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 Last Express
Vernian Process Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
The skies fall apart and the heavens rain down
You enter your dreams in hopes of fantasy
But all you wake up to is a dark reality (reality)
Now look out your window, what do you see?
Another timeless journey along the rolling sea
The tracks roll on forever across this barren land
Look out your window, what do you hear?
The lonesome whistle's cry echoes in your ear
We'll go on forever, no one will ever see
As we roll along in silence for all eternity!
The last express...
The last express...
Wake up, wake up (wake up, wake up)
You're living in a dream (you're living in a dream)
All you ever did (all you ever did)
Was lie, cheat, and scheme
Well, now that is over (now that is over)
The conductor wants your fare (the conductor wants your fare)
It came so fast now (it came so fast now)
Tell me, were you prepared? (tell me, were you prepared?)
Now look out your window, what do you see?
The Express will never stop, no matter how you plead
Your final destination may never even come
Just sit back, relax, and pray that there is one
Look out your window, what do you hear?
A million lost souls screaming in your ear!
The Express goes on forever, no one will ever leave
As it rolls along in silence for all eternity!
The last express...
The last express... x6
The song "The Last Express" by Vernian Process explores the themes of mortality, reality, and eternity. The opening lines depict the inevitable fate of death and the futility of escaping it through dreaming. The contrast between the hope of fantasy and the dark reality of awakening emphasizes the bleakness and finality of death. The subsequent lines describe a timeless journey on a train that rolls on forever, crossing various landscapes regardless of weather conditions. The train symbolizes the journey of life, and the unknown final destination represents the mystery of death. The lyrics suggest that death is an unavoidable journey that every human must take, and even though it may come unexpectedly, it is essential to be prepared for it.
The chorus "The last express..." and "Wake up, wake up/ You're living in a dream/ All you ever did/ Was lie, cheat, and scheme" reinforce the idea of reality and the singer's ultimate acceptance of it. The conductor asking for the fare and the train going on forever remind the listener of the inevitability of death and the importance of being prepared for it. The final repetition of the chorus conveys the message that death is the ultimate journey, and just like the train, it never stops or waits for anyone.
Line by Line Meaning
When you fall asleep, and wake up in the ground
When you die and are buried
The skies fall apart and the heavens rain down
There is chaos and destruction around you
You enter your dreams in hopes of fantasy
You seek escape from reality in your dreams
But all you wake up to is a dark reality
But when you wake up, you are confronted with a harsh reality
Now look out your window, what do you see?
Take a look outside, what is visible to you?
Another timeless journey along the rolling sea
A never-ending journey over the ocean waves
The tracks roll on forever across this barren land
The train tracks extend without end over the empty terrain
From the frozen northern wastes to the burning eastern sands
From the icy northern regions to the hot eastern deserts
Look out your window, what do you hear?
Listen carefully, what do you perceive?
The lonesome whistle's cry echoes in your ear
The haunting sound of the train whistle resonates in your ears
We'll go on forever, no one will ever see
We will continue forever, without any witnesses
As we roll along in silence for all eternity!
As we travel in silence, for an infinite amount of time!
The last express...
This is the final, unending train ride...
Wake up, wake up
Wake up from your dream state
You're living in a dream
You have been living in a false reality
All you ever did
All your actions in life
Was lie, cheat, and scheme
Consisted of deception and manipulation
Well, now that is over
But now that is all over
The conductor wants your fare
The conductor is demanding payment for the train ride
It came so fast now
The end came unexpectedly
Tell me, were you prepared?
Were you ready for it?
Your final destination may never even come
You may never reach your ultimate destination
Just sit back, relax, and pray that there is one
So just sit back, relax, and hope that there is an end to this journey
A million lost souls screaming in your ear!
A multitude of tormented spirits shrieking all around you
The Express goes on forever, no one will ever leave
The train ride continues indefinitely, and no one will ever get off
As it rolls along in silence for all eternity!
As it silently moves forward, without end...
The last express... x6
This is the final, unending train ride...
Contributed by Claire G. Suggest a correction in the comments below.