Spiritual Front is a neofolk band from Rome, Italy. Its members describe th… Read Full Bio ↴Spiritual Front is a neofolk band from Rome, Italy. Its members describe their music as "nihilist suicide pop", although elements of neoclassical and rock music are prevalent, along with a recurring experimental feel.

The band began in 1999 as a project fronted by Simone Salvatori (a.k.a. "Hellvis"), a guitarist and singer from Italy, and has since worked extensively with other projects in the same genre of neofolk, along with releasing their own music to the public.

Spiritual Front's so-called "Mafia-Folk" has been in release since 1999, in which time Simone Salvatori, the lyricist and conceptualist behind SF, has been known to create a unique feel within their traditionally folk style. Their most noticeable recurring output is Simone's charismatic playing of the acoustic guitar, along with martial drum beats characteristic of the neofolk genre. Slow and often melancholic vocals (leaning towards dark folk) are often contrasted with cabaret-like, somewhat comedic "swing-singing" and are reminicent of swing revival sound (particularly noticeable in their album Nihilist Cocktails For Calypso Inferno), showing the absolute dichotomy of Salvatori's compositions. Emotional piano chords are also frequently featured, with occasional violin playing and solos.

The use of field recording is also apparent in many of Spiritual Front's albums, often attributing an ambient feel to their work.

Albums
Songs For The Will - (1999)
Nihilist Cocktails for Calypso Inferno - (2001)
Armageddon Gigolò - (2006)
Rotten Roma Casino (2010)

Singles
Twin a Tin Tin Towers - (2002)
No Kisses on the Mouth - (2003)

EPs
Nihilist EP - (2003)

Collaborative Releases
Satyriasis - (2005; with Ordo Rosarius Equilibrio)
Bedtime / Badtime - (2005; with Naevus)

Compilation Albums
Angel of Ashes: a Tribute to Scott Walker - (2006)

Soulgambler
Spiritual Front Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Learn that there is always a winner even when we don't need any roles even when there's nothing to win in this space without warmth through this stiff light that passes beyond malice beyond logic which unites the history of compassion to that of envy I'll watch yours to reflect the failure I have constructed I'm so ridiculous when I try to defend myself you know I'm nothing if I breath through you You nourished me with the obscenity of your faith in the shame of your repentance I don't know how to suffer nor feel more than you do beside us frustration hope action purity equilibrium everything has value but not for me or just for this instant I don't want to believe it anymore I don't want to believe you it anymore I'm so ridiculous when I try to defend myself you know
I'm nothing if I breath through you

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of "Soulgambler" by Spiritual Front are expressive and vivid, overlaid with a lot of depth and meaning. The song starts with the singer reflecting on the idea that there is always a winner in life, even in situations where it may seem like there are no roles or anything to win. The singer observes the world through the lens of this "stiff light" that transcends basic human emotions like malice and logic, bringing together aspects of envy and compassion throughout history.

The singer then turns to address another person, whom they seem to hold in contempt. The other person seems to have betrayed the singer in some way, perhaps by feeding them with "obscenity" and "shame" instead of providing genuine support. The singer feels lost and vulnerable, unable to effectively cope with the deep wounds inflicted by this betrayal. They feel ridiculous when they try to defend themselves because they are so powerless, so dependent on the other person's "breath" to survive.

Ultimately, the lyrics of "Soulgambler" seem to be grappling with the twisted nature of human relationships, fraught with tension, betrayal, and a complex power dynamic. The singer seems to be seeking a way out of this painful and destructive cycle, away from a worldview that values everything but their own wellbeing.

Line by Line Meaning

Learn that there is always a winner even when we don't need any roles
Understand that in life, there is always someone who comes out on top, regardless of any designated expectations or societal constructs.

even when there's nothing to win in this space without warmth
Even in the most barren and emotionless environments, there is still a drive to achieve and succeed.

through this stiff light that passes beyond malice beyond logic
Even in the face of cold, unfeeling logic and ill intent, there is still a beacon of hope that shines through the darkness.

which unites the history of compassion to that of envy
The emotions of empathy and jealousy share a common root in human history and experience.

I'll watch yours to reflect the failure I have constructed
I will use your success as a mirror to examine my own shortcomings and personal failures.

I'm so ridiculous when I try to defend myself you know
I am aware of how silly and futile it is for me to try to justify or defend my actions to others.

You nourished me with the obscenity of your faith in the shame of your repentance
Your unquestioning belief in your own redemption, despite the shameful nature of your past actions, has fed my own soul in a way that is both unsettling and intoxicating.

I don't know how to suffer nor feel more than you do
I am incapable of experiencing greater pain or emotions than you, despite my desire to do so.

beside us frustration hope action purity equilibrium everything has value but not for me or just for this instant
Although everything in life holds value and meaning, I am unable to fully appreciate or comprehend that value in this moment.

I don't want to believe it anymore I don't want to believe you it anymore
I no longer wish to believe in the idea that someone else's faith or success can nourish my own soul.

I'm so ridiculous when I try to defend myself you know I'm nothing if I breath through you
I realize how foolish it is to try and justify myself to others and that without you, my existence holds no value or meaning.

Writer(s): Simone Salvatori

Contributed by Kennedy D. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

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