After experimenting with a variety of music styles, such as futurepop with Icon of Coil, as well as electro and industrial with "Combichrist", LaPlegua furthered his sound by increasing the aggressiveness of both his lyrical content and his music. Whereas Icon Of Coil and Combichrist are both pure electronica, Panzer AG combines elements of hard rock, gospel music and symphonic metal. The result was the full-length album, "This is My Battlefield" on the Metropolis Records label. The album explores the topic of corruption in government and society in a harsh and satirical manner which successfully sets Panzer AG apart from other bands in the genre.
Panzer AG followed up the success of 2004's "This is my Battlefield" with the album "Your World is Burning", released in 2006. In style, it departs somewhat from "This is My Battlefield". It is said to incorporate "more of a 'Pretty Hate Machine era' industrial rock feel."
Official website: www.myspace.com/panzerag
Paper Angels
Panzer AG Lyrics
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Bringing your candy, satisfaction guaranteed
There's war, that's what we men are built for
I am entertainment, I bring the battle to your door
Old machines marching through your streets
Sound of steel tearing through your body
How does it feel now that I am in control?
I never wanted
I never needed
Anything like this before
I never wanted
I never needed
Anything like this before
Look at me - who's your daddy now?
Bringing your candy, satisfaction guaranteed
There's war, that's what we men are built for
I am entertainment, I bring the battle to your door
I love your guns, uh-uh
Well, I need the freedom
I'm free but I'm still owned
I love your guns, uh-uh, that's right
Bloodstained suits!
Wargasm stereo!
We're the kings of filth and fire of gore
Assassination of free will
Off to a camp, fleeing a dirty war
I live in dirt, come on
I never wanted
I never needed
Anything like this before
I never wanted
I never needed
Anything like this before
I never wanted
I never needed
Anything like this before
I never wanted
I never needed
I love your guns, uh-uh
I love your guns, uh-uh, that's right
I never wanted
I never needed
Anything like this before
I never wanted
I never needed
Anything like this before
I never wanted
I never needed
Anything like this before
I never wanted
I never needed
Anything like this before
I never wanted
I never needed
Anything like this before
I never wanted
I never needed
Anything like this before
I never wanted
I never needed
I never wanted
I never needed
Anything like this before
The lyrics of Panzer AG's "Paper Angels" delve into the dark world of war, violence, and power. The main theme of the song is the idea that humans, particularly men, are built for war, and it is their entertainment. The opening line "Look at me - who's your daddy now?" suggests a lust for power and domination. The song then goes on to describe the horrors of war with lines such as "Sound of steel tearing through your body" and "Assassination of free will." The lyrics also touch on the idea of being owned, represented by the line "I'm free but I'm still owned.β This can be interpreted as being free in terms of not being tied to a particular country, but still owned by the instinct to fight and conquer. The repeated chorus highlights the idea that the singer had no desire for this type of lifestyle before but now has become consumed by it.
The song is a commentary on the military-industrial complex and how it perpetuates and profits from war. The line "Bringing your candy, satisfaction guaranteed" suggests that this lifestyle is being sold as something enjoyable and worthwhile. The reference to "paper angels" could allude to the promises of peace and protection that are often given to individuals signed up for military service. However, in reality, the promises of peace only exist on paper and are not fulfilled.
Overall, the song highlights the darker aspects of war and the glorification of violence in our society. It suggests that humans have an inherent instinct to fight and conquer, which is being exploited by those in power. In a way, the song is a call to action to recognize and fight against this cycle of violence and destruction.
Line by Line Meaning
Look at me - who's your daddy now?
Panzer AG wants to establish dominance over the listener by asking them whoβs in charge
Bringing your candy, satisfaction guaranteed
Panzer AG is manipulating the listener with empty promises and material possessions
There's war, that's what we men are built for
Panzer AG is propagating toxic masculinity and glorifying conflict as a means of self-identification
I am entertainment, I bring the battle to your door
Panzer AG is treating war and violence as a form of entertainment, and aims to make it easily accessible to the listener
Old machines marching through your streets
Panzer AG is referencing the militarization and ominous presence of authority figures
Sound of steel tearing through your body
Panzer AG is hinting at the physical and emotional toll that warfare can have
How does it feel now that I am in control?
Panzer AG is toying with the listener by assuming authority and control over them
How does it feel now that I am you?
Panzer AG is attempting to re-write the listener's identity to align with their toxic beliefs
I never wanted
Panzer AG admits that their desire for war and violence is unnatural, but pursue it anyway
I never needed
Panzer AG suggests that war and violence are not necessary for personal growth or fulfillment
Anything like this before
Panzer AG recognizes the unprecedented nature of their actions, but continue with it regardless
I love your guns, uh-uh
Panzer AG is demonstrating an unhealthy love and admiration for weapons
Well, I need the freedom
Panzer AG is distancing themselves from the consequences of their actions, by claiming that their actions are done in the name of freedom
I'm free but I'm still owned
Panzer AG is recognizing the irony and falsehood of their previous statement - that their supposed freedom is still under the control of something external to them
Bloodstained suits!
Panzer AG is glorifying violence and warfare by using it as a source of power and success
Wargasm stereo!
Panzer AG is using war as a way of sexualizing and glorifying it. They are treating the listener as an audience in this lustful exertion of power and violence.
We're the kings of filth and fire of gore
Panzer AG is using gruesome and violent language to describe themselves, and perhaps put forward a quasi-heroic image
Assassination of free will
Panzer AG is recognizing (perhaps sarcastically) their own role in taking away freedom and individualism from others
Off to a camp, fleeing a dirty war
Panzer AG is potentially referencing concentration camps or other internment facilities created during wartime, and hinting at the horrors associated with them
I live in dirt, come on
Panzer AG is highlighting the grunginess and brutality associated with war, and urges the listener to join in on that experience
Contributed by Carter O. Suggest a correction in the comments below.