SYSTEM DIVIDE set out to revolutionize the conventions of the over-saturated melodic death metal genre, proving that extreme metal can have more depth than blast beats, while female vocals do not have to conform to the precepts of the “Goth” genre. In mixing many styles The Collapse , the band’s debut EP breaks all the rules of extreme metal and is a landmark release for the young band.
As opposed to interjecting simple, predictable clean choruses into contrived song structures, SYSTEM DIVIDE unites serene female vocals and extreme vocals driven by lyrical themes that confront and seek to break everyday themes of disillusionment, societal materialism, and individual apathy. Musically, the band delivers myriad styles of riffing and grooves, while augmenting the entrancing soundscapes with hard-hitting drums and intricate bass lines. These elements together define the unique, spell binding, hypnotic sound of SYSTEM DIVIDE.
In order to achieve this complex calculus of sounds on The Collapse, Cole Martinez handled tracking duties at Conquistador Recordings. Mixing and mastering duties were handled by Jacob Hansen (Aborted, HateSphere Volbeat) at Hansen Studios in Denmark in April and May 2009. Artwork for The Collapse was completed by Colin Marks (Strapping Young Lad, Aborted, Nevermore). The result is a sonic and visual masterpiece that metal has eagerly been waiting for.
he band recruited Joseph Spiller (ex-The Binary Code) as a second guitarist shortly after the release of THE COLLAPSE and continued writing for its first fullength, tentatively titled ‘Sterile’ due out early 2010. Under the banner of don’t break up a winning team, the band once again will record with producer/engineer Cole Martinez and mix with Jacob Hansen in Denmark. A video has been shot for ‘The Apex Doctrine’ by Kevin Custer (Hatebreed, Testament, Dope, Dying Fetus, Suffocation...) and should be aired from February 2010 on channels and the internet.
Echoes
System Divide Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
The decisions that fail, judgement unread
Progress unseen, muted caution
Risks are taken by the hands that bind
That spin the wheels right before your eyes
I feel the echoes
From a distant past
A redundant circle
It'll never leave you alone
One way to go, nowhere to turn
It's so deceiving, pulls you in
Into the space within
We are the echoes
From an irrelevant life
There is no progress
A redundant abomination
It'll never leave you alone
One way to go, nowhere to turn
It's so deceiving, pulls you in
Into the space within
Granted false peace, mock reassurance
Treacherous silence speaks clearly
Marvel - pour out empty
Until you're sick
Then you made it yours
Until you're sick
One thought destroys it all
No decisions are made, judgement unread
Progress unseen, elevated awareness
Risks are taken by the hands that bind
As they stab you in the back
Only the past decides
What's next to come - what's long-gone
Welcome to the place of your last regrets
Too late for amends
It'll never leave you alone
One way to go, nowhere to turn
It's so deceiving, pulls you in
Into the space within
Hanging on the edge of what is real
One way to go, nowhere to turn
It's so deceiving, pulls you in
Into the space within
We are only echoes
We are just echoes
The lyrics of "Echoes" by System Divide describe the feeling of being trapped and held back by past mistakes and regret, unable to move forward towards progress. The first verse talks about how one small thought can completely change a situation, causing decisions to fail and progress to stop. The chorus emphasizes this feeling of being stuck in a cycle of repetition, unable to break free from the past. The second verse describes the false sense of security that comes with ignoring problems, only to eventually make things worse. The bridge suggests that only the past determines the future, leading to a place of regret and no chance for amends.
Overall, the song seems to be a warning against complacency and letting the past dictate your future. It encourages taking risks and making difficult decisions to move towards progress, rather than being held back by mistakes and regret.
Line by Line Meaning
One thought that changes it all
A single idea has the power to alter everything.
The decisions that fail, judgement unread
Choices that result in failure and are not evaluated.
Progress unseen, muted caution
Advancement is not noticed, and warnings are not heeded.
Risks are taken by the hands that bind
Those in control take chances that end up restricting others.
That spin the wheels right before your eyes
Manipulators make moves in plain sight.
I feel the echoes
Sensing remnants of the past in the present.
From a distant past
Dealing with historical repercussions.
There is no progress
No evolution or improvement occurring.
A redundant circle
A meaningless cycle that repeats continuously.
It'll never leave you alone
The negative effects or consequences persist.
One way to go, nowhere to turn
There is only one option and no alternatives.
It's so deceiving, pulls you in
Trickery lures you in and causes harm.
Into the space within
Engulfed in a dark internal realm of despair.
We are the echoes
Humanity resonates with the mistakes of the past.
From an irrelevant life
Resulting from an insignificant existence.
A redundant abomination
A futile and horrid outcome that continues to exist.
Granted false peace, mock reassurance
Covering up problems with false calmness and untrue reassurance.
Treacherous silence speaks clearly
A quiet betrayal speaks volumes.
Marvel - pour out empty
Feeling impressed but empty or unfulfilled.
Until you're sick
Continuing to consume and indulge until it is sickening.
Then you made it yours
Taking ownership of decisions that lead to negative consequences.
No decisions are made, judgement unread
A lack of choices resulting in unexamined outcomes.
Progress unseen, elevated awareness
Advancement being overlooked but with heightened recognition.
As they stab you in the back
Being betrayed by those with power and control.
Only the past decides
Prior events determine future occurrences.
What's next to come - what's long-gone
What happens next is predictable based on what has already happened.
Welcome to the place of your last regrets
Being in a position of inevitable regret.
Too late for amends
The opportunity for correction has already passed.
Hanging on the edge of what is real
Uncertain and barely holding onto reality.
We are only echoes
Humanity only being a faint reflection or reminder of past mistakes.
We are just echoes
Humanity is insignificant compared to the weight of the past.
Contributed by Parker D. Suggest a correction in the comments below.