THEOCRACY - Return To Dust (Official Music Video)

Taken off the album "Mosaic" (October 13th, 2023)

Matt Smith: "'Return To Dust' is a prototypical midtempo anthem with a classic, massive Theocracy chorus. Not really progressive or anything, but infectious with a great riff and energy. The lyrics deal with the inevitability of death, and the choice of who or what we’re living for in the short time we get on this earth. The whole album runs the stylistic gamut you’ve come to expect from Theocracy, from the progressive to the thrashy to the pensive to the majestic. So while “Return To Dust” doesn’t represent the entire experience of Mosaic, consider it a nice appetizer for the full meal. Enjoy."

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Music & Lyrics: Matt Smith
Recorded & mixed by Matt Smith at Theocracized Studios and Full Moon Studios
Mastered by Emily Lazar and Chris Allgood at The Lodge, NY

THEOCRACY is:
Matt Smith - Vocals
Taylor Washington - Lead Guitar
Jonathan Hinds - Guitar
Jared Oldham - Bass
Ernie Topran - Drums

Lyrics:
We parse the script unwritten line by line
The mystery of life filtered through time
A blank slate open-ended to begin
To balance with our own uncertain end, once again

It’s appointed for man once to die
Maybe years, maybe tonight
No matter how hard we rage against the dying of the light
It comes for everyone
For all of us return to dust

An inventory of a lifetime passed
Of things ephemeral, and things that last
The hourglass runs out we know not when
To meet the Maker when our time has come to an end

It’s appointed for man once to die
Maybe years, maybe tonight
No matter how hard we rage against the dying of the light
It comes for everyone
For all of us

(solo: Taylor)

When I don’t know who to be
Will You watch over me as we walk to the end of the world?
They were calling for me, but You were all I could see
And Your voice was all I heard
For all that we do in this life without You is vanity

It’s appointed for man once to die
Maybe years, maybe tonight
No matter how hard we rage against the dying of the light
It comes for all of us
Return to dust

#theocracy #mosaic #returntodust #RPM #ReigningPhoenixMusic

[jacksonturner]

It’s been a long 7 years…my life has changed so much since Ghost Ship. To see this again, and to have a release date for this album, man…not ashamed to admit it, I shed a tear.

[eltotsira]

killer riff...Love the message!God Bless Theocracy👍🤘

[Tatted-netu]

I’m new to Jesus, still learning. But I do know great metal music well and this was a great song. It was nice to have two things that mean so much to me together again.

[JuanLopez-tjyk]

Thank God they're back!
To shred, To enjoy, To glorify the Lord. God bless this band and anyone reading this comment.

[Victor-xsgf]

Blessings to these brothers in Christ who use their talents to bring glory to God. Truly looking forward to Matt Smith's new masterpiece.

[neckutter]

I never heard of this band before. I love them instantly. Now I have new music to worship my Lord with when I am in my car, cleaning my house, thank you Brothers in Christ!

[АлексейОхапкин-хх]

Theocracy album is always a highlight for me. Matt Smith is always trying to create a creation that won't let go for a long time. The melodies are always multi-step, the songs touch the soul. Mirror Of Souls is a timeless song for me, it has such incredible transitions. It's a masterpiece that you can re-listen to and discover new meanings. I'm really looking forward to October. I hope the album will be another masterpiece.

[matthewgill]

Ahh yessss, now this is what we need! Man it has been too long but I am glad to see Theocracy is back and still rocking hard <3

[digitalfairy]

[Verse 1]
We parse the script unwritten line by line
The mystery of life filtered through time
A blank slate open-ended to begin
To balance with our own uncertain end, once again

[Chorus]
It’s appointed for man once to die
Maybe years, maybe tonight
No matter how hard we rage against the dying of the light
It comes for everyone
For all of us return to dust
Return to dust!

[Verse 2]
An inventory of a lifetime passed
Of things ephemeral, and things that last
The hourglass runs out we know not when
To meet the Maker when our time has come to an end

[Chorus]
It’s appointed for man once to die
Maybe years, maybe tonight
No matter how hard we rage against the dying of the light
It comes for everyone
For all of us

[Guitar Solo]

[Break]
One, two, three, four!

[Bridge]
When I don’t know who to be
Will You watch over me as we walk to the end of the world?
They were calling for me, but You were all I could see
And Your voice was all I heard
For all that we do in this life without You is vanity

[Chorus]
It’s appointed for man once to die
Maybe years, maybe tonight
No matter how hard we rage against the dying of the light
It comes for all of us
Return to dust

[TemplarLuke.]

It's incredible to see how far Theocracy has come since its humble beginnings as the "Matt Smith One-man-show" and to see how the music has evolved from the first album to the latest one. I can't wait for the next one and I hope we get it sooner than the 7-year wait for Mosaic, but I know it will be epic!

[mythical_pizza]

I left the Church years ago for my own reasons. One extremely minor (worthless, in the grand scope of things, yet noticeable to me) complaint I always had growing up was that I could not find any Christian bands that understood music for what it is, a middle ground of skill, enjoyment and passion. Good sound. It all sounded like aimless dancing and rambling scripture to me every sunday. I was beyond excited when I found Theocracy. You are a testament to your faith and to your craft, and I respect that. You're phenomenal musicians. Please don't stop making music. Sound that can not only reach an apostate, but be enjoyed by one is nothing short of miraculous.

[steveopc]

A lot of bands can take a note from this song. The foundational riff is fairly simple but my is it catchy. Harmony and melody are missing from so much of the hard rock/metal music of today. Bravo. And of course, lift up the name of Jesus above every name!

[CrownlessStudios]

This is phenomenal.

Poetic yet poignant lyrics? Check.

Crisp lead and chunky rhythm guitar, with Mirror of Souls style keys layered in? Check

Those acoustic guitar hits in the chorus!? Double check

[Fallen_Solaire]

I feel like I have to tell someone. At 4am to 7:30am I was praising jesus. I never had the ability to speak tongues. Well this morning I asked Jesus to please give me discernment.... Immediately after I couldn't understand what I was saying. Wasn't a language for humans to understand. And I realised it was TONGUE. And Jesus fiilled my entire room with cold winds and pesce. I had no AC on. Non windows open. Nothing. It was truly a miraculous experience. JESUS CHRIST IS KIMG. PRINCE OF PEACE.

[MetalBach]

Absolutely worth the wait. Taylor’s solo is unbelievably catchy and the perfect blend of melodic/ripping. The bridge is so haunting yet hopeful. Beautiful work as always!

[rdpoling]

The drought is at long last over. And the rejoicing of metals fans everywhere carried well into the night.

[Toad-SG]

Welcome back and Memento Mori! Christ is King!

[Theodax]

Theocracy roars back into the metal landscape like a LION and thanks it's throngs of fans with the PEFECT first single off of Mosaic! This has that quintessential Theocracy punch, crunch, and edge. Solid jams, gorgeous, glorious vocals, amazing memorable chorus that screams sing along with me. SO WORTH THE WAIT!!!! I just hate that we have to wait until October to hear the full Okay, fine, call it an early Christmas

[jennystryker]

All Praise Glory and Honor to Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

[JonathanLauzon]

Let's begin with saying that I love every album, every song I've heard from Theocracy.

Now, at first listen, the only thing I had a problem with was the final chord, that didn't go back to the tonic. I'm used to powerful and catchy finales in Theocracy's songs, so I wasn't expecting that kind of “experimental mood” where it ends on a tension chord. I don't know why so much people refuse to go back to the tonic for the final chord these days...

But then I got it.

None of us get to chose when his end comes. The song ends abruptly because so does life. Well thought!