Analysis

Here we are introduced to a new concept that comes up a few more times in the Acts. The Apparition. While not necessarily a ‘character’ so to speak, it’s something that Hunter internally refers to on a few occasions. By definition, and apparition is “a ghost or ghostlike image of a person; the appearance of something remarkable or unexpected”. It’s based from the word ‘appear’, abridged definition being “come into sight; give the impression of being”. In the Acts, the apparition is something Hunter refers to when asking for guidance, and is implied to be a part of him, whether it be his imagination, faith, or just a personal concept he has created for himself. This apparition is awoken in the midst of war, and some have implied that through the trauma of war, he develops a split personality of sorts (either literally through mental illness or through an issue of identity). This concept is further explored over the next few albums after key events happen later in the Act.

‘A majesty’s massacre floods the fields of red’ details the setting of the battlefield, soaked with blood of friend and foe, while also implying a kings war, bloodshed spilled for the interest of those in power, using the hands of the poor.

The chorus continues on this idea, saying that despite nearly everyone involved being opposed to the idea of war, it is played out anyways because of those in power. Unable to object due to social and political position, individuals are forced into battle against each other. While some may gather behind the patriotism, and possibly nationalistic motives of the war, In Cauda Venenum clearly wants us to see that most are against it, or at least believe it’s going too far, unnecessarily causing suffering.

The second verse talks of how people grow from innocence to stark killers. This parallels to Hunter’s situation of Act I, through Act II and into Act III. Although while he may have lost his innocence, that doesn’t stop him from being naive, too quick to react to his surroundings, before properly assessing his situation. This then goes into more of the political themes from before, comparing it to a game, like that of Chess.

The songs transitional ending is a strong contrast from the main song. Like usual, it mirrors the tone of the next song more than the one it belongs to. It implies that in a moment of calm, possibly away from the battlefield, Hunter reflects on the events that ended Act II, and his feelings about Ms. Leading. In a bittersweet way, he misses her but remembers her as a liar. As someone in a bloody war, it may be hard for Hunter to not think about her, as she was a source of comfort for him up until this point, and since Ms. Terri’s death. I think throughout the end of Act II and the first half of Act III, Hunter doesn’t think of his mother much. The City and his experiences there and the War and his experiences here, have pulled him far away from his home and his mother, physically but also emotionally. He is distant and has forgotten where he comes from.