Fall Of Carthage - Drawn Into Madness (2022)

Release: 23.09.2022 via MDD-Records

Production, Mix, Master: Arkadius Antonik.
Guitars & Bass: Arkadius Antonik.
Vocals & Lyrics: Sascha Aßbach.
Drums: Ken Jentzen.
Artwork & Paint: Kirsten Schüßler.
Layout & Design: Sascha Aßbach

Tracklist
  1. Sesame Seeds (3:14) (Video)
  2. Slipping Through the Wall (4:15)
  3. True Oblivion (4:29)
  4. Dug Under (4:11)
  5. Smell Of The Oak (4:06)
  6. Cause Of My Death (4:25)
  7. Bloodwater (5:11)
  8. Absurd Formulae (4:09) (Video)

Order or stream the album here:

It was quiet around FALL OF CARTHAGE for some years, but now the groove metallers surprisingly release their fourth album DRAWN INTO MADNESS.

In the midst of the desolate pandemic, not only Arkadius had itchy fingers, but Sascha also longed to let off steam again together musically. In the meantime, both have collaborated on other recordings (guest appearances by Sascha with Suidakra, Dragonbreed). But the question was: bury the phoenix or revive it? After the first ideas for riffs and vocals already, both were so hooked that 8 new tracks were created in a few weeks. So the answer was clear.

DRAWN INTO MADNESS are 34 minutes of relentless, straight banging. Blastbeats, catchy riffs, groovy rhythms that hardly give time to relax the neck. Due to the multifaceted vocals - from deep spoken parts, rough roar and gripping shouts to high screams - the whole thing does not seem dull but dynamic. Also on this album Sascha's lyrics deal with personal topics mainly, but at the same time leave the listener enough space to identify with them.

The uncompromisingly fat sound of the new FOC album is due to Arkadius' production. All in all a well-balanced, round thing and probably the strongest FOC album so far.

what the media says

Lyrics

01. Sesame Seeds Trying to get rid of all complications. Let it go, let it go. How about meditation? I feel like sinking in, losing all control. I bought a trip through the wild, t's unnatural. Some of my allergies handle my jealousies. Couldn't care less 'bout these echoing memories. They keep chewing on my balls like Sesame Seeds I couldn't care less. I couldn't care less. I couldn't care less. I couldn't care less. Lick liquor of my mid-middle-finger. Feel sicker, then i choke and spit it out. Spit it out - SEEDS Spit it out - SEEDS Spit it out - SEEDS Dhewing on my balls like Sesame Seeds, damn it Tto regain nerve and energy cast aside complexity. Prevail against the imbalance for the heart, for the life of my battery. Break this system. Solve the riddle. Step back and avoid a collision, grab a place in the middle. My battered soul, see it dying from plain starvation. Prior to win the arcade we will wake the chameleon. Now's the time, god, kill it. Wish i'd find relief and progress. Trying to get rid of all complications. Let it go, how about meditation. I feel like sinking in, losing all control. About to drift through the wild, it's unnatural. Summon my enemies. Could i care less 'bout these? They keep chewing, chewing on my balls like Sesame Seeds. To regain nerve and energy let it go, let it go, cast aside complexity. SEEDS. Leave the enemies alone with their system, break out and unleash your wisdom. SEEDS. Hungry for our sould, keep gnawing on our balls. Redigest them, spit 'em out. SEEDS. Giving up on hope cause my integrity has always been denied, uncertified. SEEDS. I couldn't care less. Oh, I couldn't care less. I couldn't care less. I couldn't care less. // deutsch // portuguese

