2002 saw the departure of Andrecht and the release of the sophomore album Ruined. The aggressive album led Phelps to recruit Sam P. and Jason DM of Los Angeles based Pulse Legion to complete the live line-up. Shortly thereafter, the growing band completed its first North American tour.
In 2004 Imperative Reaction unleashed Redemption. This album combined the rock feel of Ruined with a more club friendly sound which helped propel the first single “Giving In To The Change” to become a dance floor staple. Jason DM was replaced on keys by Clint Carney (System Syn, God Module) and the band set out on its second North American tour. The Redemption tour led to an invitation to join VNV Nation as direct support for their 2005 Formation Tour. Over the course of 36 shows Imperative Reaction transformed itself into a celebrated live act in front of over 25,000 fans.
As We Fall , released in 2006, was met with universal acclaim. Imperative Reaction joined EBM legends Covenant on their successful Skyshaper US tour. Shortly thereafter, IR was asked to join VNV Nation on their European Judgment Tour. Upon returning to the US, the band was picked to open for Combichrist on their 2007 North American tour. Further solidifying themselves as one of the premier electronic live acts, IR returned home to Los Angeles just in time to head out with psychobilly giants, Tiger Army on their US Razor’s Kiss Tour. The desire to expand and strengthen the live show led Phelps to hire Trevor Friedrich (Combichrist, Eighteen Visions, Suffer Well) to drum for the band.
In 2008, Imperative Reaction released Minus All and embarked on its most ambitious headlining tour to date. Shortly after the completion of the tour the band added guitarist/keyboardist Adam Vex (Seraphim Shock) and the live chemistry was solidified once and for all.
In 2009, the band took time off from writing to hit the road with fellow Metropolis Records artist, Psyclon Nine. The co-headlining tour, named "The Ruina Tour", saw the bands playing to capacity crowds across the US.
2010 was spent holed up in the studio creating the band’s most ambitious album to date. Imperative Reaction is an electronic rock masterpiece that showcases a band in its prime; ready to blow any preconceived notions out of the water. There is no escape.
without
Imperative Reaction Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
How do I make you understand
For all these years now
I've been telling the truth
I'll always be here
I'll never leave
I'll never turn away
I know it doesn't matter what you say
It shows in everything I'm not
I try to reach through
I try to make you see
I'm lost here alone
Without you
How can I withstand this
How do I make it on my own
For all this time now
All I've known is you
And I'll wait forever
If it means you'll finally find a way
To see I'll never change, never break
This I won't forsake
Hold on, I won't let us fall apart
The song "Without" by Imperative Reaction is a song about a person who is deeply in love with someone and is willing to do anything to make them see the truth about their feelings. The lyrics express the frustration and desperation of the singer to make the person understand how much they care and that they mean what they say. The singer promises to always be present and not to leave or turn away from the person. They also assure them that they will make them believe in their love.
The person whom the singer loves seems to be oblivious to their true feelings, and their words and actions show that they do not care. The singer feels lost and alone without this person and tries everything to make them understand. They want to reach out to the person, but it seems futile. The singer is willing to wait forever for the person to understand the depth of their love and devotion.
The lyrics encapsulate the intensity of emotions and the struggle in a one-sided love affair. The singer is trying to make the person see the truth about their love, but it appears to be an impossible task. The song evokes an intense sadness and longing that makes it a powerful and relatable piece for anyone who has experienced unrequited love.
Line by Line Meaning
How can I make you see
I'm struggling to communicate something important to you and I'm not sure how to get through to you.
How do I make you understand
I'm having trouble finding words that will help you grasp the meaning behind my message.
For all these years now
I've been trying to express this for a long time, but nothing seems to be getting through.
I've been telling the truth
I'm being completely honest with you, even if it's difficult to express or accept.
I'll always be here
I will never abandon you, no matter what happens in our lives.
I'll never leave
I'm committed to always being a part of your life, even when things get tough.
I'll never turn away
I won't abandon you or leave you alone to face difficulties on your own.
I'll make you believe
I will do everything in my power to help you understand and believe the truth of my words.
I know it doesn't matter what you say
Your words and opinions don't change the truth of what I'm trying to say to you.
It shows in everything I'm not
My struggle to communicate effectively with you is apparent in the things I'm not able to express or achieve.
I try to reach through
I'm making an effort to connect with you and help you see things from my perspective.
I try to make you see
I'm working hard to help you understand the importance and meaning behind my words.
I'm lost here alone
Without your understanding and support, I feel adrift and disconnected from you.
Without you
The lack of connection between us is causing pain and hardship for me, and I need you to understand this.
How can I withstand this
The challenge of being unheard and misunderstood by you is very difficult for me to endure.
How do I make it on my own
Without your understanding and support, I'm not sure I can handle this on my own.
All I've known is you
Our relationship has been a defining aspect of my life for a long time, and it's hard to imagine navigating life without you.
And I'll wait forever
I'm willing to be patient and persistent in trying to help you understand and believe what I'm saying to you.
If it means you'll finally find a way
I'm willing to do whatever it takes to help you understand and see the truth of my words.
To see I'll never change, never break
I want you to understand that I'm steadfast and committed to this truth, and I won't compromise or waver in my beliefs.
This I won't forsake
I'm not willing to give up on this message or on our relationship, even when it's hard.
Hold on, I won't let us fall apart
I'm committed to holding onto our relationship and keeping it strong, even when things are difficult or unclear.
Contributed by Joshua F. Suggest a correction in the comments below.