The band members are Leroy Hamp (vocals), Branon Bernatowicz (guitar), Steve Brown (guitar), T.J. Alford (bass, vocals) and Alex Hamp (drums), all of whom are Christians. They played over 250 shows in 2005 with bands such as Bury Your Dead, The Acacia Strain, As I Lay Dying, and Throwdown.
They have since released their self-titled debut album War of Ages in July 2005 on Strike First Records and in February 2006, they were moved to the Facedown Records roster and recorded their second full-length album, Pride of the Wicked, released in September 2006. Arise and Conquer was released in 2008. Eternal, was released April 13th, 2010, and will be the last album released under their Facedown Records contract.
Aftermath
War Of Ages Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I've emerged to hide my face in disgust.
Reach for me in that day.
Ease the storm that's plagued me.
Although we live in darkness, will a torch ever burn and give us light as we close our eyes.
We've decided to walk alone, flirting with our arrogance.
The clouds roll in as our heads hang.
Lord, fill our mouths and our lives with your words.
And fight the pride that holds me in place.
For I am not a slave to my fear.
Hide no more and leave your anchors at bay.
Surfaced the grave that's buried too deep.
Remove the dagger held by my lungs.
Hide no more.
Become a messenger.
Cry out a song of praise that is true.
Transform.
Become a flesh that's reborn.
Take the pride that darkens me.
Hear me.
For I won't be help down by fear.
No one will ever quench my thirst.
For I long for a better life.
I'll fight
The overall message of War of Ages's song Aftermath is about personal struggle and redemption. The opening line "Light has dawned" could refer to a moment of realization or enlightenment, but the following lyrics reveal that the singer is facing inner turmoil and possibly shame or disgust. They plead for someone or something to "ease the storm that's plagued me," and express a desire for a torch to illuminate the darkness they are living in. The line "We've decided to walk alone, flirting with our arrogance" suggests that the singer has made choices that have isolated them and possibly fueled their inner conflict. The song is ultimately a call to action, as the singer declares their determination to fight against their pride and fear, and become a messenger spreading a message of truth and transformation.
One interesting fact about War of Ages is that they are a Christian metalcore band, so many of their songs are infused with religious themes and messages. Aftermath was released in 2010 as part of the album Eternal, which was their fifth studio album. The album was produced by Tim Lambesis, who is also the lead vocalist of As I Lay Dying. Another interesting fact is that the band has been around since 2002 and has undergone some lineup changes over the years, but their sound and message have remained consistent. War of Ages has toured with many other Christian metal bands such as Demon Hunter and Facedown Records labelmates For Today.
The band's guitarist and primary songwriter, Steve Brown, has spoken about how he uses music as a way to process his own struggles and ultimately inspire listeners to overcome their own obstacles. This is reflected in Aftermath as well as many other songs in the band's discography. While War of Ages' music incorporates heavy instrumentation and aggressive vocals, their lyrics are often introspective and focus on personal growth and redemption. The band has gained a dedicated fanbase over the years, and many of their songs have become anthems for those going through their own struggles.
Chords: Unfortunately, the chords for Aftermath are not available at this time.
Line by Line Meaning
Light has dawned.
I have finally seen the truth.
I've emerged to hide my face in disgust.
I am ashamed of the person I used to be.
Reach for me in that day.
Be there for me when I need you the most.
Ease the storm that's plagued me.
Help me find peace amidst my struggles.
Although we live in darkness, will a torch ever burn and give us light as we close our eyes.
Is there hope for us, even in our darkest moments?
We've decided to walk alone, flirting with our arrogance.
We have let our pride lead us astray.
The clouds roll in as our heads hang.
We are surrounded by despair and hopelessness.
Lord, fill our mouths and our lives with your words.
We need your guidance and wisdom.
I will lift my voice and stand so we may live.
I will be the one to speak up and make a change.
And fight the pride that holds me in place.
I will not let my own pride keep me from doing what is right.
For I am not a slave to my fear.
I will not let fear control me.
Hide no more and leave your anchors at bay.
It is time to let go of what is holding us back.
Surfaced the grave that's buried too deep.
I am confronting the past that I have buried.
Remove the dagger held by my lungs.
I am letting go of the pain and hurt I have been holding onto.
Hide no more.
It is time to be vulnerable and open.
Become a messenger.
I want to spread hope and truth to others.
Cry out a song of praise that is true.
I will give praise to what is good and just.
Transform.
I am changing and becoming a better person.
Become a flesh that's reborn.
I am starting anew with a fresh perspective.
Take the pride that darkens me.
I am acknowledging my flaws and weaknesses.
Hear me.
Listen to what I have to say.
For I won't be held down by fear.
I am choosing to be brave and move forward.
No one will ever quench my thirst.
I will always strive for something better.
For I long for a better life.
I have hope for a brighter tomorrow.
I'll fight.
I am determined to overcome my struggles.
Contributed by Madelyn A. Suggest a correction in the comments below.