The group wrote a six song album that was released originally on the small imprint Union Mill before being put out by Nottingham label Earache Records. Before the deal was made however guitarist Steve Watson was fired and replaced by Dean Berry. The band's second album Our Problem was released to high acclaim. The next release, We've Learned Nothing, was a split CD with Japanese doom metal band Church of Misery that was put out by Man's Ruin Records. In 1999 the band played the Dynamo Festival in the Netherlands and shortly after Jim Rushby left the band and was replaced by ex-Acrimony guitarist Stu O'Hara. However due to a variety of personal and industry problems the band split in September 1999.
Justin, Jim and Johnny went on to form the short-lived Armour of God while Dean, Doug and Stu formed Dukes of Nothing. Steve has played in Helvis. Johnny then formed My War and Murder One before suffering a fatal heart attack in the summer of 2002. Justin has since played in an array of bands that include Borknagar, Silver Ginger Five, Hard To Swallow (also with Jim), Teeth of Lions Rule the Divine, British doom titans Electric Wizard and now plays in Crippled Black Phoenix. Dean played for the underground post-doom / sludge group Capricorns (signed on Lee Dorrian's Rise Above Records), while Stu went on to play in Black Eye Riot. He's now playing with Acrimony members in a yet to be named stoner-groove outfit. Jim currently plays in Geriatric Unit. A live and rare tracks album entitled Ruined by Idiots was released in 2003 on Maniac Beast Records.
Bad Year
Iron Monkey Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
corpse's gettin' fuckin' colder
murder fraud
legacy of stench
freedoom is against the law
motherfuckin' on my tongue
scum fuck out pour of obscurity
murder fraud
flesh market our retch
murder fraud
death flow blood stain
self mutilation thru fire
quiet traumas
mass devotion
to highest symbol
annulated at request of recluse
alternation vile delusional
burnt found in fuckin' comatose position
The song "Bad Year" by Iron Monkey revolves around the theme of crime and punishment. The opening verses set the tone for the song, with the singer referring to murder and fraud, and the chilling aftermath of a cold corpse. The use of repetition in the lyrics reinforces their seriousness and the grim reality of these crimes.
The next verses delve further into this grim reality, with references to flesh markets and self-mutilation through fire, suggesting a world in which violence and brutality are rampant. The ambiguity of the lyrics, which at times are open to interpretation, heightens the sense of unease and discomfort in the listener.
The final verse touches upon the idea of society's symbols and traditions, and how these are often co-opted and perverted by those in power. The use of the phrase "alternation vile delusional" suggests a sense of disillusionment and a rejection of the status quo. The final line, "burnt found in fuckin' comatose position", could be interpreted as a commentary on the ultimate fate of those who defy societal norms and authority.
Line by Line Meaning
murder fraud
Referring to the corruption and criminal activities happening in the society
corpse's gettin' fuckin' colder
The increasing number of deaths resulting from crimes is becoming more apparent and alarming
legacy of stench
The past immoral actions of people are causing a negative impact on the society
freedoom is against the law
The concept of freedom is not being upheld properly and is being restricted by the law
motherfuckin' on my tongue
A strong expression of anger and frustration with the current situation
scum fuck out pour of obscurity
The unclear and confusing circumstances surrounding the crimes are frustrating and unacceptable
flesh market our retch
The selling and trading of human remains is sickening and disturbing
death flow blood stain
The violent and deadly actions of criminals are leaving a permanent mark on the society
self mutilation thru fire
The extreme and painful measures that some people resort to in order to deal with their problems
quiet traumas
The unspoken and hidden emotional pain that people are experiencing due to the crime and corruption
mass devotion to highest symbol
The blind faith and worship of a powerful authority or leader, which is causing more harm than good
annulated at request of recluse
People are being controlled and manipulated by those who try to stay hidden and unknown
alternation vile delusional
The twisted and false beliefs that are leading people to commit awful acts
burnt found in fuckin' comatose position
The evidence of a person burning alive and being left in a helpless position shows the extreme cruelty and lack of empathy in some individuals
Contributed by Michael H. Suggest a correction in the comments below.