Based on the concept of various emotional states, mental traumas and way to overcome them, “Celestials“, the newest album from Odessa based screamo band JANPALACH is yet another great example of how the emotional hardcore and post hardcore scene is blooming with fervour thanks to awe inspiring creatives and amazing artists from all over the world. To give it a proper nod, we have teamed up with the band to paint a bigger picture of what was embedded into this interesting piece of art.
“In the Victorian theatrical slang, the term “Celestials” was used in reference to the audience, which was also called “roof-scrapers”.” – explains the band.
“They were closest to the “gods and angels” (who were often painted on the ceilings) and sat on the highest spectator tiers. But the bottom line is that these listeners and viewers are actually closed off from other audiences in expressing their emotions. However, it is worth noting that the album in no way dictates or imposes the absolute truth. First of all it tells stories. This is all a theatrical performance. And there is a lot of farce in it.”
The album is divided into three phases. These phases are also named after slang theatrical expressions from different eras.
As explained by the band:
- “to take a dagger and draw yourself “ literally means an illogical action or twist in the hero’s plot behavior, which often traumatizes the characters around you mentally or physically,
- “to fall out corpsing” is an expression that means an unpredictable exit from the role when you do not hold back and, for example, start laughing suddenly,
- “to break the fourth wall” is the character’s appeal from the stage during the performance to the audience, which destroys the audience’s perception of the main character’s emotions and makes him real for everyone.
Track by track commentary:
“I Am the Thunder” is about rage and its destructive ability. The main phrase of the song is an open reference to Homer’s Odyssey.
“Wag the Dog” is an insufficiently utopian song about the fear of industrialization and how a person kills people in himself and in his environment under the influence of rapid progress and an oversaturation of information.
“Wolves, Sheep & Amphiboles” is about feeling envious of others under the impression that even in your own life you are only a supporting character.
“Seven Nails” is now the most terrible and scariest song for us, it is about the fear of death under the influence of war, disease, loneliness. The main idea is that what kills a person’s thirst for life is not death itself, but its constant expectation.
“The Pit” is about abusive relationships on any level. Friendly or loving – everyone decides for themselves.
“For Fathers” is a song that appeals to every parent. To the future, to the past, and, perhaps, to those who have completely run away from parenthood.
