Track By Tracks: Hecatoncheir - Nightmare Utopia (2025)

Nightmare Utopia is a concept album, telling a story of a cult, which is trying to gain followers who have trouble sleeping, and by helping them sleep, conjure an ancient entity that aims to take over the world. The story is inspired by H.P. Lovecraft and other cosmic horror authors, and also by real-life dreams and nightmares. In addition to lyrics, each song has an accompanying story, which can be found in the CD release of the album.

1. Dreamless:

The opening track introduces the main character, who has troubles sleeping and seeks out the help of a nameless cult, which promises to resolve this issue. The song and the concept as a whole were inspired by a period in my life when I had sleeping issues myself. Nightmares described through the lyrics and story are also inspired by that period of my life.

2. Nightmare Utopia (I. The Falsebound Kingdom):

Instrumental track depicting the growing impact of the cult on the life of the main character.

3. Nightmare Utopia (II. Him in the Gulf):

The Old One worshipped by the cult appears for the first time, along with a revelation that there is a darker meaning behind the cult. The cult plans to awaken the sleeping Old One through the dreams of its members. Once there is a sufficient number of people dreaming, the Old One will awake.

4. Sefirot of Understanding:

A new character is introduced – Nyarlathotep. Inspired by the world of H.P. Lovecraft, Nyarlathotep acts like a vessel between the dream world and the real world. At first, his intentions seem friendly towards the main character; however, he is a deceiver not to be trusted. Musically, this song brings out more of the post-metal elements that have inspired us in the past.

5. The Crowning Horror:

Probably the fastest, most crushing death metal track on the album. This depicts the rise of The Old One. The slower part at the end sets up the story for the two final tracks, where The Old One reigns over the world.

6. Madness of the Stars:

The Old One reigns, and the world is in shambles. It is a silent reign; no one can see The Old One, but they can feel his presence. The people grow restless, the number of suicides grows, there are more accidents, more natural disasters, and the presence of The Old One can be felt all over the world.

7. The Watcher, The Witness:

The main character sees the state of the world and tries to fight The Old One. However, he is deceived by Nyarlathotep and trapped in the dream world. This chapter of the story ends there.