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)
slave
Spiritual Front Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I'm a slave to the money that burn my hands and to the profit and fatigue
To the mortal breath that bends my back and to the sperm vibrates on my body
To the blade that will cut the sour fruit and to the blade that will cut my throat and chest
You have to abuse me
'Cause I could have been so
And I was never able to
And tight your slipknot around my white neck
I'm a slave to the mother of all pigs and to the father of all my oppressions
To the will that erases my regrets and to my childhood and my hidden fears
I'm a slave to the light that gives a face to my weakness and to my fallen reign
I'm slave to the salt and the wind that will burn my wheat and my leprosy
The lyrics of Spiritual Front's "Slave" touch on the concept of slavery in a variety of forms, whether it be to societal norms and expectations or to one's own personal demons. The singer acknowledges their own lack of control and agency in their life, attributing it to various outside forces. They refer to their body as filthy, alluding to a sense of shame and self-loathing. This is reinforced by the reference to "sperm vibrates on my body," which could be interpreted as a reference to unwanted sexual advances or a sense of being overwhelmed by one's own sexuality.
The singer also refers to being a slave to money and profit, which aligns with themes of capitalism and the exploitation of the working class. The line "To the mortal breath that bends my back" could be interpreted as being submissive to the passage of time itself, and to the inevitability of aging and bodily degradation. The reference to the blade that will cut the sour fruit and the throat and chest may be interpreted as being symbolic of the destruction of one's hopes and dreams, or the ultimate demise of one's physical body.
The chorus of the song is particularly haunting, with the singer acknowledging that they must be abused because they have never been able to fully realize their own potential. The reference to the slipknot around their neck is a clear allusion to suicidal ideation, and there is a sense of resignation in the line "I was never able to."
Overall, "Slave" is a deeply introspective and emotionally charged song that grapples with the complexities of power and the human condition. It encourages the listener to explore their own relationship with societal norms and expectations, and to question the forces that may be holding them back from achieving their full potential.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm a slave to who gave a name to my body and form to my filthy soul
I am unable to control my existence and identity as it was determined by an external force which I am forever subject to, leaving my inner self corrupt and polluted.
I'm a slave to the money that burn my hands and to the profit and fatigue
I am a servant to the insatiable desire for wealth that consumes me, leaving me in a constant state of exhaustion and stress.
To the mortal breath that bends my back and to the sperm vibrates on my body
I am a captive to the inevitability of death that weighs me down, as well as the lustful desires of others that violate and degrade me.
To the blade that will cut the sour fruit and to the blade that will cut my throat and chest
I am subjected to the potential harm and destruction that can come from both external objects and other human beings, leaving me in a constant state of fear and vulnerability.
You have to abuse me
I am aware that I will be mistreated and taken advantage of, as it is an inevitable consequence of my position as a slave.
'Cause I could have been so
I recognize my own potential and possibility for greatness, but I am unable to achieve it as a result of my enslavement.
And I was never able to
Despite my aspirations and hopes, I am ultimately trapped in a cycle of subjugation and oppression, unable to break free.
You have to abuse my sex
I am subjected to mistreatment and degradation based on my gender and sexuality, leaving me feeling powerless and violated.
And tight your slipknot around my white neck
I am being forcibly restrained and controlled, with no hope of breaking free from the bonds that bind me.
I'm a slave to the mother of all pigs and to the father of all my oppressions
I am powerless in the face of the entities that created and perpetuate the systems of oppression that enslave me.
To the will that erases my regrets and to my childhood and my hidden fears
I am subject to the overwhelming power of the forces that conspire to prevent me from processing and overcoming my past traumas and regrets.
I'm a slave to the light that gives a face to my weakness and to my fallen reign
I am exposed and vulnerable to the harsh realities of my own personal shortcomings and weaknesses, which serve to reinforce my status as a slave.
I'm a slave to the salt and the wind that will burn my wheat and my leprosy
I am subject to the uncontrollable and destructive forces of the natural world, which have the power to devastate both my physical and emotional wellbeing.
Contributed by Samantha H. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@JJ3E
Oh god, had forgotten how damn good this album is!
@mollytaylor4142
Armageddon Gigolò is an absolute masterpiece
@blueforestprod
I discovered the band Spiritual Front and the song 'Slave' in the 2008 issue zero of Ascension Magazine sampler, and it's a really great song that reminds me some solo interpretations from Wayne Hussey. Great ^v^
@CaroleSerres
It was so good to see them in Milano on 1st of october 2011 !!!!!!!! Amazing....... Viva "IN FOLK NOCTIS" festival !!!!!!!!
@galtchessvideos4735
Most underrated album
@buco72able
Pure nectar
@accalla3648
Hermoso!!!!desde Peru 👍👍
@MohsenMajnoon
Too good! Too good! Like outta hand good!
@kovoflevamusic
Can't wait for the concert in Athens on the 6th of June... Greetings!
@warganism
can't wait for the concert in Bucharest, in december. Great band!!!!