In 1998 a deal with Swedish indie label Bridge Records was eked out and the mini-album Cave-In was born.
The band's first album proper was recorded at Berno Studio's in 2001, and is appropriately titled A Venom Well Designed. After the critical acclaim of Cave-In the band had many larger labels interested in working with them. Peaceville Records, who had been fans since hearing the EP upon its release offered the band a deal and were delighted when they accepted.
Strychnine
The Great Deceiver Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Living sin
Monument of lies
Raised within
You know that I'm the only one
Who could save you from yourself
The swing of the axe shines white
I'll burn the pain
Right out of your soul
I'm in your veins now
And I'm in control
I am strychnine
I'll save you from a life in shackles
My white heat burns your eye
I am strychnine
I am strychnine
Crowned in blinding light
As your soul is torn apart
A hollow shell in shock
I'm like razors through your heart
I'm the only one
So Lose yourself in me
Have no fear, your souls will be mine
For all eternity
Walking time-bomb
Living sin
Monument of lies
Raised within
In "Strychnine," The Great Deceiver depicts the persona of Strychnine as an alluring, seductive figure who promises to save their victim from a life of confinement and oppression. The first verse highlights the individual's inner conflicts, describing them as a "Walking time-bomb" and a "Living sin," burdening themselves with lies for far too long. The persona of Strychnine then enters the picture, persuading them that they are the only one who can help them out of their misery, to save them from themselves. The phrase "The swing of the axe shines white" is referring to Strychnine's supposed ability to cut away the pain of the victim's soul, leading them to an ultimate sense of enlightenment. As the chorus insists that he is Strychnine, "the only one," he continues to offer the path to salvation in exchange for the victim's eternal servitude. The final verse showcases the horrors that come with surrendering themselves, as they are torn apart, hollow and in shock, a slave to the entity that promises freedom from their misery.
Line by Line Meaning
Walking time-bomb
I am a dangerous presence, just waiting to detonate and harm those around me.
Living sin
My actions and deeds are immoral and evil in nature, causing harm and suffering to those involved.
Monument of lies
My very existence is built on a foundation of deceit and falsehoods, making me an unreliable and untrustworthy individual.
Raised within
I was brought up in an environment that nurtured and reinforced my negative traits, leading to my current state of being.
You know that I'm the only one
I possess the power and control to manipulate and save you from your own perceived weaknesses and flaws, making me indispensable to your well-being.
Who could save you from yourself
You lack the ability to help or heal yourself, leaving you vulnerable and in need of my intervention to set you on the right path.
The swing of the axe shines white
My violent and sudden actions, represented by the swing of an axe, bring clarity and finality to the situation at hand.
Now taste the cut
Embrace the pain and consequences of my actions, as it is the only way to break free from your current state and be reborn.
I'll burn the pain
I will cause you immense suffering, but it is for your own good as it will burn away your negative emotions and bring a new sense of clarity.
Right out of your soul
The pain I inflict will penetrate deep into your very being, ridding you of all impurities and leaving a blank slate for me to shape and control.
I'm in your veins now
My influence is now an inseparable part of your being, flowing through your veins and taking root in every part of your being.
And I'm in control
All decisions, actions and thoughts from now on will be under my control and influence, making me a permanent fixture in your life.
I am strychnine
I am the medicine that will cure you of your current state, but it is a bitter and painful process that you must endure.
I'll save you from a life in shackles
Without my intervention, you are destined to a life of hardship and imprisonment within your own mind.
My white heat burns your eye
The intensity of my actions will be overwhelming, causing pain and suffering akin to staring directly into a burning bright light.
Crowned in blinding light
I am elevated above all others, shrouded in a powerful aura that leaves others blinded and unable to comprehend my true nature.
As your soul is torn apart
My actions will cause a painful and violent destruction of your ego and soul, leaving a blank slate for me to reconstruct as I see fit.
A hollow shell in shock
The aftermath of my intervention will leave you feeling empty and hollow, unable to recognize the person you once were and filled with a sense of shock and disbelief.
I'm like razors through your heart
My actions will be sharp and cutting, plunging deep into your very being and causing immense pain and discomfort.
So Lose yourself in me
Give up all agency and control to me, allowing me to guide and shape your life as I see fit.
Have no fear, your souls will be mine
Surrender completely and without fear, as I will claim your soul and ensure it serves my own interests for all eternity.
For all eternity
My hold on you is eternal, with no chance of escape or redemption. You are forever mine.
I am strychnine
Repeated for emphasis, and as a reminder of the danger and poison of my actions.
I am strychnine
Repeated again to drill in the message of my identity and intentions.
Contributed by Amelia C. Suggest a correction in the comments below.