Meaning of "Hardening Of The Arteries" by Slayer

The lyrics of "Hardening Of The Arteries" by Slayer paint a grim picture of a world consumed by fear, hate, and death. It explores the idea that these negative forces are not only prevalent but also inevitability. The song suggests that death is assured in future plans, leading to the question of why one should live if there is nothing to live for. The specters of doom eagerly await their moment to strike, signifying that destruction is imminent and precise. The reference to covering the crypts with cloven hoof reveals the association of evil forces with the decay of mankind. The lyrics also touch on the idea of a sadistic world that delays the death of twisted life, emphasizing the malicious nature of the world we inhabit.

The second verse of the song continues to highlight the bleakness of the world, with the crippled youth attempting to sabotage the Earth, indicating their disillusionment and frustration. The lyrics go further to propose that all new life must perish below, implying the hopelessness of the situation and the futility of existence. The imagery of decrepit breath and a world in decay emphasizes the repulsive state of the world and the impending doom that hangs over it. The transgressor being as one portrays a world where wrongdoing and destruction are normalized.

The final verse of the song expresses the idea that the world is in the grip of convulsions and paralysis. It suggests that nobody is there to save us, indicating the abandonment or indifference of external forces. The line "brutal seizure now we die" serves as a culmination of all the despair and destruction described throughout the lyrics, encapsulating the idea that the world is locked in a cycle of violence and suffering.

Overall, "Hardening Of The Arteries" conveys a message of hopelessness, portraying a world consumed by fear, hate, and death. The lyrics depict a dystopian landscape where destruction is inevitable and the existence of life is futile. It highlights the malicious nature of the world and the twisted, sadistic minds that perpetuate the cycle of suffering. It serves as a reminder of the darkness that can exist within humanity and the lasting impact it can have on the world.