— 02. Slipping Through The Wall Listen, do you have a ball? Does it choke your inners? Do you care at all? Rumors slipping through the wall. Is it for the critics? Morning papers call? Ego, egoist. Sociopathic anylyst. Keeping your distance with a raised fist. Socially incompatible nihilist Say, what’s on your bucket list? Deep-throating your own urologist? Rim-jobbing phantasies with not your sis? None of my business but if you insist. Listen, do you have a ball? Does it choke your inners? Do you care at all? does it choke your inners? do you have a ball ? Slipping through the. Slip through the wall. Slipping through the. Slip, slip through the wall. You keep dealing your fiction like a novelist. Flame-sucking the fire like an arsonist. Cornerstone relocating monopolist I swear, i swear i won’t ever fall for this. I would never. Listen (do you have a ball). Rumors (slip, slipping through the wall). Such spirit is doomed to fall. Beckon the call , but do you? Do you (do you) care at all? Slip through the wall. Slip. Ego, egoist. Sociopathic anylyst. Keeping your distance with a raised fist. Socially incompatible nihilist. You keep dealing your fiction like a novelist. Flame-sucking the fire like an arsonist. Cornerstone relocating monopolist. I swear i won’t ever fall for this. Listen. Those fucking rumors. I’m not seeing any progress. How much did they pay you? Beckon the call. — 03. True Oblivion Light my last match, light my last. Don’t look at me like this, don’t you! Ok, just turn around and leave for good. Stop telling me what’s good for me, it won’t get through. I’m just trying to to be helpful. Arrrr, can’t believe what you turned into. It’s not my fault, it was your decision. Stonecold, ignorant, numb, that is you. This is what you see? Mirror mirror, what do you see? Tell me what has become of me? Am i breathing or living a lie? I feel like something is sucking me up, i can’t defy. Let’s light a match and start from scratch. Another step towards the edge. Burn down what you love the most? Grab the sledge and turn into a ghost. Hell, i wish i was a ghost, i could sneak into your room, spill gasoline upon your groom and put your bed on fire. Oh, i wouldn’t have to feel like an unworthy soul. I’d watch the flames dance in awe and bath in true oblivion. True oblivion. Flames dancing in awe. I wouldn't have to feel unworthy as i watch you die. I know I might look like a coward cause i live a lie. I am living a lie. Living a lie. Light my last match. Sure about your plans? Ain’t no turning back? Aou again? Said i don’t wanna see you anymore. Dude,relax. Been there, done that, not only once before. No need to freak out. Yeah i know, calm down, what for It’s senseless, you’re starting to bore me. Mirror mirror, what do you see? Tell me what has become of me? Am i breathing or living a lie? I feel like something is sucking me up, i can’t defy. Let’s light a match and start from scratch. Another step towards the edge. Burn down what you love the most? I’ll say a pledge and lay 'em down to roast. Hell, i wish i was a ghost, i could sneak into your room, spill gasoline upon your groom and put your bed on fire. Oh, i wouldn’t have to feel like an unworthy soul. I’d watch the flames dance in awe and bath in true oblivion. True oblivion. Flames dancing in awe. I see myself. I see myself. i see myself running. I see myself escape and running away from all kinds of creatures. But actually they’re not weird at all. I guess i should see em as preachers. Stories untold, novels so weird, oh i’m pondering. Running away, running away, i’m wandering. I will sneak into you room. Light my last match, Light my last match and put your bed, and put your bed on fire. I wish that i was a ghost. Flames dancing in awe. Flames dancing in awe. Flames dancing in awe. — 04. Dug under I was asking "is it lasting"? Weeks are passing, no answer, no respect, no consent. This is why i resignate. Turn the cover, call your mother. You would rather dug under her skirt, see her squirt. Therefore I don’t hesitate. Do i really have to say? We're not the same in any way. No matter what they say, We're not the same in any way. We are, we're in a loss, we are in a loss of communication to a bitter and higher cost for all of us. You're draining my power, you circle the hour. You're punchdrunk and aching, your knees weak, you're shaking. It's knuckle or bare, you are here, do you dare? You will! You will witness a change. Make sure there’s enough morphine in your veins. Punchdrunk and aching. Fears aside. Now’s the moment to tell the truth. You dare? What’s inside? Now’s the chance to unveil the proof. Now’s the chance to unveil the proof. Let us know what you’re up to if you dare, you care? Make a decision again. Are you in, are you out? Will you be loyal, Will you disappoint us again? Fears aside, what do you hide? This is why i resignate. Turn the cover, call your mother. You would rather dug under her skirt, see her squirt. Therefore I don’t hesitate. Do i have to say? We're not the same in any way. No matter what they say, We're not the same in any way. Punchdrunk & broken, We’re lost, we’re in a loss. We will see for whom fingers were crossed. You’re draining my power till the bell rings the hour. Step in the ring, i’ll devour your soul. — 05. Smell Of The Oak Memorize the prophecy. It's been foretold and now we're all doomed. Hand-cuffed in animosity while the oak is still in bloom. Still in bloom. We'll see whose fate is sealed. Bring 'em to the field, let 'em find their position, hold up their shields. Wave the axe, draw a sword and make it real. Judgement day, armageddon, the force revealed. We'll see whose fate is sealed. Men fighting for their kingdom with bare hands and broken knees. Their only purpose in life is this battle until the very last drip of blood is spilled. The smell of the oak will draw the meek and the broke. So let's strike a spark cause where there's fire there's smoke When the hearts freeze. Spreading the disease 'cross the village and all over the seven seas. Manics rush, the plague knows no boundaries. Winter's close but will it really bring a relief. When the lakes and the hearts freeze. Neverending mass extinction. The earth crumbling piece by piece. Our only chance to survive is solidarity. Get a grip and prepare for the final strike. The smell of the oak will draw the meek and the broke. So let's strike a spark