Originally, they were a death/grind band called Bacterial Cancer, then Bacterial Disease. They changed their name to Phlebotomized and their style around 1990.
They reunited in 2013 and Immense Intense Suspense & Skycontact has been reissued as a double album in 2014.
Alternate Universe
Phlebotomized Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Nothing is ever really gone
As long as we remember... just remember
Eyes will be opened
Choices determine fate
Deceived by an alternate universe
Experiencing two lives at once
An inconceivable ordeal
With no resemblance yet (before me)
Encouragement to heal
Insight into what will come
It will not take freedom
Rather expand the parameter
Eyes will be opened
Choices determine fate
Cloud 4: Are You Ready?
Ignite the flames in a suicide mission
An assault carried out on the old me
Brutal months without it
Debris all over the place
Still in sight the result in
an alternate state of be
Still in sight the result in
an alternate state of be
Are you ready to feel the pain?
Are you ready to feel the same?
Are you ready to play this game?
Are you ready to break this chain?'
Cloud 5: Proper Course of Action
Try to make contact with what is left
By enhancing images of what used to be
Not able to accomplish contact
There is not much left to see...
No logical progression to the target
No consistency of method
Quarrel amongst themselves
Indiscriminate of its nature
The collective aim seems clear
To compete for dominance
Do not subscribe to these ideals
But yet the two understand each other
The resemblance is remarkable
The solution is at hand
Please send me home!
Please send me home!
Are you ready to feel the pain?
Are you ready to feel the same?
Are you ready to play this game?
Are you ready to break this chain?'
Are you ready?
The lyrics of Phlebotomized's "Alternate Universe" paint a vivid picture of duality, memory, and the philosophical struggle entwined within the concept of existence. The opening lines proclaim that nothing ever truly vanishes, emphasizing the idea that memory serves as a bridge between the past and the present. In the context of this song, memory acts as a conduit to experiences that continue to shape our lives. This notion of permanence amidst change suggests an intrinsic resilience; it posits that as long as we remember—whether joyous or painful—those experiences persist as part of our identity. The repeated call for awareness, in stating that "eyes will be opened" and "choices determine fate," reflects a powerful sentiment: consciousness and intentional action are fundamental in navigating the complexities of our experiences, suggesting that our decisions ultimately shape the future.
As we delve deeper into the depiction of an “alternate universe,” there emerges an exploration of parallel realities and the struggle between them. The soul is caught in a dissonant experience, grappling with the idea of living in two different states simultaneously—this is an “inconceivable ordeal” that underscores the existential alienation of the self. The contrast between what one might perceive versus what actually is can create profound psychological dissonance. However, the lyrics also indicate a pathway to healing, framing this struggle not as punitive but as an opportunity for growth. The line "it will not take freedom rather expand the parameter" implies that experiencing different facets of existence—or acknowledging the complexities of one’s identity—can lead to a richer, more nuanced understanding of freedom in life choices, rather than constraining it.
Transitioning into themes of personal transformation, the lyrics capture a stark confrontation with one's past selves. "Ignite the flames in a suicide mission" speaks to an aggressive overthrowing of previous identities that no longer serve or reflect who one has become. This figurative “assault” on the old self signifies not only a farewell to past pain but also a cathartic rebirth, albeit through a harsh and tumultuous process. The debris left in the wake of this transformation symbolizes the remnants of previous experiences that need to be cleared away to allow for new growth to emerge. The recurring question, “Are you ready?” acts as both a challenge and an invitation, compelling listeners to confront their own readiness to embrace this tumultuous journey of self-discovery, full of pain yet necessary for liberation.
The concluding sections of the song pivot towards a frantic search for connectivity amidst chaos, as the singer grapples with the remnants of their previous life. This search is frantic and unstructured, filled with the lingering shadows of memories that might not cohere into a tangible path forward. The line “there is not much left to see” emphasizes a sense of loss and fragmentation in the pursuit of understanding the self. As contradictions arise within the thrumming chaos—where the desire for connection battles with a lack of clarity—there emerges a collective struggle to reconcile and compete for dominance between these splintered identities. The urgent plea “Please send me home!” invokes a longing for safety and coherence, suggesting that navigating through alternate realities and confronting one's ghosts is a painful yet essential part of the journey toward authentic existence. Ultimately, the lyrics challenge the listener to acknowledge inner turmoil while striving for a coherent self, encouraging readiness to endure and transcend suffering to embrace healing and growth.
