THEOCRACY - Return To Dust (Official Music Video)

Taken off the album "Mosaic" (October 13th, 2023)
🎧 Stream, get it here: theocracy.afr....
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."
🎧 Stream, get it here: theocracy.afr....
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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
Video produced by Industrialism Films industrialismf...
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 #AtomicFireRecords

[@antoniohenrique5542]

Theocracy!!! Yeah! Finally!! 🙌🏼🔥

[@ReigningPhoenixMusicOfficial]

LET'S GO!!!!!!!!!!

[@s10matrix]

When it first started playing I got goosebumps.

[@Victor-xs7gf]

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

[@jacksonturner242]

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.

[@tristramcoffin926]

me too, brother

[@acwright88]

I almost busted into tears. It's been a while since ghost ship and a lot has changed

[@jeandavidnau8314]

Didn't tear up but totally get it

[@ryumple]

Was that really seven years ago? Dang. A lot has happened since then hasn’t. Theocracy and Project Aegis are always in my playlist so it doesn’t seem like that long ago.

[@jamescunion1133]

Same though, really missed this band 🥲

[@digitalfairy27]

[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

[@Tatted-ne7tu]

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.

[@jbryant4228]

I love the line Matt Smith puts in the song, The Rest is Mystery. "You knew me before my bones were formed." Jesus has known you all along. I agree that having Jesus in metal is a wonderful thing.

[@rahamimful]

Welcome to the family. God bless you on your journey!!

[@ralphfiligenzi6180]

Welcome to the family of the Living God! Read the Word of God (The Holy Bible) daily, start with a easy to understand translation like the NIV (New International Version) or the New King James Version and start with the book of John in the New Testament and don't give up. Ask God to help you as the Holy Spirit leads you into His truth and it WILL change your life for the good like it did mine and millions of others! God Bless.

[@Tatted-ne7tu]

@@ralphfiligenzi6180Right on!! I’m working on it my friend. 😊

[@GudamWarrior]

Welcome brother

[@neckutter1125]

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!

[@user-nz4th6hb1n]

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.

[@yuriaraujo9485]

I couldn't agree more with a comment

[@hauprah5317]

Agree

[@younglingslayer2000]

Create a creation

[@JuanLopez-tj6yk]

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

[@speedinstax]

Deus abençoe aqui é Brasil,as cordas deram sentido a criação.

[@markn436]

Dankjewel 🙏🏼

[@saladederizsauvage]

Glorifying an imaginary being is weird though.

[@alwaystraining54]

@@saladederizsauvageyou can’t prove He doesn’t exist. I only need to look around me to prove He does. I sleep comfortably every night un-afraid to die. Do you?

[@saladederizsauvage]

@@alwaystraining54 Lying to yourself and not confronting reality is not a way to live a fulfilling life, my dude. But to each their own.

[@steveopc81]

A lot of bands can take a note from this song. The foundational riff is fairly simple but my gooooodnesss 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!

[@ChadTheDragonLord]

Have you heard of Lovebites yet? These ladies do harmonies and guitar solos like no other. All their music is positive and uplifting. kzbin.info/www/bejne/gaKmoXSKlKqhf9k Enable CC for the lyrics.

[@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.

[@ReigningPhoenixMusicOfficial]

Please stream and save the new song here to support the guys🤗theocracy.afr.link/returntodustYT 🙏

[@CrownlessStudios]

Any chance of a shipping partner in the US for this one? I was going to pre-order, but 30+ euro in shipping is a bit more than I'd like. :(

[@gulanhem9495]

@@CrownlessStudios U can buy it as a stream or digital download, dumas. 🤗

[@chrishouk5796]

Same here. Signed to a label where we have to pay inflated prices for an import. I think I will sit this one out.

[@friederbaumann6537]

Great singer Great guitars Great drums Great Song 🙏🥳☀️

[@coreycrossman3447]

Great Bass

[@friederbaumann6537]

@@coreycrossman3447Of course🤟

[@Theodax1]

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 album...... Okay, fine, call it an early Christmas present......

[@lisayoung2362]

Theocracy never disappoints! Can’t wait for the October release of the album

[@eltotsira4578]

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

[@Jamesatminson-ed4ig]

There old guys like me and there still giving the kids out there something positive giving the kids an opportunity to come to Jesus and to get on the right track

[@Metal2Bach]

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!