cause where there's fire there's smoke They circle the crypt welcoming the outcast. Encourage him to follow the crows and unearth the dead-choir. The blackening sky beclouds their sanity. Apathetic. He's pushing onwards straight through the gates, nonetheless. We're all gonna break down. We're all gonna die now. Neverending mass extinction. The earth crumbling piece by piece. Our only chance to survive is solidarity. Get a grip and prepare for the final strike. The smell of the oak will draw the meek and the broke. So let's strike a spark cause where there's fire there's smoke Memorize the prophecy - it's been foretold. Memorize the prophecy - and now we're doomed. Memorize the prophecy - hand-cuffed. The oak is still in bloom. Memorize the prophecy. Memorize the prophecy. — 06. Cause Of My Death Where am i? Oh, did it happen again? I dunno, i feel like, oh fuck. It could have been so easy, man but i failed again. I’m not proud, it might look so. I’m just lost, trust me. Oh, as soon as i find my pants i’ll be gone. Gimme a minute please. Sitting here drinking again, third bottle or so, who knows?! One might think it’s easy, easy to handle but there’s no turning back when you’re so deep down in it. The only thing you’re looking forward to is the next one, the next one, where’s the next shot?! I never smoked any weed, never had a blunt or a cigarette but i give in on booze. I give in on booze. I could as well point a gun at my head and pull the fuckin trigger, i know. I know, why not skip a day or two? Why not just give up on drinking? Yeah, sounds good to me too... You kidding? If i could i would have already, i would have saved my liver a hard time and my family as well. I never did H nor crack-pipes just reuptake-inhibitors and I don't miss out on booze. It’s the cause of my death. I know it will kill me. Upon my last breath i’ll be asking to fill me up. Not proud - just lost - not proud. I don't miss out on booze. i dont miss out. I’d rather pass out. It’s just a matter of time and amount of drinks, right? But until then bring me another shot! Don’t give me up! It’s the cause of my death, i know it will kill me. Upon my last breath i’ll be begging to fill me up. It’s the cause of my death, i know it will kill me. Upon my last breath i’ll be begging to fill me up. Not proud. Don’t give me up. — 07. Bloodwater Read between the lines, it's a simple sign. Read between the lines, it's a simple sign. Unbound, not the same kind. No frown, read between the lines. You’re down, it’s about time. No loss, no grief, no fucking time for peace of mind. Unbound, not the same kind. No frown, read between the lines. You’re down, it’s about time. No loss, no grief, no peace of mind. I don't remember much about being a kid. That might be self-protection, repression or deliverance. Dug in a shell for years, unaware of my strength. You gave a shit, cause you were drunk or not present. Your grandson’s almost 16 now. You’ve never seen him, you never will. Won’t let you. Read between the lines, it's a simple sign. Read between the lines, it's a simple sign. It' a simple ...! Read between the lines BLOODWATER. BLOODWATER. There’s no bond, i don’t even bother. BLOODWATER. BLOODWATER. I’ll spit upon your grave once you’re done. Hey father, it’s my payoff. Long overdue, here’s your layoff. I don’t call you fam’ly no more, i call you a shame. So pissed that we share the same name, motherfucker. I never wanted to be like you and that’s why i turned my inner ocean blue, oh. How can someone be as stuck as you? I’m ashamed, Oh I’m ashamed that i descend from you, oh. Did you even realize that mom is dead? Mom is dead, fuck cancer. And that the grave of your brother, my godfather, gave way for the next? No call, no signs of condolence, not a candle, a card or a single tear, i mean. It’s proof enough that my decision was right cause blood ain’t thicker than water right here, ha. Dear father, here’s my payoff. Long overdue, here’s your layoff. I don’t call you fam’ly, I call you a shame, so pissed that we share the same name, motherfucker. See my signs. Read between the lines. Unbound, not the same kind. Bloodwater. No frown, read between the lines. Fuck you father. You’re down, it’s about time. Bloodwater. There’s no bond, i don’t even bother. Unbound, not the same kind. Bloodwater. No frown, read between the lines. Fuck you father. You’re down, it’s about time. I’ll spit upon your grave once you’re done. Not enough to carry the same name. Threw us out that winter my son came. Born to shine and take away our pain. That was the time I overcame. Sold the house half of which my mine. Some hard way for me, Some hard way for me to find that my father and I are not of the same kind. — 08. Absurd Formulae You know it haunts me eversince i ripped off the coat, I’d like to bet upon, i missed another chance, i said... I’d drop off and leave the mortgage, but i’ll rather keep the worn-out bone and rusted skin, homey. I feel like stucked in discontentation. When i find a stone you pray i won't slip it in, don’t let me. You know it bounds me like unmotivation, man i tend to drift along in absurd formulae, gimme your hand. Let me feel wu-tang for life and then slip of the couch. Let me feel wu-tang. Stuck in discontentation. When i find a stone. Bounds me like unmotivation. Drop-off, leave the mortgage on it's own. I said i'd rather keep this worn-out bone and drift along all alone. Absurd discontentation. I’d rather try to get wu-tang on fuckin phone. I said i’d drop off and leave the mortgage but i’ll rather keep the worn-out bone. I feel like stucked in discontentation. When i find a fuckin stone i’ll bust it Move from the gate now. I take aim and blow you off of the game. Move from the gate. It bounds me - move from the gate now. I bet upon i missed another chance. Drop off, then leave alone the mortgage. When i find a stone. It bounds me - move from the gate now. I bet upon i missed another chance. Drop off, then leave alone the mortgage. when i find a stone - i take aim. I take aim. I take aim. I take aim. I take aim. You know it haunts me eversince i ripped off the coat. I’d like to bet upon, i missed another chance. I said i’d drop off and leave the mortgage, but i’ll rather keep the worn-out bone and rusted skin, buddy. Move from the gate. Let me feel wu-tang. Slip off the couch. Let me feeel wu-tang then slip off the couch. // deutsch // portuguese