With heavy-hitters like Himsa and Champion leading the way, striving to be … Read Full Bio ↴With heavy-hitters like Himsa and Champion leading the way, striving to be a successful, up-and-coming hardcore band in the Pacific Northwest these days is no easy task. Some might even say it’s a fruitless endeavor. Inked In Blood however, begs to differ. The boys of IIB refuse to back down to their predecessors and like a stubborn bulldog that fights when the odds are stacked against it, they proceed in the face of adversity.

In the Spring of 2004, Inked In Blood dropped a melodic hardcore bomb on an unsuspecting public with their release of the “Awakening Vesuvius” EP. It starts off with a little taste of the old school and then proceeds to become a melodic, metal masterpiece. With lyrics that reach far beyond the typical “teen angst” issues, IIB strives to reach their audiences with concepts such as humility, humanity, compassion and life as process, not as product. Critics say that Inked In Blood’s “Awakening Vesuvius” is five songs of pure energy, emotion, and in-your-face aggression and is easily one of the most intelligent, inspiring and hard-hitting releases to ever hit the streets of Portland. No doubt IIB has become the foam on the leading edge of the new hardcore swell.

With their motto of “hit ‘em hard and hit ‘em fast” Inked In Blood brings their most amazing attribute to the table; their live performance. If attending an IIB show, be prepared to be floored by acrobatic stage antics with plenty of finger-points, pileups and breakdowns. An intense combination of movie samples and slam poetry also help to give Inked In Blood a one of a kind show that leaves their audiences speechless.

So if you think you’ve heard all that hardcore has to offer and have found it lacking then look no further than Inked In Blood. They have raised the standard and destroyed the norm. They will fill your heart and mind with conviction, passion and hope. They will change what hardcore is today and what it will be tomorrow. For fans of Shai Halud, Misery Signals, Strongarm, As I Lay Dying and Seven Angels Seven Plagues.

With Devils
Inked In Blood Lyrics

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One at a time we're taking a bow. I feel as though there is someone else here; poisoning us from the inside out. I see no future, only here and now. Each passing moment-a lifetime. Why can't breathing just be easy-even when you're on your way out? I am falling short of white blood cells. My count is down-my time is up. There is weight on my chest, a push of air from the lips. Straining to sleep must be like begging for your life. One at a time we're taking a bow. It looks like we have been followed. I thought I said to come alone. I can see less of myself now, and more of what's replaced me. (I am) conscious of the cessation of life. Why can't breathing just be easy-even when you're on your way out? I am falling short of white blood cells. My count is down-my time is up. I have dropped off the face of the earth. The birds of prey-they are awake (they are awake). The birds of prey-they are awake (they have been feasting on us for days). The birds of prey-they are awake (they are awake). The birds of prey-they are awake

Overall Meaning

The song "With Devils" by Inked in Blood contains dark and evocative lyrics that speak about somebody who is facing their inevitable fate. The opening line of "One at a time we're taking a bow" gives us a sense of a final farewell, as if we're taking a bow after a performance or at the end of life. The singer then describes the feeling of being poisoned from the inside out, as if there's something sinister at work that's causing their health to decline rapidly.

As the song progresses, we learn about the singer's struggle to breathe and the physical symptoms that they're experiencing. They describe their white blood cell count decreasing and a weight on their chest, which gives the impression that they're struggling to stay alive. The repeated line of "Why can't breathing just be easy - even when you're on your way out?" highlights the singer's struggle to come to terms with their inevitable death.

The final lines of the song are particularly chilling, as the singer mentions being replaced by something else. The repeated line of "The birds of prey - they are awake" gives the impression that there's a sense of danger and something predatory lurking around them. Overall, the song is a powerful and raw portrayal of somebody trying to come to terms with their own mortality.

Line by Line Meaning

One at a time we're taking a bow.
We are facing our inevitable end one by one, and accepting it gracefully.

I feel as though there is someone else here; poisoning us from the inside out.
I suspect an unseen force is slowly destroying us from within.

I see no future, only here and now. Each passing moment-a lifetime.
I can't envision what's beyond the present moment, which feels like an eternity.

Why can't breathing just be easy-even when you're on your way out?
Even in death, why does the simple act of breathing have to be such a struggle?

I am falling short of white blood cells. My count is down-my time is up.
My immune system is failing me, and my days are numbered.

There is weight on my chest, a push of air from the lips. Straining to sleep must be like begging for your life.
The physical toll of my illness is suffocating, and even restful sleep feels like a desperate and futile plea for survival.

It looks like we have been followed. I thought I said to come alone.
We are being pursued, despite explicit instructions to avoid any interference.

I can see less of myself now, and more of what's replaced me.
I am losing my sense of identity as the illness takes over, and am becoming defined by my affliction instead.

(I am) conscious of the cessation of life.
I am acutely aware of the impending end of my existence.

I have dropped off the face of the earth.
I have become isolated and withdrawn from the world due to my illness.

The birds of prey-they are awake (they are awake).
The predators that have been circling us have become more alert and active.

The birds of prey-they are awake (they have been feasting on us for days).
The predatory creatures have been preying on us relentlessly for some time now, and their hunger is insatiable.

The birds of prey-they are awake (they are awake).
The predators continue to be aware and vigilant.

Contributed by Alice Y. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

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