Behind The Tracks: Backbone - Radical Mystic (Single) (2026)

“Radical Mystic” is one of the building blocks in the album called “Ama Nesciri”.

The concept around "Ama Nesciri" is a telling of the story of the Mystic. It’s a person torn by the conflict between how they perceive the real world and their own spiritual visions. In search of their path in life, they therefore decide to embark on a journey towards enlightenment. “Radical Mystic” is the second track on the album. For the Mystic, this is a pivotal moment: having decided to seek enlightenment, he throws himself maniacally into the whirlwind of religiosity. It is a difficult moment, for the impetuosity of his heart and his zealotry lead him close to religious fanaticism.

The lyrics of the song are inspired by Sufism, and in particular by the concept of striving for holiness in order to become a ‘wali’ – a wise man and “insan al-kamil” – literally “a perfect person”, while in Sufism, one of the pillars of faith whose prayers sustain the physical existence of the world. Sufism, as a form of Muslim mysticism, is used here merely as a metaphor to describe this part of the story. In fact, each track is inspired by a different spiritual philosophy, a different form of religiosity. We were unsure whether linking the lyrics of a song about fanaticism with themes of Islam might seem too on the nose, but ultimately (just as in Sufi philosophy) the Mystic’s zealotry is directed inwards, towards himself. It is a discipline imposed on one’s own spirit, not on another person.

Musically, the album was a new challenge for us because the concept came first and provided strict frames for how each of the songs should sound. As for “Radical Mystic,” the aim was to create the most “song-like” composition possible, with verses, a distinct chorus, and a bridge in the second half.

Which was very unusual for us because we never wrote anything that way. The riffs have a bite and a sense of urgency in them, which was appropriate because we were dealing with the topic of a young, very driven person.

The emotional aspects were perfectly conveyed in vocals by Piotr, who soulfully depicts the struggles of a hot-minded individual, while Aleksander subtly yet powerfully carries the chorus. Thus contrasting the Mystic’s chaotic nature with pure and elegant ideals they strive for.

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