Lazarus A.D. are an American thrash metal band that formed in the frozen tu… Read Full Bio ↴Lazarus A.D. are an American thrash metal band that formed in the frozen tundra of southeastern Wisconsin in the spring of 2005 by Dan Gapen (guitars & backup vocals), Jeff Paulick (bass & lead vocals), Alex Lackner (guitars) and Ryan Shutler (drums). Lazarus A.D. redefine the phrase “alcoholism and aggression” in music. They subject metalheads to furious nights of head banging while drinking venues dry. Have no doubts that Lazarus A.D. is a thrash band, but merely in attitude as their sound is no simple throwback to the '80s bay area sound. They breathe a breath of fresh air into modern thrash with intelligent, memorable riffs, mid-tempo grooves and high-flying solos.

In a few short years, Lazarus A.D. has accomplished more than they ever expected. In the small city of Kenosha, WI, the fire began to spread quickly. Fueled only by a free three song demo, the guys played as much as possible and landed a big break in the summer of 2006 when they had the honor of being direct support for the legendary Anthrax in Milwaukee. They continued to tour the midwest throughout the summer and fall and finally began work on their first full length album in January of 2007. Recorded and engineered by Chris Djuricic (Soil, November’s Doom, Michael Angelo Batio) at Studio One, and mastered by James Murphy (ex Death, Testament), The Onslaught was a force to be reckoned with. The band hit the road again and stretched out as far as Denver, CO. The buzz about their live performances continued to grow. It wasn’t long before Lazarus A.D. was approached by Earache Records for an upcoming metal compilation. Last Breath was one of the 16 songs chosen to appear on Thrashing Like A Maniac, and they were the only unsigned band on the entire compilation!

In the spring of 2008, Lazarus A.D. received a call from Metal Blade Records, and a short time later, their deal had been inked. The Onslaught was remixed by James Murphy and is set to finally see a worldwide release through Metal Blade Records. The future has never been brighter for Lazarus A.D. and plans for vigorous touring are already in the works, as well as the opening slot for Testament in Milwaukee on August 1st, 2008! Expect to hear the name Lazarus A.D. a lot more in the coming months, and as always, be sure to THRASH OR DIE!

On Sunday May 17th 2015 drummer Ryan Shutler passed away. Details surrounding his death have not been disclosed, though it's being said that a heart attack may have been to blame.

Who I Really Am
Lazarus A.D. Lyrics

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Get on your knees and pray
You're crumbling away
What would you say?
If I said you'll die today
The evil in my vein
It causes so much pain
But if you took my life
What would I gain?

My mind is so confused
Twisted and abused
What have you got?
What can you lose?
I'll keep you safe and sound
Your ankles and wrists bound
Buried deep six feet underground

A rigid dagger ripping through you flesh
I'll burn the blackness pumping in your chest
A curse from hell upon your family's name
For what you've done to me you shall be
Slain

I can feel the hatred in my eyes
Piercing through your soul
Foolish man don't you know
You can never get control
I will crush you
Tear you apart
Show you who I really am
Look deep inside yourself and see
You're a lesser man

Get on your knees and pray
You're crumbling away
What would you say?
If I said you'll die today
The evil in my vein
It causes so much pain

But if you took my life
What would I gain?

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of "Who I Really Am" by Lazarus A.D. are from the perspective of a person consumed by an overwhelming hatred and a desire for revenge. The singer of the song is bitter and consumed by anger over some wrongdoing committed against them by another person or group. The lyrics suggest an inclination towards violence and revenge, with lines such as "If I said you'll die today" and "A curse from hell upon your family's name."

The song speaks to the theme of self-discovery and identity, as the singer questions their own motivations and the impact that their violent tendencies will have on their own life. The lyrics "But if you took my life, what would I gain?" suggest a sense of self-awareness and even regret, acknowledging that the desire for revenge and violence is ultimately destructive.

Overall, the lyrics of "Who I Really Am" by Lazarus A.D. are dark and intense, exploring themes of vengeance, violence, and the corrosive impact of hatred.

Line by Line Meaning

Get on your knees and pray
Submit to me and plead for mercy

You're crumbling away
Your resistance is weakening

What would you say?
How would you react?

If I said you'll die today
If I told you that your life ends now

The evil in my vein
The malice that courses through me

It causes so much pain
It inflicts great suffering

But if you took my life
Yet if you were to kill me

What would I gain?
What would be accomplished?

My mind is so confused
My thoughts are jumbled and chaotic

Twisted and abused
Twisted and tormented

What have you got?
What power do you possess?