In 2003 the aforementioned 1992 recordings were unearthed and released under the title Unfinished Business. Additionally, the band is officially reunited, with a new lineup as shown below, and a new album, Barely Human, released in 2004.
With 4/5 of the classic MELIAH RAGE lineup in tow, the group set out to release The Deep and Dreamless Sleep through Screaming Ferret Wreckords in 2006. This darker set of eight tracks offered more tempo variation and textural experimentation than much of the band's prior work, allowing the disc to remain a unique standout amidst their continually-expanding discography. The outfit's second U.S. tour with Metal Church would follow in support of the album, and MELIAH RAGE has been going strong ever since.
Over a decade later, Divebomb Records is excited to once more join forces with MELIAH RAGE for this revamped reissue of The Deep and Dreamless Sleep. Completely remixed and remastered by Peter Rutcho for vastly improved sound quality, this edition breathes new life into one of the band's most underrated albums. The packaging will also include full lyrics—transcribed for the first time ever—a retrospective interview with Nichols and Souza, as well as added commentary from Rutcho. For the fans, by the fans!
In the mid-2000s, legendary Boston power thrashers MELIAH RAGE found themselves prepped to create a brand new album with all five original members in tow. Drummer Stuart Dowie had returned for 2006's The Deep and Dreamless Sleep, and even fan-favorite vocalist Mike Munro had agreed to find time amidst his family commitments to join up for one more album. Bassist Jesse Johnson ultimately decided to step aside, however, at which point the band brought in Darren Lourie—formerly of Triphammer/Every Second—to complete the lineup.
Realizing in retrospect that The Deep and Dreamless Sleep may have been overly mid-paced and one-sided, chief songwriter Anthony Nichols set out to write the group's most guitar-centric album to date—slightly thrashier, and with an occasionally increased emphasis on dual guitar harmonies. Produced by WARGASM's Rich Spillberg and featuring a guest vocal appearance from then-METAL CHURCH frontman Ronny Munroe on "Last Rites," the result was Masquerade: a nearly hour-long return to form for MELIAH RAGE.
Unfortunately, Screaming Ferret Wreckords was on the decline, so the album was merely released as a CD-R and without a sufficient promotional presence. The band only performed a small handful of shows with Munro back on the mic—among them opening for ANVIL at the House of Blues in Boston—but this brief reunion still satisfied longtime fans, both live and on record.
Now, nearly a decade later, Divebomb Records is proud to partner with MELIAH RAGE for this reissue of Masquerade: finally on proper CD for the first time ever! Newly remastered by Peter Rutcho, this edition also features complete lyrics, as well as a retrospective interview with guitarist Anthony Nichols. For the fans, by the fans!
Crow
Meliah Rage Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I think I'll fly awhile
Escape the demons escape it all
Take on a new style
Give in to the darker side
Let the rivers flow
Rip it up raise some hell
Fall from grace fall from glory
I saw it coming in my mind's eye
Fall from grace fall from glory
How many times does a dead man have to die
Are you crazy are you lost
Nothing seems the same
Search your heart search your soul
Can't find the things you need
Consumed by a lying world
Never turn your back
Flying higher seek and conquer
Feel the crow's attack
Fall from grace fall from glory
I saw it coming in my mind's eye
Fall from grace fall from glory
How many times does a dead man have to die
The lyrics to Meliah Rage's "Crow" describe the feelings of loneliness and being used, prompting the desire to escape from it all. The singer decides to embrace the darker side of themselves, letting themselves be consumed by the rivers of darkness and chaos, which leads them to fly with the crows. The song speaks of the inevitability of falling from grace and losing one's glory, as witnessed by the singer in their mind's eye. This fall can happen numerous times and can be equated to death. The lyrics highlight the struggle of trying to find oneself in a lying world and the need to keep searching.
The words "fall from grace" and "fall from glory" convey the idea of losing one's identity, status or achievement. The song speaks of how people search for things they need, yet they are seldom found. The imagery of a bird soaring in the air and the metaphor of flying with the crows provide a sense of release, even if it is temporary. The symbolism of crows in the song could be interpreted in different ways, some may see the birds as harbingers of death, while others may see them as birds possessing wisdom.
Overall, the song "Crow" by Meliah Rage portrays the journey of a lonely and dispirited individual who finds solace in accepting the darker side of themselves, even though the ultimate outcome is unknown.
Line by Line Meaning
Feeling lonely feeling used
Feeling isolated and manipulated
I think I'll fly awhile
Seeking temporary escape and freedom
Escape the demons escape it all
Fleeing from inner turmoil and distress
Take on a new style
Adopting a different persona or approach
Give in to the darker side
Surrendering to negative impulses and thoughts
Let the rivers flow
Allowing emotions to run freely
Rip it up raise some hell
Causing chaos and destruction
You're flying with the crows
Running with those who embody negativity
Fall from grace fall from glory
Losing status, dignity, and respect
I saw it coming in my mind's eye
Predicting the decline and downfall
How many times does a dead man have to die
Asking how many failures and losses are needed before giving up completely
Are you crazy are you lost
Questioning one's sanity and direction in life
Nothing seems the same
Feeling disoriented and disconnected
Search your heart search your soul
Seeking inner guidance and wisdom
Can't find the things you need
Unable to fulfill personal desires and aspirations
Consumed by a lying world
Overwhelmed by a deceitful and corrupt environment
Never turn your back
Remaining vigilant and cautious
Flying higher seek and conquer
Striving for power and domination
Feel the crow's attack
Experiencing the consequences of negative actions and behavior
Contributed by Liliana F. Suggest a correction in the comments below.