer vindication and explanation for the war. However, the singer is skeptical of the victor's story that these books convey. There is a sense that the truth of the situation is more complex than the simple explanations being offered. The final lines of the song suggest that the generations that follow will bear the weight of this legacy and that these losses will continue to be mourned for years to come.
Line by Line Meaning
Their shadows burnt into the walls
The memory of the victims of war and destruction left a lasting impression and mark on the physical world.
So many lives reduced to ashes
Countless human lives were violently taken and ended, leaving nothing but ash and dust behind.
So many homes razed to the ground
Families and communities were destroyed by war, torn apart and left homeless and without a place to call their own.
A shine like from a thousand suns
Despite the destruction, there was a fierce resilience and courage shown by those who fought on and stood together, creating a powerful light in the darkest of times.
Betrayed by their proud leaders
Those in positions of power and trust committed unspeakable acts of betrayal and caused great harm to their own people.
And executed by atrocious enemies
Those who stood up against injustice and oppression were met with brutal and inhumane treatment, often by their own countrymen and neighbors.
A silent sense of guilt should rise
Those who benefit from the suffering of others or who turn a blind eye to it, should feel a deep sense of shame and responsibility.
A thousand books all full of vindications
There are endless attempts to justify and explain away the atrocities of the past, but none of them can fully excuse the violence and harm caused.
Simple explanations, coloured declarations
Efforts to gloss over and simplify the complexities and nuances of history only serve to silence the voices of the oppressed and allow for further injustices.
Where silent sense of guilt should rise
We must confront the painful truths and acknowledge the responsibility that we hold collectively for the actions of our forefathers.
But a victor's story cannot lie
The version of history told by the winners of war and those in power will always have a degree of bias and distortion, favoring their own interests and agendas.
One modest truth they teach their children
It is important to seek and recognize the small but undeniable truths amidst the noise and clutter of conflicting accounts of history.
Again, a victor's story cannot, it can not lie!
The truth can never be fully erased or twisted to fit a particular narrative, and we must always strive to uncover it despite the obstacles.
See these branded generations
The scars of war and trauma are passed down through generations, shaping the experiences and worldview of those who come after.
Hear, their bells are tolling
The message of those who suffered and fought for justice still resonates and echoes today, reminding us of the ongoing struggles for a more just and peaceful world.
Hear, hear them calling
It is our duty to listen to the voices of those who have been silenced and marginalized, and to work towards creating a world where their stories are valued and their struggles are recognized.
Contributed by Sophie C. Suggest a correction in the comments below.