KEN mode is a metal/hardcore infused noise rock band from Winnipeg, Canada.… Read Full Bio ↴KEN mode is a metal/hardcore infused noise rock band from Winnipeg, Canada.

Kill Everyone Now mode. KEN mode: an ethos legendary Black Flag frontman Henry Rollins would use to describe the band’s state of mind while taking the stage for the endless touring cycle of their genre defying classic album ‘My War’. This proved to be the psychological foundation and attitude for the project Royal Conservatory of Music trained brothers Jesse Matthewson, B.Comm (Hons) and Shane Matthewson CA/CPA, B. Comm (Hons), would dedicate their entire adult lives to, seeing them spread a manic form of metal and hardcore infused noise rock across the globe.

Cutting their teeth in the early aughts, when chaotic hardcore was at its peak, KEN mode would find breakout underground notoriety with a quintet of critically acclaimed records in the 2010’s, working with a who’s who of metal and hardcore producers in Kurt Ballou (Converge) for their Venerable LP (2011), Matt Bayles (Botch, Isis) for Entrench (2013), Steve Albini (Nirvana, The Jesus Lizard) for Success (2015), and Andrew Schneider (Unsane, Cave In) for Loved (2018), all while maintaining an unrelenting tour schedule with such acts as Russian Circles, Torche, Deafheaven, Norma Jean, Kylesa, Pelican, Daughters, Revocation, Full of Hell, Inter Arma, Today is the Day, Birds In Row, and more; along with seeing them hit a multitude of major festivals like SXSW, Hellfest Open Air, CMJ Festival, Pitchfork Festival Chicago, Hopscotch Festival, and Roadburn Festival; and doing live sessions for renowned institutions such as BBC Radio 1 and Daytrotter.

Blessed
KEN mode Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

We can play this game a little bit longer, but we all know we're not really welcome here.
Handfuls of proverbial shit tossed over and over against that same proverbial wall, willing heads mashing it in; this stubborn battering ram of perpetual loss.
Thank you for
humoring it, though nobody should condone this.
We're blessed.
That enraged feline knows what's coming one last time before our place is set back behind that big black desk.
A walking parody in black jeans and the seventy mile strut.
There's something to be said for that

old underdog tale of woe; but very rarely do the full stories fulfill your hearts desires.

We're blessed.

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of KEN mode’s song “Blessed” seem to reflect on the feeling of not belonging, and the frustration that comes with it. The first two lines display a sentiment of defiance, as though the singer is willing to play along with the rules, but knows that their presence isn’t really wanted. The following lines use provocative language to describe the feeling of being stuck in a frustrating situation, where you’re constantly battering against the walls but going nowhere. Despite this, the singer expresses gratitude towards their companions for humoring them, but does agree that the behavior should not be excused.

The next lines call to mind the image of an angry cat, seemingly knowing that danger is coming, juxtaposed with the image of a person who is trying to embody something that they are not, all in pursuit of success. There is something to be said for the classic underdog story, but the singer seems to suggest that these stories do not always end happily. Despite all of this, the singer states that they are blessed, which could be interpreted as a sarcastic jab at the situation, or a recognition that despite everything, they have some kind of advantage or privilege.

Overall, the lyrics of “Blessed” give voice to a feeling of frustration and isolation, while also exploring the complex emotions that come with trying to succeed in a world that may not be welcoming. The use of vivid, confrontational imagery creates a sense of intensity, making it clear that the singer is not content to be dismissed and ignored.

Line by Line Meaning

We can play this game a little bit longer, but we all know we're not really welcome here.
We understand that we are unwelcome here, but we choose to continue this game regardless.

Handfuls of proverbial shit tossed over and over against that same proverbial wall, willing heads mashing it in; this stubborn battering ram of perpetual loss.
We are constantly facing setbacks and difficulties, and despite our efforts, we cannot break through the barriers that hold us back.

Thank you for humoring it, though nobody should condone this.
We appreciate you tolerating our behavior, but we acknowledge that it may not be acceptable.

We're blessed.
Despite the challenges we face, we are grateful for what we have.

That enraged feline knows what's coming one last time before our place is set back behind that big black desk.
We are aware of the impending consequences and what we must face before retreating back to our previous situation.

A walking parody in black jeans and the seventy mile strut.
We realize that we may come across as ridiculous or exaggerated in our appearance and behavior.

There's something to be said for that old underdog tale of woe; but very rarely do the full stories fulfill your hearts desires.
We recognize the appeal of the classic story of overcoming adversity, but often real life does not have a perfect ending that meets our expectations.

We're blessed.
Despite the difficulties we face, we remain grateful for our blessings.

Contributed by Benjamin I. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

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