During the band's early years, In Flames had a varying group of musicians recording with them, including many session musicians. By the release of Colony (1999), the group had established a stable lineup. Their sixth studio album Reroute to Remain (2002) showed the band moving toward a newer style of music that moved further away from melodic death metal and closer to alternative metal. This decision was criticized by fans of the group's heavier metal sound; however, it increased the band's mainstream audience and bolstered their album sales. As of 2008, In Flames has sold over two million records worldwide.
Since the band's inception, In Flames have released thirteen studio albums, three EPs, and two live DVDs, their latest release being their thirteenth studio album I, the Mask in 2019. In Flames has been nominated for three Grammis Awards. They won two of these nominations; one for Soundtrack to Your Escape (2004) in the "Hard Rock/Metal of the Year" category, and one nomination for their following album Come Clarity (2006) in the same category.
Colony
In Flames Lyrics
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In my world, there is an absence of light
"Genetic superior cell" controlled
By fathomless and unbearable
A radical new form of plastic and rage
Biologically optimized
But with a strangling pulse
In your world, you find me worthy
In my world, I "parashoot" my life
A virtual drugstore populated
By the fathomless and unbearable
Machine, meat and blood
In an intimate relationship
The new - superior -
More effective than all the preceding
Where we can no longer
Cry and reality is torn
Then it´s easy to forget
That the responsibility lies on us all
In your world, the night is no threat
In my world, the darkness
Transforms to a vision of hell
Populated by fathomless and unbearable
The opening lines of "Colony" reveal to the listener the stark contrast between the singer's world and the world of another. In the singer's world, the day poses no danger, but it is also devoid of light. The phrase "genetic superior cell" hints at a sinister undertone - this world is one in which biological modifications and manipulation are prevalent. The lines "a radical new form of plastic and rage, biologically optimized, but with a strangling pulse" further underscore the unease and anxiety of this dystopian society. The use of the word "rage" implies a sense of violence or aggression lurking beneath the surface of the genetic alterations being carried out.
The next stanza provides a glimpse into the life of the singer, who has resorted to living on the fringes of society in a world where drugs and other forms of escapism are readily available. The line "machine, meat, and blood in an intimate relationship" conjures an image of cyborgs or transhuman individuals who are fused with technology. The idea of a "new - superior - more effective" type of human hints at an obsession with efficiency and progress that could soon spiral out of control.
The final lines of the song paint a picture of a world in decay, where reality is crumbling and the darkness is terrifying. The phrase "populated by fathomless and unbearable" conveys a sense of hopelessness and despair, as if the singer is trapped in a nightmare from which there is no escape. The song as a whole speaks to our fears about the consequences of unchecked technological progress and the potential for society to veer off course.
Line by Line Meaning
In my world, the day is no threat
The singer's world is not threatened by the passing of time.
In my world, there is an absence of light
The singer's world is dark and devoid of hope.
"Genetic superior cell" controlled
Human beings think they're biologically superior but are still controlled by their environment.
By fathomless and unbearable
The environment is vast and overwhelming.
A radical new form of plastic and rage
There is a new and intense form of human emotion.
Biologically optimized
Human beings have evolved to their current state.
But with a strangling pulse
This evolution is causing harm and suffering.
In your world, you find me worthy
The artist is accepted by society.
In my world, I "parashoot" my life
The artist takes risks and lives dangerously.
A virtual drugstore populated
The world is full of distractions and empty pleasures.
Machine, meat and blood
Humans are a mixture of biological and mechanical elements.
In an intimate relationship
These elements are intertwined and inseparable.
The new - superior -
The latest advancements in technology and society are considered superior.
More effective than all the preceding
These advancements have surpassed all that came before.
Where we can no longer
When we are unable to
Cry and reality is torn
When we are emotionally overwhelmed and faced with a harsh truth.
Then it´s easy to forget
It becomes easy to ignore our responsibility.
That the responsibility lies on us all
We are all responsible for our society and its shortcomings.
In your world, the night is no threat
The darkness is not frightening in societies' view.
In my world, the darkness
But in the artist's view
Transforms to a vision of hell
It becomes a terrifying and overwhelming experience.
Populated by fathomless and unbearable
The overwhelming darkness is full of terrifying things beyond understanding.
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: ANDERS PAR FRIDEN, BJOERN INGVAR GELOTTE, JESPER CLAES HAAKAN STROEMBLAD
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind