Throughout 2009, as work on the album progressed, Vernian Process sought out additional members in order to play shows to support the upcoming release of Behold the Machine, as well as record new material for future albums. Zarate joined in 2009, followed by Fargo, Figueroa, and Thomas in the latter half of 2009 and early 2010. They also feature Erica "Unwoman" Mulkey on most of their live performances. In early 2011 Free Fargo left the project, and a few short months later drummer Eugene Dryer III joined in his place.
Behold the Machine was released on October 1, 2010.
Vernian Process' musical influences range from Post-Punk/New Wave, Prog-Rock, Classic Industrial, Darkwave, Deathrock, Trip-Hop, Dreampop, Cabaret, Neo-Classical (and many more) filtered through a dimly lit Victorian lens. At times, epic, militant, and mechanical. While equally pastoral, serene, uplifting and positive when it chooses to be.
Vernian Process attempts to address collective human issues in the context of a dark, and whimsical 19th Century setting.
The project has featured guest contributions from Pasha Smith, Mitzi Jones, Malcom Schreeck of the Victorian Synthpunk band Unextraordinary Gentlemen, and Allison Curval of the group The Clockwork Dolls.
Something Wicked
Vernian Process Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
With dancing bears and elephants, and certainly some clowns.
The greatest wonder of them all, a marvel to behold:
An Illustrated Man so dark, will own your very soul!
Something Wicked This Way Comes,
Something in the night!
Something Wicked That Way Went,
Something Wicked This Way Comes,
Something isn't right...
Something Wicked That Way Went,
Tempting you with...
Health and vigor, youth and strength,
We can make it so!
Join us on our carousel -
"Round and round you go!"
Anything your heart desires: make your riches grow,
Power, glory, love or lust, it's all part of the show!
As autumn leaves turn brown, and tumble to the ground,
You'll surely know the Shadow Show's in town!
In town!
In town!
The Shadow Show's in town!
Gather round!
Gather round!
We're coming to your town!
Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls,
Have we got a special treat for you tonight:
Step right up and marvel at the Oldest Gypsy Witch.
Her eyes sewn shut, but she's not blind! She sees your every wish!
You there, what's your name?
I see! Step right in, for,
Something Wicked This Way Comes,
Something in the night!
Something Wicked That Way Went,
What an awful sight!
Something Wicked This Way Comes,
Something isn't right...
Something Wicked That Way Went,
Terror through the night!
Our ways are dark for some,
Our mysteries known to none!
But pay no mind,
The secrets we will
Secrets we will...
Secrets we will...
Secrets we will...
Find!
The lyrics to Vernian Process's "Something Wicked" describe a carnival-like sideshow attraction that promises to fulfill any desire or wish, but at a price that involves giving up one's soul. The song warns of the darkness that lurks within the attraction and the potential terror that ensues as a result. The chorus repeats the foreboding phrase, "Something Wicked this way comes," signaling the arrival of the Shadow Show and its sinister presence. The verses describe the attractions of the carnival, from dancing bears and elephants to an "Illustrated Man so dark" that "will own your very soul." The lyrics ultimately serve as a cautionary tale about the dangers of giving in to one's desires, while also painting a vivid picture of an otherworldly attraction that could only exist in paranormal lore.
Overall, the song is a haunting and captivating tale that is expertly delivered by Vernian Process. It's full of mystical and eerie elements that transport the listener to a different time and place, as though they are witnessing the Shadow Show firsthand. The lyrics serve as an invitation to explore the unknown and tempting attractions of the carnival, while also warning of the horrors that lie beneath the surface.
Line by Line Meaning
Come and join our wild ride, the sideshow is in town!
Join us in our thrilling adventure, the carnival is in town!
With dancing bears and elephants, and certainly some clowns.
We have all sorts of entertaining animals and performers, including clowns.
The greatest wonder of them all, a marvel to behold: An Illustrated Man so dark, will own your very soul!
Our main attraction is an illustrated man who is so dark that he will captivate your soul!
Something Wicked This Way Comes, Something in the night! Something Wicked That Way Went, What an awful fright! Something Wicked This Way Comes, Something isn't right... Something Wicked That Way Went, Tempting you with...
