Oblivion – dark, mystic, surprising

Oblivion directly awakens associations with a mystic place, darkness and ancient rituals. The choir that accompanies the piano melody underlines this feeling and reminds of a choir from the musical Dance Of The Vampires.

The words of the first stanza and the chorus are whispered while the piano plays. The whole thing starts real slow until the stanza actually starts. Once more, the voice is very deep. The contrast to the chorus which comes to life by Brent Smith singing high notes very strongly supports the idea of breaking free from something; forcefully.

The lyrics are as mystic as the melody. “Behold the alchemy” and “spineless spirits” bring the listener directly into a dark ritual in which the lyrical I breaks free from someone who had hidden it in the shadows. The topic is well know: break free from what is poison for you, from what is dangerous for yourself. This person and the connected memories are sent into oblivion.

The transition from stanza to chorus happens in one single word, in which the singing voice changes within one long note. The chorus is sung fast and in high notes. The drum line in the bridge appears like the beat of a heart just before chaos breaks out. The electric guitar and the strong drums carry the whole song. Eric Bass on the piano towards the end of the song is cleverly chosen to keep it mystic.

Favorite line: “Rise, wrath of the rage. Those spineless spirits bleed, behold the alchemy.”

Listen to Shinedown's Oblivion here: 

Buy Threat To Survival here.