Track By Tracks: No Kings Allowed - A New Era (2024)

Album Message: "A New Era":

"A New Era" is a journey through the struggles of fate, the chaos of conflict, and the relentless fight for freedom and self-discovery. This album explores the tension between destiny and rebellion, the internal and external battles that shape our lives, and the power of unity in the face of adversity. From the hauntingly introspective "At Every End" to the fierce defiance of "Rise Up" and the unrelenting force of "World War Now," the album delves into the cycles of destruction and renewal that define human existence.

1. Future’s prelude (instrumental):

We wrote this as e prelude to Prophecy. The idea was to set the mood for the album.

2. Prophecy:

"Prophecy" is a powerful exploration of the struggle between destiny and free will, the tension between divine control and human rebellion. It raises deep philosophical questions about fate—are we truly in control of our lives, or is everything already written in the stars? The song highlights the futility of resisting fate, yet celebrates the human spirit’s refusal to simply accept its predetermined end. The narrative reflects the bitter realization that even in rebellion, we might still be following the steps of a prophecy that was never meant to be avoided.

3. Stand Up:

"Stand Up" is about resilience and fighting through inner struggles, whether it’s mental health challenges or personal battles. The repeated call to "stand up" emphasizes the need to keep pushing forward, despite feeling overwhelmed or defeated. It’s a message of defiance, urging the listener to rise above darkness and negative thoughts, and keep fighting to reclaim control over their life.

4. Enemy Within:

"Enemy Within" is about the internal struggle between self-doubt, mental turmoil, and the fight to regain control. The song explores how negative thoughts and inner demons can feel like an external enemy, constantly battling for dominance in one's mind. It’s a battle of mental fortitude, where the individual confronts their own fears, insecurities, and self-destructive tendencies. Ultimately, the song is about reclaiming power over one’s mind, rising above the darkness, and defeating the "enemy within" to emerge stronger.

5. A New Era:

"A New Era" is a song about resilience, unity, and the triumph of hope over darkness. It captures the spirit of overcoming adversity and embracing a future of strength and freedom. The song reflects on the struggles faced in the past, the pain and challenges that have shaped the journey, but also the unwavering determination to stand together and forge a brighter tomorrow. The lyrics speak to the cyclical nature of life and history, where periods of suffering and conflict give way to renewal and growth. The "rise of an era" symbolizes the dawning of a new age where hope, truth, and unity will lead the way. The imagery of breaking chains and resisting tyranny highlights a collective power to defy oppression and embrace a future built on shared strength and purpose. Ultimately, "A New Era" is about the power of hope and solidarity, the refusal to succumb to fear, and the conviction that no matter the darkness, a brighter future is always within reach through unity and resilience.

6. Lion Eyes:

"Lion Eyes" is about the emotional pain and manipulation caused by someone who betrayed the speaker. The "lion eyes" symbolize a predatory, cruel gaze that both breaks and strangely makes the speaker feel alive. The song explores the struggle of being haunted by lies, unable to move on, and torn between pain and longing for grace. It highlights the lasting impact of betrayal and the difficulty of escaping its emotional grip.

7. Extinct By Design (instrumental):

This instrumental part sets the mood for Laws of Extinction part 1 and 2. It builds up the tension.

8. Laws of Extinction Part 1:

"Laws of Extinction Part 1" is a song about the brutal, survival-of-the-fittest nature of society, where power dynamics shift and the strongest prey on the weak. It explores the collapse of moral structures and the rise of a predatory hierarchy where the laws of nature—strength, dominance, and fear—take over.

The song emphasizes revolution, as the oppressed begin to rise up, challenging the "beasts" at the top of the power structure. The repeated mantra of "hunter becomes the hunted" symbolizes the eventual downfall of those who once held power, suggesting that the cycle of predation will come full circle. It’s about embracing a darker, more primal instinct—transforming into predators ourselves in a fight for survival, where only the strongest will remain.

