The Human Abstract is a progressive metal band known for their unique, clas… Read Full Bio ↴The Human Abstract is a progressive metal band known for their unique, classically-influenced style. They were critically acclaimed for their technical proficiency and impressive stage presence.

By 2011, the band had come full circle since its inception back in 2004 in Los Angeles, CA With the return of founding guitarist / songwriter A.J Minette, the band returned to a sound reminiscent of the critically acclaimed “Nocturne” album, while introducing classical technical rhythms their complex sound. Former From First To Last/The Color of Violence member Travis Richter also joined the ranks as vocalist just long enough to record "Digital Veil," the bands third LP. After only a few months of touring Richter quit the band in August, 2011. He brought to the table a worthy balance of guttural screams combined with ethereal harmonies and all of the vocal range fans would expect from THA. With syncopated harmonies meeting complex time signatures, precise yet pounding bass riffs and heavy bellows filling the album from beginning to end a new, albeit short lived, era for The Human Abstract had been firmly established.

Guitarist Dean Herrera and guitarist/keyboardist A.J. Minette formed The Human Abstract in 2004, adding drummer Brett Powell, bassist Kenny Arehart, and singer Nick Olaerts. The band recorded a couple of demos and played a number of regional gigs before signing with Hopeless Records in 2005. Soon after signing to Hopeless Records, THA replaced singer Nick Olaerts with Nathan Ells.

Nathan Ells joined the band only 1 month before heading into the studio (Jamie King - the basement recordings in North Carolina) to record the band's debut full length release "Nocturne”, which was published by Hopeless Records August 22, 2006. Their album Midheaven was released on August 19, 2008 and featured a new guitarist in Andrew Tapley, who had replaced A.J. Minette previous to the recording of Midheaven.

Nathan Ells was fired from THA in late 2009. Vocalist Travis Richter (x-from first to last, the color of violence) joined The Human Abstract in early 2010 along with original guitarist songwriter A.J. Minette.

Harbinger
The Human Abstract Lyrics

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Inching nearer each and every moment,
Feel the rhythm of our drums.
Searching, seeking
Forward thinking,
A dawning of mind that we create.
A border breaking for the taking,
Words that remind us to awake.

I don't need a bold commandment
I've got one of my own.
Stand alone.
Let's watch Babylon fall, our captivity.
Vices of the kingdom, exile in luxury.

You'll hear the darkest voice say
Bow before, crawl beneath,
Dance around my altar,
If you grovel long enough.
Someday I will let you be as pure.

I don't need a bold commandment
I've got one of my own.
Stand alone.

Let's watch Babylon fall, our captivity.
Vices of the kingdom, exile in luxury.

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Harbinger by The Human Abstract speak to the universal human experience of seeking and searching for something greater. The song starts off by describing the feeling of being close to something, feeling the rhythm of drums, and inching towards an awakening of mind that we create. The lyrics then take a darker turn, describing the dangers of following blindly, of being tempted by powerful voices that promise purity if we only grovel long enough. The singer of the song seems to reject this idea, declaring that they don't need a commandment from anyone else, they have their own beliefs and values that they stand by. The song ends with a call to watch Babylon fall, a metaphor for the fall of oppressive systems, and to reject the vices of luxury and instead focus on the freedom of the human spirit.

The language used in this song is rich with metaphors and symbolism, referencing ancient civilizations and religious concepts. The focus on drums and rhythm throughout the song creates a sense of urgency and motion, emphasizing the importance of taking action and moving forward. The idea of being tempted by a dark, seductive voice is a common motif in literature and mythology, serving as a warning against the dangers of placing blind trust in authority figures or dogmatic systems.

Line by Line Meaning

Inching nearer each and every moment,
As time passes, we move forward slowly but surely

Feel the rhythm of our drums.
Let us unite in our common purpose and move as one

Searching, seeking
We are exploring for answers and looking for a way forward

Forward thinking,
We are ready to move ahead into the future

A dawning of mind that we create.
We are creating new ideas and ways of thinking

A border breaking for the taking,
We are pushing beyond limits and boundaries

Words that remind us to awake.
We must be alert and aware in order to succeed

I don't need a bold commandment
I don't require someone else to tell me what to do

I've got one of my own.
I have a personal code and set of beliefs

Stand alone.
I am independent and able to stand on my own

Let's watch Babylon fall, our captivity.
Let's witness the downfall of our oppressors and captors