The Locust was formed by Justin Pearson, Bobby Bray, Dylan Scharf, Dave Warshaw, and Dave Astor. After a number of personnel changes, they arrived at their current four-piece lineup in 2001, consisting of Pearson, Bray, Gabe Serbian, and Joey Karam. Originally a powerviolence band with a strong tendency towards synth-based passages, they have more recently stripped down much of their past sound, but retained the heavy distortion, synthesizers, screamed vocals, and intense stage presence. On the band's unique sound and live presentations, singer/bassist Justin Pearson has said, "I wanted to change the way people perceive music, or maybe just destroy it in general." Their music is complex, dynamic and fast-paced, often featuring abrupt and inconsistent time-signature changes. These erratic elements are, according to guitarist Bobby Bray, "a reflection of perhaps how our brains have to function in order to be able to do anything in the Western societies we live in."
The Locust have a unique stage presence: costumed in skin-tight, full body nylon suits (which the band refer to as uniforms), they have at times come across to first-time viewers as frightening. The last 5 different suits were designed and made by Ben Warwas. Unlike most bands, which normally have the drums set up behind the other members, the four members of The Locust are usually all positioned in a line at the front of the stage. The group recommends that in order to get the full impact of the music, one should see them live. The Locust boycotts Clear Channel Communications and refuse to play in any Clear Channel-owned venues. This boycott affected a 2005 tour with Fantômas as well as another tour with Yeah Yeah Yeahs. They also have a policy of only playing all-ages shows. The band's lyrics range from stream-of-consciousness poetry to satirical portrayals of mainstream ideas of sexuality to political commentary and critiques of religion.
Helios
The Locust Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Lives torn in half.
Forgotten memories.
Terror of the past.
Pain has subdued to the coming of darkness.
Holocaust of horror.
This mask of doom.
In a helpless rage to understand the mistake.
Can your ego give you love?
Your ignorance causes pain.
Your death will be the mastery of a life lived in vain.
The Locust's song Helios is a haunting exploration of the human experience of pain and how different emotions and reactions can shape the way that pain is experienced. The lyrics describe a sense of overwhelming silence and a feeling of helplessness in the face of horrific events, such as the Holocaust. The pain that is caused by these events is described as a dark presence that looms over everything, almost like a mask of doom that people can never entirely escape.
The song also delves into the question of whether hate and ego can provide salvation or love. These emotions can often drive people to lash out or act in ways that cause pain for others, but it's unclear whether they can ultimately lead to a sense of purpose or fulfillment. The lyrics suggest that ignorance can also be a source of pain, perhaps because it prevents people from truly understanding or empathizing with others.
Overall, Helios is a deeply introspective song that touches on some of the most fundamental aspects of the human experience. It is a powerful reminder of the importance of grappling with difficult emotions and experiences, and of finding a way to navigate through pain and darkness.
Line by Line Meaning
Deafening silence.
The eerie and oppressive lack of sound is overwhelming and suffocating.
Lives torn in half.
People's once whole lives are now shattered and broken, leaving them incomplete and struggling.
Forgotten memories.
Memories that were once cherished and kept sacred have now been abandoned and left to slowly wither away.
Terror of the past.
The haunting and traumatizing events of previous experiences continue to have a profound effect on the present.
Pain has subdued to the coming of darkness.
The agony of past events has now given way to a deeper, more poignant sorrow and despair, enveloping everything in its path.
Holocaust of horror.
A devastating and catastrophic event of catastrophic proportions, with countless victims and untold levels of suffering.
This mask of doom.
A façade of relentless and impenetrable darkness, concealing any hope or light that might otherwise exist.
In a helpless rage to understand the mistake.
Overwhelming feelings of confusion, frustration, and powerlessness make it difficult to comprehend why events have unfolded in the way they have.
Can your hate give you salvation?
Is it possible to find comfort and redemption through anger and hatred, or will it only serve to further corrupt and destroy?
Can your ego give you love?
Is it possible to truly love and care for others while being controlled by selfish desires and motivations?
Your ignorance causes pain.
Lack of knowledge and understanding creates immense suffering and turmoil, both for oneself and others.
Your death will be the mastery of a life lived in vain.
If one's existence is consumed by self-serving and destructive actions, then their ultimate demise will signify the futility and uselessness of their entire existence.
Contributed by Sarah C. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
krewgarr
This record was my introduction to them. Mind-blowing showing from both artists. I got it shortly after it came out in the summer of 1996. My very first impression was they sounded a lot like Infest - but time proved that they were a creative force to be reckoned with...
scenerarities
The noise lasts til about 2:10, at which point one of their most awesome early songs begins. bless the locust
BraindoneP
please post more of they're original songs from this split, thank you...