9. Laws of Extinction part 2:

"Laws of Extinction Part 2" builds on the chaos and collapse of society from Part 1. While Part 1 focuses on the rise of predatory power struggles, Part 2 explores the aftermath: a world in total disarray, where leaders become dictators, violence rules, and peace is a mere illusion. The song emphasizes humanity’s self-destructive nature, with violence and corruption everywhere. The recurring line "hunters become the hunted" connects both parts, showing how the cycle of survival and power ultimately leads to everyone's downfall, and peace is no longer possible in this broken world.

10. Violence:

"Violence" is a song about uncontrollable rage and the descent into chaos. The lyrics describe a person overwhelmed by anger, losing their humanity and succumbing to primal instincts. It’s a battle between the inner self and the violent impulses that take over, leading to destruction and bloodshed. The song portrays a visceral, primal urge to fight, fueled by anger and a lack of control. The violence becomes a force of its own, where survival and dominance replace reason and humanity. Ultimately, it’s a descent into a brutal, never-ending cycle of conflict where escape seems impossible.

11. Garden of Eden:

"Garden of Eden" is about the loss of innocence, the inevitability of mortality, and the transformation that comes with embracing both light and darkness. The song begins with a sense of defiance and fearlessness, breaking free from darkness and falling into a new, fiery reality. It then explores the paradox of Paradise Lost—where the original purity of the Garden of Eden is corrupted through sin and the fall of man. The narrative reflects the consequences of choices, symbolized by the bite of the apple, which turns paradise into suffering and mortality. As the speaker faces death, they grapple with the pain of being human, the loss of eternal peace, and the inevitability of decay. Ultimately, "Garden of Eden" is a reflection on the journey from innocence to experience, the acceptance of mortality, and the inescapable consequences of our actions.

12. Rise Up:

"Rise Up" is a powerful anthem of unity, strength, and defiance in the face of adversity. The song speaks to the collective will to overcome fears, doubts, and the internal demons that plague individuals and society. It emphasizes resilience, with the repeated call to "rise up" symbolizing a collective uprising against oppression, personal struggles, and the challenges that hold people back.

The lyrics focus on solidarity—"we stand as one"—and the unyielding determination to face and conquer fear. The chorus reinforces the idea that through unity, strength, and purpose, anything can be overcome. Ultimately, "Rise Up" is a call to action, urging listeners to find their inner power and rise together to break free from the forces that try to break them down.

13. World War Now:

"World War Now" is a song that critiques the brutality and senselessness of war, focusing on the human cost of violence and conflict. It paints a vivid picture of destruction, where innocents—women, men, and children—are caught in the crossfire of a war that seems endless and inescapable. The song questions the reasons for such suffering, asking why humanity must endure such violence and whether peace is even possible. The lyrics reflect the hopelessness of the situation, with the "endless slumber" symbolizing a world trapped in perpetual war, and the grief turning into hunger, suggesting that destruction has stripped away everything of value. "World War Now" is a cry for reflection, urging listeners to consider the consequences of war and the future it creates for the next generation. Ultimately, it’s a powerful statement on the ongoing cycle of violence and the devastating impact it has on humanity.

14. Scourge of the North:

"Scourge of the North" is a Viking-inspired battle anthem, celebrating the fierce warriors' march to war. The song depicts their reverence for the gods, their strength, and their fearsome raids. It speaks of bloody axes, ravens signaling death, and the destruction they bring to foreign lands, including burning churches and spreading terror. The warriors, described as the "chosen ones," strike fear into their enemies, symbolizing the unstoppable force of the Viking scourge. The song captures their brutal legacy and their dominance in battle, marking the end of days for all who oppose them.

15. At Every End:

"At Every End" is a reflection on the inevitable cycles of life, fate, and self-doubt. The song explores the feeling of being trapped in a cycle, believing we control our destiny, only to find ourselves lost at the end, confronted by the unknown. It delves into themes of enslavement by darkness and the internal struggle to break free, questioning the price of enlightenment and whether true freedom is possible.

The lyrics also introduce a flicker of hope in the form of a "faint ember" amidst the overwhelming darkness, hinting that even in the depths of despair, new beginnings may emerge. The repeated question, "What have I just become?" reflects the internal confusion and realization of transformation, as the protagonist grapples with their journey and identity. Ultimately, "At Every End" is about the constant search for meaning and renewal, even in the face of uncertainty and despair.