… Read Full Bio ↴(Note: This lineup is now recording and performing as Mt. Helium.)
Formed in 1999, The Apex Theory began as a local act not interested in being signed, only to have numerous labels contact them due to word of mouth. Three of the original band members (former vocalist Ontronik "Andy" Khatchaturian, bassist David Hakopyan and guitarist and current vocalist Art Karamian) are Armenian by heritage.
In 2000 the band released an independent EP entitled Extendemo, which resulted in their signing to Dreamworks Records in early 2001. Shortly thereafter, the band entered the studio with Don Gilmore (whose credits include the likes of Linkin Park, Velvet Revolver and Avril Lavigne), who produced their self-titled major-label debut EP, and their full-length debut, Topsy-Turvy, which were released on October 9, 2001 and April 2, 2002, respectively. The band's first (and only) singles, "Shhh... (Hope Diggy)" and "Apossibly" garnered the band mainstream success as both were featured extensively in MTV2's rotation. "Apossibly" was also used in promotion of the videogame Minority Report: Everybody Runs.
The band toured for a good portion of the next few years in support of their major-label albums, first playing Vans Warped Tour and co-headlining MTV2's Tour with Lostprophets in 2001. In the summer of 2002, the band played on the second stage of Ozzfest.
Later in 2002, vocalist Ontronik "Andy" Khachaturian (who previously played drums for System of a Down before founding The Apex Theory) left the band due to differences in musical opinions. Khachaturian is currently involved in a solo project and a band dubbed VoKEE. After searching for a replacement, the remaining members decided to continue as a three-piece outfit, with guitarist Art Karamian taking responsibility for vocal duties as well.
The Apex Theory officially resurfaced in 2004, self-releasing their latest EP, inthatskyissomethingwatching. Though the band has not embarked on a national tour as of yet, they have successfully played countless shows in their home state of California.
On June 30, 2006, the band announced the completion of their first full-length album without their former vocalist, Ontronik. The album was titled Faces, and was released under the band name Mt. Helium.
Band members
Current lineup (2002 to Present)
* Art Karamian (Vocals, Guitar)
* David Hakopyan (Bass)
* Sammy J. Watson (Drums)
Previous lineup (1999 to 2002)
* Ontronik "Andy" Khatchaturian (Vocals)
* Art Karamian (Guitar)
* David Hakopyan (Bass)
* Sammy J. Watson (Drums)
Discography
* Extendemo (2000)
* The Apex Theory (2001)
* Topsy-Turvy (2002)
* inthatskyissomethingwatching (2004)
* Lightpost [EP] (2007)
* (as Mt. Helium) Faces (2007)
Drown Ink
The Apex Theory Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
But I've been hanging fire from your everyday
The knack for the fixed
Been holding water then you're snatched away
Bells and whistles make the man
Like you're a hophead waiting to happen
A welcome waiting to offend
The sheep with the longing to share
The sheep with the longing to share
The sheep with the longing to share...
My fellow and gone chiefs
Customes make us who we are
My fellow and gone chiefs
Customes make us who we are
My fellow and gone chiefs
Customes make us who we are
My fellow and gone chiefs
Customes make us who we are
So much farther than myanmar
You will always hold true in my heart
To escape the customary cycles of parables
The world begins anew and we are inseparable
They said you brought light
The doors are always open...
My fellow and gone chiefs
Customes make us who we are
My fellow and gone chiefs
Customes make us who we are
So much farther than myanmar
You will always hold true in my heart
The song "Drown Ink" by The Apex Theory is a complex and obscure lyrical piece that can be dissected in various ways. The opening lines seem to address a certain level of hesitation or reluctance towards someone or something that the singer is confronted with. The sheets might allude to a set of instructions or guidelines, and the singer acknowledges having them but admits to having hung fire, delaying their implementation or execution. The phrase "knack for the fixed" suggests that the person is more comfortable with things that are predictable and established, but these things, like water, can be taken away suddenly or unexpectedly. The next lines allude to the fragility of the man's persona and identity, equating him to a hophead, someone who uses a lot of drugs to get a high. The person is waiting for something exciting to come his way, but he is also on the verge of offending someone or doing something that will hurt him and perhaps others. The third part, "who will buy the farm?" is a phrase that refers to someone who has recently died or is about to die, and it's unclear who that might be.
Then there's the chorus, which repeats the phrase "my fellow and gone chiefs, customs make us who we are" several times. The meaning of this phrase is obscure, but it might refer to a traditional or cultural heritage that the singer wants to cling to. The repetition of the phrase suggests some level of nostalgia or yearning for something that influenced the singer's identity. The following line, "so much farther than myanmar, you will always hold true in my heart," further adds to the sense of cultural or ancestral distance, as Myanmar is a country that is far from the singer's current location.
The final lines of the song seem to allude to a certain level of hope, rebirth, or escape from a cycle of parables, stories that might reinforce some established norms or values. The phrase "the world begins anew and we are inseparable" might suggest a renewal of relationships or identities. The line "they said you brought light, the doors are always open" might allude to a religious or spiritual tradition, where light is commonly used as a metaphor for enlightenment or understanding.
Line by Line Meaning
Thanks for these new sheets
Acknowledging gratitude for something new
But I've been hanging fire from your everyday
Experiencing a delay or suspension due to daily life
The knack for the fixed
Tendency to stick to routine or habit
Been holding water then you're snatched away
Unexpected loss or change after holding onto something steady
Bells and whistles make the man
Outer appearances can influence perception of someone's worth or character
Like you're a hophead waiting to happen
Implying that someone is close to spiraling out of control
A welcome waiting to offend
Being open to new experiences with the inherent risk of possible negative outcomes
Who will buy the farm?...
Asking who will die or suffer as a result of taking risks
The sheep with the longing to share
Those who desire to connect with and be understood by others
My fellow and gone chiefs
Addressing those who have passed away with respect and admiration
Customes make us who we are
Culture and traditions shape our identities
So much farther than myanmar
Expressing a vast distance or difference
You will always hold true in my heart
Affection and loyalty towards someone
To escape the customary cycles of parables
Seeking to break free from the repetitive patterns of stories and myths
The world begins anew and we are inseparable
Emphasizing the unbreakable bond between people and the world around them
They said you brought light
Recognizing someone for bringing goodness or positivity into the world
The doors are always open...
Encouraging inclusivity and welcome for all
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: ANDY KHACHATURIAN, ARTIN KARAMIAN, DAVID HAKOPYAN, SAMMY J. WATSON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind