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.
The Exile
Vernian Process Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
My justice is swift and time is my friend
(no flag...no creed)
I lurk in dark waters, in silence I wait
Wait for the moment that will seal my fate
Haunted by dreams of my former life
(no king...no queen)
I lurk in dark waters, in silence I wait
Wait for the moment that will seal your fate
Collision speed!
I... Am... The Law!
I... Am... The Judge!
I... Am... The Sword!
I... Am... No One!
I... Am... The Sea!
I... Am... The Sea!
I... Am... The Sea!
I... Am... Free!
The lyrics of Vernian Process’s song “The Exile” describe a powerful, vengeful force that exists in the depths of the ocean. The singer of the song describes themselves as “the rage of the ocean, the judgment of man,” and asserts that their justice is swift and uncompromising. They also state that time is on their side, suggesting that they have existed in the ocean for a very long time and have accrued significant power over that span.
The second verse of the song is largely a repetition of the first, but there is a notable change in the third line, where the singer reveals that they have been changed by the depths of the ocean and haunted by dreams of their former life. This suggests that the singer was once a human or something similar, but has been transformed in some way by their time in the ocean.
The final verse of the song consists of a repeated declaration of identity by the singer. They assert that they are the law, the judge, the sword, and ultimately no one at all - they are simply the sea itself, and they are free. The anger and power in these lyrics make it clear that this is not a benign force, but rather one to be feared and respected.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm the rage of the ocean, the judgment of man
I am the anger that storms the sea, and the one that gives punishment to men.
My justice is swift and time is my friend
My way of dealing with things is quick and efficient, and time works in my favor.
(no flag...no creed)
There is no symbol or belief that I follow.
I lurk in dark waters, in silence I wait
I hide in deep and quiet waters, waiting for what's to come.
Wait for the moment that will seal my fate
I am waiting for the event that will determine my ultimate destiny.
The ancient depths changed my mind
The mysterious and ancient oceanic layers have altered the way I think.
Haunted by dreams of my former life
I am troubled by the memories of the past, which haunt me in my sleep.
(no king...no queen)
I am not a follower of any monarch or ruler.
Wait for the moment that will seal your fate
I am waiting for the event that will determine your ultimate destiny.
Collision speed!
A forceful and destructive collision is about to happen, occurring at high speed.
I... Am... The Law!
I embody and enforce the rules and regulations.
I... Am... The Judge!
I am the authority that decides whether one is innocent or guilty.
I... Am... The Sword!
I possess the power to strike and defeat my enemies.
I... Am... No One!
I am not constrained by any particular identity or personhood.
I... Am... The Sea!
My nature and strength are like the ocean itself.
I... Am... Free!
I am untethered and unconstrained, liable to do whatever I wish.
Contributed by Michael J. Suggest a correction in the comments below.