Obey The Brave - Salvation (track by track summary)

Canada’s Obey The Brave released their sophomore album this September.

To coincide, frontman Alex Erian has provided a track-by-track summary of each song that comprises 'Salvation'.

Short Fuse

"I'm seeing red, got a few loose screws

Trapped inside my head; Short fuse"

That moment when anger prevails over reason and it just starts flowing through you like the dark side of the force. Sometimes, when the situation calls for it, you just gotta lose your cool and snap. Don't be a pushover.

Raise Your Voice

"Go ahead, put me to the test

There's fire in my head, convection in my chest

I'll defend what is mine to keep

Keep running your mouth, I won't lose sleep"

Whatever you do in life, there will always be someone out there that will disagree, discriminate or try to dissuade you from walking your own path. This song is about moving forward, no matter what people say. Let them talk and waste their energy. Shine by your absence, keep your eyes on the prize and do your thing. Properly dealing with negative criticism will empower you. Indifference is the only real enemy.

Up In Smoke

"Back on the chain until it breaks

The same story, same mistakes

Another toke, another dime

Gone up in smoke, just one more time"

Walking that thin line between self-medicating to forgive and smoking to forget. When accumulated stress and worries start clouding your mind and judgment, a bit of green smoke can bring you peace.

Into The Storm

"When it rains, it pours

A never-ending self reform

I'm marching onward into the storm"

This song is about falling down and gradually getting back up again. In a twisted way, I'm thankful for my mistakes and all the obstacles that stood in my way. With some will power, there is a way to turn a negative event into a positive learning experience. One day at a time.

Next Level

"Around the world,

Always ready to ride

Just say the word,

We'll be out on the roadside"

I still dislike long van rides (laughs) but I do realise how lucky I am to travel the world and play music for a living. Get rid of your blinders, observe and appreciate the richness of various customs, values, habits, climates, landscapes, landmarks, architecture, food, etc. It's a beautiful learning experience. At 33, I've seen enough cool shit for a lifetime already but I'm still hungry for more. I will not rest until my bucket list is completely crossed out.

Back In The Day

"Those were the teenage years

Swimming laps at the pool,

Getting high, trading tapes,

Playing drums after school"

Ah, the good old days. I miss that magic. We all get nostalgic once in a while. When revisiting the past, certain friendly reminders can surface. Reminding yourself of where you came from and how far you've gone might just be what you need to keep on keepin' on. Roots, bloody roots.

I Am Winter

"I am winter, cold as ice

No joy, just sacrifice"

Last winter was an emotional blizzard. Things are better now. There's no way to go but up from here.

Lone Wolf

"I follow my own code"

The open road has always given me that liberating sense of freedom. It has kept me young on the inside and toughened me up on the outside. However, every passion has a price. There is that palpable sense of isolation that comes with writing, creating and traveling. Being away from your loved ones, your pack, is inevitable in this line of work but with it comes an acute sense of survival. Follow your instinct.

C'est La Vie

"À la vie, à la mort

Je suis maître de mon sort

Vie un jour à la fois

Surtout fais preuve de sang froid"

Somehow, things seem a little clearer and transparent when you speak your native language. Although communicating in English has become part of my daily life, voicing my thoughts in French sometimes feels a little more sincere.

This track is about making the effort of seeing beyond the war, the cruelty, the injustice, the sadness and having faith that there is still good in people. Dig deep inside and you just might find it, no matter how lost you feel. Every action, no matter how small, still has that potential of making this world a better place.

Full Circle

"I'll save you the speech

I'll spare you the drama

But I can promise you one thing: Karma"

Rape is probably one of the most horrendous and cowardly acts I can think of. I've witnessed the chaos it has brought in the lives of women and have experienced the backlash. I admire the courage of these women. Too many of them will never experience the satisfaction of seeing their aggressor punished for their crime. I have faith that life will somehow find a way to make them pay.

North Strong

"My back is sore but I'm standing straight

Better build my core, better pull my weight

My mind's running but I'm standing still

Despair is no match for my iron will"

The older I get, the harder it gets to recuperate. The human body does have its limits and although there's no secret to eternal youth, I do my best lead a healthy lifestyle. Growing pains can be overwhelmingly discouraging at times but hey, I'm still alive. Things could be a lot worse. We all have certain physical flaws. Deal with it or it will blind you from everything else that makes you beautiful.

Brave The Fire

"It's time to let go to keep you near

Try to wait for the smoke to clear

Everyday, I'm feeling blue

Don't let me get over you"

So much desperation can come from a rupture. The belittling feeling of holding on to someone too firmly. The blinding sensation of denial. The lack of trust in anyone. The loss of direction that comes with letting go. Fortunately, my heartache is part of the past. The spell has been lifted and I feel like I'm finally back to being myself again. Things are simple now.

'Salvation' is out now via Epitaph Records.