This is an ongoing theme throughout my EP, but I'd had the introduction for All That I Am prepared to write with not long before my previous band split up. Initially, it was only meant to be something like an introduction to a setlist, or a future album. Never had I considered turning it into a full song.
I felt it needed to develop into something more and started to fashion a blend of new and old riffs to make this almost musical type piece. The clean sections were inspired by a blend of scores from various Quentin Tarantino movies, and my love for traditional Japanese and Scottish music.
Musical influences came from Gojira, Periphery, Dream Theater, The Devin Townsend Project, Iron Maiden, Architects and even Killswitch Engage.
Lyrically this song is a blend of themes. There's talk of once again governmental frustration and just how as a young man I was feeling we were being controlled and manipulated, by liars and deceivers.
On the other hand, it's a very personal song. The repeated first verse conveys that feeling of believing in who you are for so long, and having it taken from you. The final key change really highlights the outrage and aggression of feeling like you've lost yourself and you don't know where to go. The burden of hopelessness is fluent throughout, and prominent in the final chorus.
Hats off to Callum Whimhurst on this final chorus, because holy hell I don't think I've ever heard him sing that high before! Everytime I hear it, it brings a tear to my eyes cos he'd brilliantly captured the raw intensity and passionate emotions that inspired me with the lyrics.
lyrics
Lyrics:
All That I Am
All That I Ever Was
All I Could Be
Was Taken From Me
Broken and scattered, playing with my life
Freedom and solace, you cut with a knife
Fighting and pushing, we're close to the edge
Your message is clear, we will not pledge
You can't inspire hope, cos there's no hope left for man
We're bred to destroy, from the womb we're all damned
I've lost, myself
Not ready to say goodbye
But not ready to abide
Chained to the promise, of what we don't own
A world built on greed, that won't be overthrown
Scratching and pulling, we're over the edge
The message was clear, but we will not pledge
No retribution for liars and cheaters
No glory for those that which deceive us
Each says it's different, each says it's better
Yet why does neither ever bring us together
Greetings earthlings! This page is dedicated to Epiphany, my progressive metal solo
project.
Over the course of my time playing guitar, I've felt the restrictions of playing in a band that naturally comes with their given style and sound. Through this project, I hoped to deliver my own varied style and performance with my creative control.
It's not a question of why, but a question of why not?...more