31:01 "I think a lot of us will be really broken" that's the result of looking yourself through the eyes of a holy and good God. This brokenness is what take us to Christ, his forgiveness and new life.
[I. The House Of Mirrors] Listen to the tale I tell A haunting dream I know so well When walking home alone one night My path revealed by candlelight Ahead I see an open door With no idea what's in store I glance inside the door to see A hall of mirrors beckons me I take a breath and step inside A tale of love and shattered pride The door slams shut, I start to run And it seems my journey has begun... I run and turn from side to side With fear and panic in my eyes The vastness overwhelming me Mirrors far as the eye can see I see myself in every one I see the things that I have done A thousand forms of flattery The fear soon turns to haughtiness in me Different mirrors, different shapes My different strengths accentuate Each mirror has a name and face And all reflect me in some way I look at them to see myself To judge my life by someone else The metaphors within replete: The mirrors are the people that I met Look at the man you see - in the mirrors The things you can be - in the mirrors The glory of me revealed in the mirror's eye The mirror never lies The fire in my eyes - in the mirrors The vanity rise - in the mirrors The power of pride comes alive in the mirrors Gazing in the mirrors I behold All the greatest chapters of my story ever told In the mirrors The world is turned to gold [Orchestral section] At the end of the Hall of Mirrors I behold a golden door I imagine all the beauty The other side must hold in store So I quickly reach out my hand To enter the next room in this promised land I pull the giant door open To continue my journey, I step inside But it slams shut behind me, and I'm back outside The pouring rain welcomes me Into the arms of the coldest, blackest night [II. The Stranger In The Storm] The light of the mirrors has faded away Into distant memory As the rain keeps coming down My candle extinguished I struggle to walk a path I cannot see And the rain keeps coming down The darkness grows with every step I could cut it with a knife As the rain keeps coming down I can't see a thing and I've never felt So alone in all my life But the rain keeps coming down... Caught in the fury of the storm (The darkness suffocates) Body and soul weary and worn (Another twist of fate) Never been so afraid before (The ending of this tale?) Never should have opened the door (From euphoria to hell) I question my fate, my end To die in this storm Maybe this was the plan Back from the day I was born But in the hall of mirrors I had felt so high I cannot walk another mile in this flood So resigned to my fate, I just collapse in the mud If I cannot go on, I'll just lay down and die Suddenly a light I see, shining in the distance I make my way toward it with my fading hope reborn As I draw near, the light is clear Though the rain beats its resistance But I press on and pray this is a shelter from the storm Advancing now toward the light I'm quickly moving forward This hope has given me new strength I thought I'd never know But I take a step, and fall right back For the ground's gone beneath me And I behold, illuminated in the light's warm glow A dark chasm, a great abyss A vast expanse of nothingness A pit that has no bottom as far as the eye can see It spans the whole horizon, and there is no way across My lonely heart is shattered and all hope I had is lost I'm startled to feel a hand on my shoulder I turn to see a shadowed figure standing in the rain But somehow I'm not afraid of him Even when he speaks my name And somehow I can tell that he means me no harm Just by the peace that I see in his eyes And even though I've never even seen him before It's like he's known me all my life "Why are you crying?" the stranger asks As I wipe away the tears I point toward the great abyss The source of all my fears "I must get across and get to that light For it represents my only hope tonight But when I saw the chasm, all that hope was lost I've spent so long in the dark and the rain That the sight of the light made my heart sing again But the gulf's so wide, and there's no way across" The stranger smiled, and took my hand He said, "But you are wrong, my friend You cannot cross the gulf yourself, that's true" He led me down toward the edge And pointed just over the ledge And said, "Behold, I built a bridge for you" [Solo] I cross the bridge toward the light The stranger saved my life tonight I turn to try to thank him, but he's gone A long way to the other side I'll make my way without my guide No time to waste, for I must carry on The bright light shines forth from behind A door beyond description Blood and scratches mark the door from ages of abuse I'm confused no more, for above the door Is a weathered, old inscription "All who would see reality, enter the Hall of Truth" And so I do [III. The Truth Revealed] As I step inside I can see another mirror A mirror so bright That my eyes must turn away A mirror so high I start to question all the others And as I stand there in the Hall of Truth My heart can only say: "Show me the truth, I don't know what to believe For the mirrors all showed something different to me And my pride has given way to misery I've spent so long in the dark and the rain That the sight of the light made my heart sing again And the stranger built a bridge across for me" "BEHOLD THYSELF" a voice rings out In paralyzing thunder It echoes all throughout the hall And sends me to my knees When the voice calls my name I'm overcome with fear and wonder As I slowly start to rise And face the great mirror in front of me When I open my eyes, I have to close them again But still the image is burned into my mind... A face with eyes as black as night A terrifying sight The flesh rotting away in sickness and decay It's mangled by disease I'm unable to breathe Tell me what manner of creature this could be 'Cause it's not me I run away as fast as my feet will carry me Back to the door leading out into the night Even the storm that almost claimed my life Was better than this And so I throw open the door and see a man (The figure of a man) The stranger from the storm returns again (To save me once again?) I see understanding in his eyes (He's seen this all before) Maybe he can tell me what I saw behind that door "Tell me what I saw in the mirror Before I ran away Tell me what I saw in the mirror That face of sickness and decay Tell me what I saw in the mirror That left me terrorized With the lifeless, blackened eyes? Was it a demon From the fiery waves? Was it the undead From beyond the grave? Oh the face that I beheld in the mirror Left me paralyzed Won't you tell me what I saw In the mirror on this night?" "The light from the mirror you saw from afar The Mirror of Souls shows all men as they are You entered the hall and you asked for the truth The man that you saw in the mirror was you" "No! Don't show me the truth 'cause I don't want to believe What the Mirror of Souls Has revealed unto me And the face I saw reflected cannot be me Dying and lost in the arms of decay I do not recognize the face I've seen today And if you say that's my face I must disagree" The meaning of these things I saw: The mirror is the holy eyes of God The truth unveiled before me With these words of the stranger: "The mirrors you saw in the hall long ago Were mirrors of lies, not reflecting the soul When you look unto others to see what they see You see an illusion, deception, false reality" I have seen my soul in the mirror And it has broken me I have seen myself so much clearer Than I had ever seen "Can't you take away all this sickness From my soul and set me free? You can save me...I believe" And then he said, "Arise, my child Your faith has made you reconciled Now gaze into the Mirror once again" We walked together through the door And I looked in the glass once more But the only one reflected back was him Somehow the only one in the mirror saw was him Gazing in the Mirror of my Soul Staring at the man who took my place And made me whole In the Mirror The Mirror of my Soul
Theocracy has a wonderful charity called Project Aegis, and under That name you must watch watch the song and the rest is mystery. It will blow you away just like this song did.
Theocracy is my favourite band - both musically and lyrically incredible; thanks for the reaction. (Though my taste may be unusual - I'm a bit of an oddity - a metal head training to be a christian pastor)
Guys what Matt does...how to explain it...for those who don't know. What Matt does is theologically (I speak from my side as an Orthodox) deep and very accurate!! I can't explain but the lyrics he writes show a man with a deep knowledge and most importantly experience of things that cannot be said using words! I am really blown by what this guy writes. His band is my all time favourite metal group! And of course his production, his music is stunning! And I totally agree with you brother. with your comments about nowdays people
Phenomenal song by my favorite power metal band! Matt Smith is a phenomenal songwriter and musician. Theocracy brings a wall of sound to your speakers. Hold fast to Christ and follow him. Friends (even sometimes those in the church) may fail you, but Jesus will never fail you.
Thanks for the great reaction man! I myself don't really follow any religion but appreciate a well put together song, no matter the topic. Musically, I think its a masterpiece. "I am" is another song from this group thats worth a listen someday👍
I SUPER appreciate the recommendation bro! This was Phenomenal! I have already sent it to a bunch of people who will truly appreciate it. Great recommend for sure!
Loved this reaction video, I really enjoy people appreciating the music for what it is. Theocracy is a great band, check out “Laying the Demon to Rest”, “I Am”’, “Gift of Music”, “Nailed”, “The Wonder of it All”. They have 4 albums, and, literally, no bad songs - just good , great, and epic.
Man I must add. One of your last comments that this should be played in churches! Indeed. As I usually say Matt is a modern metal Hymnographer! I also get watery eyes when hearing the lyrics!
Great reaction.. and thanks for giving me a band to explore, i like this, great vocals, and i like the parts where use use a riff, then pause, and hit in again, same with the drums.. and then they also got the intense parts, as well as more acoustic, and yes good prodution quality.. so yeah i will see if these guys got more to offer!! if they are a christian band or not, dosent matter to much, i listen to the music, if i like it, thats it.. and yes sometimes you need something to belive in, thats also why i dont judge peeps that are religious, unless they spoil it for others, as i dont know these people, and yes they might only got this to belive in, so thats great then, and of cause i repect that.. im a ateist myself, but i belive in greater powers to, just dont know what exatly it is i belive in out there.. well i do know i belive in the universe being a great power, that own us..
Yo even an "degenerate atheist" like me has to appreciate the artistic beauty and passion put into this project, Matt Smith is truly a genius at his craft.
I do not respect all beliefs. I do respect all people, but not all believes. What good is it if we belief in Buddha or Allah if they don't exist? And what if the believes come with teachings which are harmful for both you and the people around you? That's why I don't respect all beliefs. I do think they should be tested both spiritually and scientifically. And my best attempt in doing so lead me to Christianity. Okay, lead is a bit misleading as I already grew up Christian, but my research made me stay in Jesus even though I went to a secular school and had all social reasons and pressures to leave it. But I do appreciate your willingness to respect all believes. Respect in general is not something that is guaranteed.
very emotional raction. I suggest The Gift of Music even if you won't find anything more complex than mirror of souls "I am" is also very popular but i find it too repetitive
![Theocracy - I AM [OFFICIAL AUDIO] Reaction!](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/q_nuDtzqwww/mqdefault.jpg)
![Theocracy - I AM [OFFICIAL AUDIO] Reaction!](/img/tr.png)
![Theocracy - Mirror Of Souls [Father & Son React]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/inNVUErRZGk/mqdefault.jpg)
I was already a Christian when I first heard this song, and it still CRUSHED me.
31:01 "I think a lot of us will be really broken" that's the result of looking yourself through the eyes of a holy and good God. This brokenness is what take us to Christ, his forgiveness and new life.
[I. The House Of Mirrors]
Listen to the tale I tell
A haunting dream I know so well
When walking home alone one night
My path revealed by candlelight
Ahead I see an open door
With no idea what's in store
I glance inside the door to see
A hall of mirrors beckons me
I take a breath and step inside
A tale of love and shattered pride
The door slams shut, I start to run
And it seems my journey has begun...
I run and turn from side to side
With fear and panic in my eyes
The vastness overwhelming me
Mirrors far as the eye can see
I see myself in every one
I see the things that I have done
A thousand forms of flattery
The fear soon turns to haughtiness in me
Different mirrors, different shapes
My different strengths accentuate
Each mirror has a name and face
And all reflect me in some way
I look at them to see myself
To judge my life by someone else
The metaphors within replete:
The mirrors are the people that I met
Look at the man you see - in the mirrors
The things you can be - in the mirrors
The glory of me revealed in the mirror's eye
The mirror never lies
The fire in my eyes - in the mirrors
The vanity rise - in the mirrors
The power of pride comes alive in the mirrors
Gazing in the mirrors I behold
All the greatest chapters of my story ever told
In the mirrors
The world is turned to gold
[Orchestral section]
At the end of the Hall of Mirrors
I behold a golden door
I imagine all the beauty
The other side must hold in store
So I quickly reach out my hand
To enter the next room in this promised land
I pull the giant door open
To continue my journey, I step inside
But it slams shut behind me, and I'm back outside
The pouring rain welcomes me
Into the arms of the coldest, blackest night
[II. The Stranger In The Storm]
The light of the mirrors has faded away
Into distant memory
As the rain keeps coming down
My candle extinguished
I struggle to walk a path I cannot see
And the rain keeps coming down
The darkness grows with every step
I could cut it with a knife
As the rain keeps coming down
I can't see a thing and I've never felt
So alone in all my life
But the rain keeps coming down...
Caught in the fury of the storm
(The darkness suffocates)
Body and soul weary and worn
(Another twist of fate)
Never been so afraid before
(The ending of this tale?)
Never should have opened the door
(From euphoria to hell)
I question my fate, my end
To die in this storm
Maybe this was the plan
Back from the day I was born
But in the hall of mirrors I had felt so high
I cannot walk another mile in this flood
So resigned to my fate, I just collapse in the mud
If I cannot go on, I'll just lay down and die
Suddenly a light I see, shining in the distance
I make my way toward it with my fading hope reborn
As I draw near, the light is clear
Though the rain beats its resistance
But I press on and pray this is a shelter from the storm
Advancing now toward the light
I'm quickly moving forward
This hope has given me new strength
I thought I'd never know
But I take a step, and fall right back
For the ground's gone beneath me
And I behold, illuminated in the light's warm glow
A dark chasm, a great abyss
A vast expanse of nothingness
A pit that has no bottom as far as the eye can see
It spans the whole horizon, and there is no way across
My lonely heart is shattered and all hope I had is lost
I'm startled to feel a hand on my shoulder
I turn to see a shadowed figure standing in the rain
But somehow I'm not afraid of him
Even when he speaks my name
And somehow I can tell that he means me no harm
Just by the peace that I see in his eyes
And even though I've never even seen him before
It's like he's known me all my life
"Why are you crying?" the stranger asks
As I wipe away the tears
I point toward the great abyss
The source of all my fears
"I must get across and get to that light
For it represents my only hope tonight
But when I saw the chasm, all that hope was lost
I've spent so long in the dark and the rain
That the sight of the light made my heart sing again
But the gulf's so wide, and there's no way across"
The stranger smiled, and took my hand
He said, "But you are wrong, my friend
You cannot cross the gulf yourself, that's true"
He led me down toward the edge
And pointed just over the ledge
And said, "Behold, I built a bridge for you"
[Solo]
I cross the bridge toward the light
The stranger saved my life tonight
I turn to try to thank him, but he's gone
A long way to the other side
I'll make my way without my guide
No time to waste, for I must carry on
The bright light shines forth from behind
A door beyond description
Blood and scratches mark the door from ages of abuse
I'm confused no more, for above the door
Is a weathered, old inscription
"All who would see reality, enter the Hall of Truth"
And so I do
[III. The Truth Revealed]
As I step inside
I can see another mirror
A mirror so bright
That my eyes must turn away
A mirror so high
I start to question all the others
And as I stand there in the Hall of Truth
My heart can only say:
"Show me the truth, I don't know what to believe
For the mirrors all showed something different to me
And my pride has given way to misery
I've spent so long in the dark and the rain
That the sight of the light made my heart sing again
And the stranger built a bridge across for me"
"BEHOLD THYSELF" a voice rings out
In paralyzing thunder
It echoes all throughout the hall
And sends me to my knees
When the voice calls my name
I'm overcome with fear and wonder
As I slowly start to rise
And face the great mirror in front of me
When I open my eyes, I have to close them again
But still the image is burned into my mind...
A face with eyes as black as night
A terrifying sight
The flesh rotting away in sickness and decay
It's mangled by disease
I'm unable to breathe
Tell me what manner of creature this could be
'Cause it's not me
I run away as fast as my feet will carry me
Back to the door leading out into the night
Even the storm that almost claimed my life
Was better than this
And so I throw open the door and see a man
(The figure of a man)
The stranger from the storm returns again
(To save me once again?)
I see understanding in his eyes
(He's seen this all before)
Maybe he can tell me what I saw behind that door
"Tell me what I saw in the mirror
Before I ran away
Tell me what I saw in the mirror
That face of sickness and decay
Tell me what I saw in the mirror
That left me terrorized
With the lifeless, blackened eyes?
Was it a demon
From the fiery waves?
Was it the undead
From beyond the grave?
Oh the face that I beheld in the mirror
Left me paralyzed
Won't you tell me what I saw
In the mirror on this night?"
"The light from the mirror you saw from afar
The Mirror of Souls shows all men as they are
You entered the hall and you asked for the truth
The man that you saw in the mirror was you"
"No! Don't show me the truth
'cause I don't want to believe
What the Mirror of Souls
Has revealed unto me
And the face I saw reflected cannot be me
Dying and lost in the arms of decay
I do not recognize the face I've seen today
And if you say that's my face I must disagree"
The meaning of these things I saw:
The mirror is the holy eyes of God
The truth unveiled before me
With these words of the stranger:
"The mirrors you saw in the hall long ago
Were mirrors of lies, not reflecting the soul
When you look unto others to see what they see
You see an illusion, deception, false reality"
I have seen my soul in the mirror
And it has broken me
I have seen myself so much clearer
Than I had ever seen
"Can't you take away all this sickness
From my soul and set me free?
You can save me...I believe"
And then he said, "Arise, my child
Your faith has made you reconciled
Now gaze into the Mirror once again"
We walked together through the door
And I looked in the glass once more
But the only one reflected back was him
Somehow the only one in the mirror saw was him
Gazing in the Mirror of my Soul
Staring at the man who took my place
And made me whole
In the Mirror
The Mirror of my Soul
Theocracy has a wonderful charity called Project Aegis, and under That name you must watch watch the song and the rest is mystery. It will blow you away just like this song did.
Theocracy is my favourite band - both musically and lyrically incredible; thanks for the reaction.
(Though my taste may be unusual - I'm a bit of an oddity - a metal head training to be a christian pastor)
All good, I’m a metal head who is a Pastor!
The piano part at the end represents, the peace that passes all understanding, when Jesus fills that place in your heart that only he belongs.
Guys what Matt does...how to explain it...for those who don't know. What Matt does is theologically (I speak from my side as an Orthodox) deep and very accurate!! I can't explain but the lyrics he writes show a man with a deep knowledge and most importantly experience of things that cannot be said using words! I am really blown by what this guy writes. His band is my all time favourite metal group! And of course his production, his music is stunning! And I totally agree with you brother. with your comments about nowdays people
Phenomenal song by my favorite power metal band! Matt Smith is a phenomenal songwriter and musician. Theocracy brings a wall of sound to your speakers. Hold fast to Christ and follow him. Friends (even sometimes those in the church) may fail you, but Jesus will never fail you.
MARTYR - THEOCRACY reaction
Thanks for the great reaction man! I myself don't really follow any religion but appreciate a well put together song, no matter the topic. Musically, I think its a masterpiece.
"I am" is another song from this group thats worth a listen someday👍
I SUPER appreciate the recommendation bro! This was Phenomenal! I have already sent it to a bunch of people who will truly appreciate it. Great recommend for sure!
You're welcome man, glad you enjoyed!
11:08 gives me chills bro
Loved this reaction video, I really enjoy people appreciating the music for what it is. Theocracy is a great band, check out “Laying the Demon to Rest”, “I Am”’, “Gift of Music”, “Nailed”, “The Wonder of it All”. They have 4 albums, and, literally, no bad songs - just good , great, and epic.
Man I must add. One of your last comments that this should be played in churches! Indeed. As I usually say Matt is a modern metal Hymnographer! I also get watery eyes when hearing the lyrics!
Best power metal band in the world right now.
This band is great 👍 band
Great reaction got a new subscriber theocracy for sure is one of my favorite bands they have so many gr8t songs keep up the great work
Loved your reaction
Great reaction.. and thanks for giving me a band to explore, i like this, great vocals, and i like the parts where use use a riff, then pause, and hit in again, same with the drums.. and then they also got the intense parts, as well as more acoustic, and yes good prodution quality.. so yeah i will see if these guys got more to offer!! if they are a christian band or not, dosent matter to much, i listen to the music, if i like it, thats it.. and yes sometimes you need something to belive in, thats also why i dont judge peeps that are religious, unless they spoil it for others, as i dont know these people, and yes they might only got this to belive in, so thats great then, and of cause i repect that.. im a ateist myself, but i belive in greater powers to, just dont know what exatly it is i belive in out there.. well i do know i belive in the universe being a great power, that own us..
Wow. Thank you for youre attention for the lyrics. I loved your reaction!
Great reaction!: Just like mine the first time I heard this song years ago.
Try the title track to their third album/CD, As the World Bleeds
Yo even an "degenerate atheist" like me has to appreciate the artistic beauty and passion put into this project, Matt Smith is truly a genius at his craft.
Very nice once again:-)
Quite long though;)
25:24 you know its a good song when you get that Stank face
You have gained a subscriber
Theocracy - not just a clever band name for this guy. He is the Christian Tom Scholz. Can't wait for the new album next month!
Thoecrazy I am is a rolecoster too
I do not respect all beliefs. I do respect all people, but not all believes. What good is it if we belief in Buddha or Allah if they don't exist? And what if the believes come with teachings which are harmful for both you and the people around you? That's why I don't respect all beliefs. I do think they should be tested both spiritually and scientifically. And my best attempt in doing so lead me to Christianity. Okay, lead is a bit misleading as I already grew up Christian, but my research made me stay in Jesus even though I went to a secular school and had all social reasons and pressures to leave it.
But I do appreciate your willingness to respect all believes. Respect in general is not something that is guaranteed.
React to Fates Warning, Matt’s favorite band.
very emotional raction. I suggest The Gift of Music even if you won't find anything more complex than mirror of souls "I am" is also very popular but i find it too repetitive
Can you react to laying the demon to rest another great song is 9 minutes long
You should chek out easter