2003 saw Himsa record and release their breakthrough album 'Courting Tragedy and Disaster.' Following the release of the album the band toured extensively throughout the US and Europe. They spent the latter half of 2005 in Denmark, recording their follow-up album, 'Hail Horror.' This album was released in early 2006 and displays a great deal of evolution in the bands' songwriting and skills. In comparison to 'Courting Tragedy and Disaster,' 'Hail Horror' comes off darker and heavier and features some more blistering guitar work from players Kirby Johnson and Sammi Curr (who returned to the band following a brief hiatus throughout 2004 and some of 2005). The album is also a step up production-wise.
In December 2006, Himsa signed a new record deal with Century Media records. They headed into the studio with producer Steve Carter, who produced 'Courting Tragedy and Disaster', and also brought Devin Townsend (vocal producer) and Tue Madsen (mixing/mastering) into the fold for their new album. The result was 2007's 'Summon in Thunder', a powerful, thrash-infused album with plenty of brutality and technicality. They will be touring in late fall/early winter 2007 with Amon Amarth, Decapitated, and Sonic Syndicate to promote the new album.
Himsa has advertised that their August 16, 2008 at El Corazon in Seattle will be their last show ever.
On June 20, 2008 bassist Derek Harn issued a statement via blabbermouth.net as follows:
"After 10+ years, four releases, countless tours and almost incomprehensible (yet constant) upheaval, the last three years of the band have been relatively stable. Having sacrificed everything we had in order to ensure the band's survival it's time to let it go. We made a great CD ('Summon in Thunder', Century Media); reportedly, our best. We've got a great label. We're getting along, we've toured and we’re fine. It's all good. We're leaving it at that. A relatively unremarkable closing to HIMSA's gi-normously dramatic career, there appears to be no acrimony or unpleasantness, simply the end of a blistering, phenomenal, tumultuous era of the metal that HIMSA permeated into the modern musical landscape. References have been made to the band's evolving difficulties with the relentless touring schedules that have been the hallmark of HIMSA's career. "If we can't tour, and our reality is we can't tour as we have in the past, then it's not HIMSA. Better to hang it up than fade away.”
Vocalist John Pettibone said that he will devote all his time to side bands such as The Vows and has said he is done with touring.
Current Members:
* John Pettibone – Vocals
* Kirby Johnson – Guitars
* Sammi Curr – Guitars
* Derek Harn – Bass
* Joe Frothingham – Drums
Former Members:
* Chad Davis - Drums
* Matt Wicklund – Guitars
* Mike Green – Drums
* Brian Johnson – Guitars
* Christian Schmitt – Vocals
* Aaron Edge – Guitars, Keyboard
* Tim Mullin – Drums
* Clay Layton – Electronics
Discography
* Himsa EP – 1999
* Ground Breaking Ceremony – 1999
* Death is Infinite EP – 2001
* Courting Tragedy and Disaster – 2003
* You've Seen Too Much (DVD) – 2005
* Hail Horror – 2006
* Summon in Thunder - 2007
Unleash Carnage
Himsa Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
and a cleansing slate rehearsed to inflect
dehumanized ambition for keeping safe
fierce rejectors behest of the voices
evaluate the value of living without being alive
prevailing atomic outcast
blacklisted from their social sifting law to protect
discarded catalyst
escaping the fate
forging inspiration in the knife to isolate
silver linings silver settings
enticed from salutations and the siren noise
every enemy is an antidote
The lyrics of Himsa's song Unleash Carnage are full of strong and dark imagery that describe a violent and rebellious attitude. The opening line "all out violence from creators within" suggests that the singer is a powerful force capable of causing destruction. They seem to have rejected society's norms and embraced violent behavior as a way of expressing themselves. The phrase "cleansing slate rehearsed to inflect" could be interpreted as the singer's desire to wipe the slate clean of society's expectations and assert their own identity. The lyrics also suggest that the singer feels dehumanized and rejected by society, but they are determined to carry out their violent mission anyway. The phrase "a cutthroat in the making to unleash carnage" suggests that the singer is on a dangerous path towards inflicting harm on others.
The lyrics also contain some interesting contradictions and paradoxes. For example, the phrase "evaluate the value of living without being alive" seems to suggest that the singer is questioning the point of living if they can't be true to themselves. However, the subsequent line "every enemy is an antidote" implies that the singer needs enemies in order to feel alive and validated. There is also a tension between the singer's desire to isolate themselves ("forging inspiration in the knife to isolate") and their attraction to the noise and chaos of the outside world ("enticed from salutations and the siren noise").
Overall, Unleash Carnage is a powerful and provocative song that explores themes of rebellion, violence, and self-expression. It is clear that the singer feels deeply disconnected from society and is willing to fight back in a dramatic way. The lyrics suggest that this violent behavior is the only way the singer can feel alive and validated, even if it ultimately leads to their own destruction.
Line by Line Meaning
all out violence from creators within
Intense aggression and brutality that comes from within oneself.
and a cleansing slate rehearsed to inflect
A desire to start anew and take aggressive actions.
dehumanized ambition for keeping safe
A drive fueled by cold rationality and detachment to ensure personal safety.
fierce rejectors behest of the voices
The determination to reject societal norms and follow one's own voice.
evaluate the value of living without being alive
Contemplating whether it is possible to exist without truly feeling alive.
prevailing atomic outcast
An outsider who is able to overcome and dominate those around them.
blacklisted from their social sifting law to protect
Excluded and discriminated against by the standards society uses to maintain order and security.
discarded catalyst
A powerful force that has been cast aside and ignored.
a cutthroat in the making to unleash carnage
A person soon to become ruthless and violent.
escaping the fate
Avoiding the inevitable path that others believe is predetermined.
forging inspiration in the knife to isolate
Finding motivation and creativity in solitude and violence.
silver linings silver settings
Positive aspects and situations that arise despite the negative circumstances.
enticed from salutations and the siren noise
Tempted and drawn in by flattering words and attractive distractions.
every enemy is an antidote
One's enemies can actually serve as a cure or solution to problems they face.
Contributed by Hannah G. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@AndrewCCleverley
This song stands alongside the greats as a perfect metal track.
In 2020, Himsa would be fucking huge. They should have been back in 2008.
@coilover2005
Dude, we need this in 2021! I hate comparing them to ANYONE but I gotta say, they reminded me of a young, extremely high energy offset of Pantera!
@prelude2pain
I was just listening to this song today thinking I miss these guys and I wish I had got to see them live!
@Snowblood89
Himsa was such a great band! They would be so huge if this stuff came out now.
@heavymetalcompilations4784
One of the best albums ever
@dustinjones1120
I wish Himsa and many other bands were still around...
@zipshot
I love this band so much.
@doobsmcgee
Holy hell, has it really been a year since I wrote that? Time sure flies... Anyway, glad I could help :) Kalmah and Mors Principium Est are still two of my favorite bands.
@TXhooligan6
I can't stop loving this.
@TheRedBeard5354
you can always count on Himsa to make great videos