Line by Line Meaning
It is never goodbye
Partings are not final; connections and memories endure beyond the moment.
Nothing is ever really gone
All experiences and feelings linger in some form, never entirely disappearing from our consciousness.
As long as we remember... just remember
Our memories are powerful; as long as we keep recalling our past, it remains alive within us.
Eyes will be opened
Awareness will increase; we will gain clarity and understanding of our circumstances.
Choices determine fate
The decisions we make shape our future and the paths we take.
Cloud 3: Alternate Universe
The exploration of a different reality or perspective that diverges from the known one.
Deceived by an alternate universe
Misled by a different version of reality that challenges my perception of what is possible.
Experiencing two lives at once
Simultaneously living in contrasting realities, feeling the weight of both experiences.
An inconceivable ordeal
Enduring a situation that feels impossible to comprehend or manage.
With no resemblance yet (before me)
Facing a reality that seems unfamiliar and disconnected from my known experiences.
Encouragement to heal
Finding motivation to recover and move forward despite the challenges faced.
Insight into what will come
Gaining understanding of future possibilities and outcomes.
It will not take freedom
This experience will not strip away autonomy or personal liberty.
Rather expand the parameter
Instead, it will broaden the boundaries of what I can experience and understand.
Eyes will be opened
Awareness will increase once more; clarity will emerge from confusion.
Choices determine fate
Reiterating the idea that our decisions shape the future we inhabit.
Cloud 4: Are You Ready?
Preparing to confront the trials and reflections that lie ahead.
Ignite the flames in a suicide mission
Fueling the desire to embark on a self-destructive but transformative journey.
An assault carried out on the old me
A deliberate confrontation with my former self, seeking change and growth.
Brutal months without it
Enduring painful periods of absence and longing for a return to what was lost.
Debris all over the place
The aftermath of destruction and chaos that must be navigated to find clarity.
Still in sight the result in
Remaining aware of the potential outcomes that arise from this struggle.
an alternate state of be
Awareness of an existence that differs from the current state of living.
Still in sight the result in
Continuously recognizing the implications of the choices made.
an alternate state of be
Acknowledging the existence of possibilities that lie beyond the present.
Are you ready to feel the pain?
Preparing oneself for the emotional struggle that lies ahead.
Are you ready to feel the same?
Asking if one is prepared to revisit past emotions and experiences.
Are you ready to play this game?
Wondering if one is equipped to engage in the complexities of life.
Are you ready to break this chain?
Inquiring about readiness to liberate oneself from burdens and constraints.
Cloud 5: Proper Course of Action
Determining the right path to take in the midst of confusion.
Try to make contact with what is left
Attempting to reconnect with remnants of the past and what remains of my identity.
By enhancing images of what used to be
Revitalizing memories and experiences to create a clearer picture of the past.
Not able to accomplish contact
Struggling to truly engage with the remnants of my former self.
There is not much left to see...
Realizing the limitations of what remains, as many facets have faded away.
No logical progression to the target
Lacking a clear or reasonable path towards my desired goals.
No consistency of method
Experiencing randomness in approach, resulting in confusion and inefficiency.
Quarrel amongst themselves
Internal conflicts arise within, creating dissonance and disagreement.
Indiscriminate of its nature
These conflicts are chaotic, lacking direction or clear purpose.
The collective aim seems clear
Despite the chaos, an overarching goal becomes apparent.
To compete for dominance
The drive within creates a struggle for control and power over one's self and feelings.
Do not subscribe to these ideals
Refusing to accept these competing ideologies or ways of thinking.
But yet the two understand each other
Despite the differences, there exists a mutual comprehension between conflicting parts.
The resemblance is remarkable
There is an uncanny similarity between the opposing forces within me.
The solution is at hand
A remedy or resolution to my struggles is visibly within reach.
Please send me home!
Yearning for a return to a place of safety and belonging.
Please send me home!
A repeated plea for comfort and reconnection with my true self.
Are you ready to feel the pain?
Asking if one is prepared to confront the inevitable emotional hardships.
Are you ready to feel the same?
Preparing to revisit the raw emotions tied to past experiences.
Are you ready to play this game?
Inquiring if one is ready to engage with life's unpredictable challenges.
Are you ready to break this chain?
Questioning if there is the courage and determination to let go of burdens.
Are you ready?
Final call to confront the journey ahead with courage and resolve.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Tom Palms
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind