Lyrics and Story
Axis Unstable
Welcome to a new world, forever changed by a series of atomic blasts. This orchestral piece condenses the event to a minute long, with a countdown to the final blast.
In a small, southern American Appalachian mountain town, the residents are gathered together at a diner. A mysterious man shows up in total disbelief. He manages to mumble out the chilling news to the town. As they panic, the man disappears.
The residents gather together in the town center and start a prayer asking for God's protection from the resulting fallout. Through a miracle, that protection is granted, giving the residents hope and a newfound appreciation for their faith.
During a winter years later, one man, Alex, is sent on an expedition through the valley to find much-needed supplies and food for his Hometown. In awe of the scenery and surroundings of the valley, Alex leaves a note in the form of this song at a natural resting place.
Along his journey, Alex comes to believe that he is fulfilling a greater purpose than just traveling, hunting, and gathering. He searches harder for civilization, calling on God and fate to assist in this task.
Haven
Alex succeeds in finding what he was looking for through the town of Haven in this short string suite. This track is best represented through the incredible album artwork, created by Ryan Fuller (his website is found here).
As Alex enters the town of Haven, he first stumbles upon a small church, drawn there by the sound of an organ. Swept off his feet, he finds that behind the organ is Harmony, the town mayor's daughter. He meets the mayor, a cold man, who tells him that what he needs cannot be found in Haven. In an attempt to lift his spirits, Harmony takes Alex to an overlook that she always watches the sunset at. He is in awe and in love.
Harmony takes Alex through the town of Haven, which is vibrant with life at the time. He is more at peace than ever before. Through this peace, a flicker of doubt raises, as he thinks of how he will be able to get supplies to his Hometown. He brushes the thought to another day as he falls asleep content with his current circumstance.
Haven is invaded by a rogue group from the Hometown. Violence ensues as the invaders strip Haven residents of their belongings. The mayor cowers and hides. Alex is spared, but blames himself for the invasion, comparing Haven and Harmony to the mythological "Lotus flower."
Alex flees to the overlook, which now appears dreary and unsettling. He is doubting his purpose more than ever. Harmony finds him there, attempting to comfort him to no avail. In the end, the two share a moment.
Now asleep again, Alex receives a dream from a mysterious figure. Alex wakes up to being captured by a group of men who claim to be taking him away to a place where he is needed. Crushed by the thought of losing Harmony and everything he's ever known, he calls on God to close the album.