For as long as the Earth has inhabited life, there has been violence. Be it violence between animals or between humans, enemies or lovers, strangers or families, the human heart, (or lack thereof,) has always thirsted after the dominating feeling of conquering the weaker-willed. The reasons for these needs are in abundance; from lack of own self-confidence, traumas, jealously, substance-intoxication, or the manipulation from others. ‘History of Violence,’ the latest single from Texan-based duo Stoneside., explores the deep, damp, and narrow trenches of imprisonment.
Loose cymbals mimic the spine chilling sound of iron chains clanging against the shackles of others’, whilst electronic fuzz predicts the hell and fury that awaits. Subtle and essential piano notes taunt the encroaching abyss, aided by the calm yet commanding vocals of Shinedown’s Brent Smith. The poignant and dark lyrical content of “it was nothing like mother said/ better off dead,” is just one insight into the songs deeper and sinister backstory of the Texan south. After the Civil War ended and people had to give up their slaves, two men opened up a private prison. Instead of the slaves working the fields, prison inmates would take on that role and many died from exhaustion, heat stroke, and harsh beatings, where even the guards perished.
Like the calm before the storm, soft verses lull you into the same false sense of security that those trapped in abusive situations often feel, before the same physical, emotional, or financial horse is flogged in the form of a low-slugged distorted chorus. “Stop your running, there’s no need to hide,” conjures triggering imagery of a predator poaching his prey.
Stoneside.’s battering ram of assaulted drums and beaten guitars lead out the track with blood-smeared floors and the smell of fear hanging thick in the air, pleading and praying to live to fight another day. ‘History of Violence’ is available now across all streaming platforms, for more information head to their website here or their social medias linked below.
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