There is something sinister coming this way, causing fear and trepidation. It may have already come, causing a terrifying fright. Something is off, and it is tempting you with...
Health and vigor, youth and strength, We can make it so! Join us on our carousel - "Round and round you go!" Anything your heart desires: make your riches grow, Power, glory, love or lust, it's all part of the show!
We can give you health, youth, and strength. Come ride our carousel where you will go round and round. Your heart's desires can come true: you can become rich or powerful, and find love or lust - all of which can be found in our show!
As autumn leaves turn brown, and tumble to the ground, You'll surely know the Shadow Show's in town!
When the leaves change and fall, you'll know that the Shadow Show has arrived in town!
In town! In town! The Shadow Show's in town! Gather round! Gather round! We're coming to your town!
We're here! We're here! The Shadow Show is here in your town! Come and gather around because we're coming to your town!
Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, Have we got a special treat for you tonight: Step right up and marvel at the Oldest Gypsy Witch. Her eyes sewn shut, but she's not blind! She sees your every wish! You there, what's your name? I see! Step right in, for,
Hello, everyone! We have a special treat for you today. Come see our oldest Gypsy Witch, who has her eyes sewn shut but can still see your every wish! You there, what's your name? I already know - step right in to experience it yourself!
Something Wicked This Way Comes, Something in the night! Something Wicked That Way Went, What an awful sight! Something Wicked This Way Comes, Something isn't right... Something Wicked That Way Went, Terror through the night!
There is something terrifying coming this way in the night. It has already gone, leaving behind an awful sight. Something is wrong, and it caused terror through the night!
Our ways are dark for some, Our mysteries known to none! But pay no mind, The secrets we will
Our ways and mysteries may be difficult to understand for some, and we keep them a secret from everyone. However, do not worry, for we will reveal...
Secrets we will... Secrets we will... Secrets we will... Find!
The secrets will be uncovered and discovered by us!
Contributed by Colin S. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@notlunaticdancer4393
Come and join our wild ride, the sideshow is in town!
With dancing bears and elephants, and certainly some clowns.
The greatest wonder of them all, a marvel to behold:
An Illustrated Man so dark, will own your very soul!
Something Wicked This Way Comes,
Something in the night!
Something Wicked That Way Went,
What an awful fright!
Something Wicked This Way Comes,
Something isn't right...
Something Wicked That Way Went,
Tempting you with...
Health and vigor, youth and strength,
We can make it so!
Join us on our carousel -
"Round and round you go!"
Anything your heart desires: make your riches grow,
Power, glory, love or lust, it's all part of the show!
As autumn leaves turn brown, and tumble to the ground,
You'll surely know the Shadow Show's in town!
In town!
In town!
The Shadow Show's in town!
Gather round!
Gather round!
We're coming to your town!
Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls,
Have we got a special treat for you tonight:
Step right up and marvel at the Oldest Gypsy Witch.
Her eyes sewn shut, but she's not blind! She sees your every wish!
You there, what's your name?
I see! Step right in, for,
Something Wicked This Way Comes,
Something in the night!
Something Wicked That Way Went,
What an awful sight!
Something Wicked This Way Comes,
Something isn't right...
Something Wicked That Way Went,
Terror through the night!
Our ways are dark for some,
Our mysteries known to none!
But pay no mind,
The secrets we will
Secrets we will...
Secrets we will...
Secrets we will...
Find!
@BBon2wheels
These guys were actually one of the main reasons I fell in love with steampunk, and started my own band :P
@certifiedpilgrim
Like this a lot! Reminds me of Creature Featureās āThe Greatest Show Unearthedā.
@vigilabo3007
I think itās the carnival theme and the Starts are almost exactly the same, though with some changes with the āduh duh duhā or whatever
@rufust33333333333333
CertifiedPilgrim sounds like it to me
@JayAshBranAudioScripts
I love them! āLetās start the annual obituaries!ā
@Lilith_Asmodeus94
I sooo agree
@hesistantalien9762
No Bro .__.
@kurisu7885
No matter how many times I hear this song I NEVER get tired of it.
@beccadoingstuff
We use this song during Halloween at our local theme park, and I had to find out what it was!
@vpsoundlabs1956
Where is said theme park, and how can we all go have fun?