[@gulanhem9495]

Yes, but I must ask what kind of metal fan are you? It's the main riff is what stands out in this song! 😎🥍👆❤‍🔥

[@Metal2Bach]

@@gulanhem9495 Main riff is awesome too. Production is stellar as always. Song has been stuck in my head all day. Too many good things to cover in one comment 😄

[@joseblanco9045]

What a legendary lyricist. His verses amalgamate in such prose that is just fascinatingly enlightening. WHAT A LEGENDARY LYRICIST!!! What a joy to be alive in 2023 when you have this kind of music composers… MINDBLOWN by the beautiful lyrical statements accompanied by the exquisiteness of the progressive musicianship…. Just Exquisite fascinating midtempo song.

[@iexist91]

What a riff! And I love "all that we do in this life without you is vanity." What a great message! Legends!

[@rotognin]

Amazing, amazing!!!!! Hello from Brazil! Theocracy is a veeery good band! God bless you all!

[@jennystryker2967]

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!

[@iexist91]

Could it also be a nod to becoming dust not being the end? Like there should be a few more notes to come? Death is not the end?

[@JonathanLauzon]

@@iexist91 I guess both options are possible, but as a composer, if I had to illustrate continuity within my final chord, I would have priorized an inversion of the tonic chord. Tension chords not only give the impression of the unfinished, they also leave an impression of insatisfaction / interruption.

[@pamellisantanna3444]

It's Friday and I'm in love with this song ❤️

[@teaganmuzzy7853]

when i first saw this i was like OMG THEY RELEASED A NEW SONG and when i clicked on it it was the best 4 minutes of my life,you have no idea how long me and everyone else have been waiting for this to come,im a huge theocracy fan and my dad is a even bigger fan and thank you atomic for helping them with this song they deserve all the love we can give them and more

[@hauprah5317]

God bless this band that I love so much.💙🙏

[@pedro_fpires]

I Loved it! The riffs are so good, the solo, the bridge. I cried a little when I read the lyrics of the bridge, because it's what we will think when we achieve the Eternal Life❤️✝️

[@matheuskoztowski7971]

What a great song, I'm so happy to see theocracy releasing the new album. Taylor was a perfect addition to the band. Greetings from Brazil, looking forward to a Latin American tour asap ❤🔥

[@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

[@joseblanco9045]

Fascinating.

[@CyrusFreeman]

and a key change for the chorus!

[@austinmattingly6173]

"Red Sea" is supposed to be around 20 minutes, so stoked, hope it is as good as the outstanding "Mirror of Souls"

[@rdpoling]

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

[@Lipe894]

Voltaram com tudo Jesus abençoe cada um de vocês ❤️🎸🥁✝️

[@rebelfrog3]

Just saw Theocracy at Immortal Fest, they were awesome! If there is a way possible Theocracy and Stryper need to tour together, guaranteed to pack houses at every venue.

[@Grimsterrr]

Dude, I've been saying that for a long time, I would pay good money for that show and drive hours to see it.

[@rebelfrog3]

@@Grimsterrr Right?! Me too. Just saw Stryper last night in Leesburg va. Heading to Uprise Fest this morning in Pa where I will see them again!

[@bigtrucker49]

I’ve said that for years

[@wilsonjesusmoreno]

I have been waiting many years for a new album, seeing this announcement fills me with joy as I remember that 2012 when I met Jesus and Theocracy, each album accompanied me in a different stage of my career. Thanks Matt. God bless you❤🎉

[@robrokks]

The wait was, of course, worth it. Theocracy delivers again, no question. All glory to God!

[@daianeramosdossantos6237]

GLORY GLORY GLORY!!!! WE MISS YOU SO MUCH!!! GOD BLESS YOU GUYS 👏👏👏👏🙏🙏🙌🙌🙌✨✨

[@wdouglascordeirojr]

Not only Taylor, Ernie's also a great addition to the band. Since I never went to a Theocracy concert (I'm from Brazil), this is the first time I see and hear him play a full song, and he's great!

[@alexandrerabelo2546]

Brasileiro com ótimo gosto musical 🎼

[@OTCRock4one]

I'm a huge fan of Theocracy and looked forward to this awesome *new album. So happy to see Ernie Topran still on drums, that guy is excellent! Also, so happy to see TAYLOR WASHINGTON playing lead guitar, that guy has mad skills!

[@Grimsterrr]

You've heard his own band then right? kzbin.info/www/bejne/iHq6npmmh9Olgqc dude's a monster on vocals too. I hope they throw another I Am type song on this album and let Taylor lend some vocal work to the effort as well.

[@wardo1602]

Love it. Another hit from Theocracy. Saw them in concert in Ohio last month, and they were fantastic!!

[@rebelfrog3]

I was there and I concur!

[@Hillbillies_for_Jesus]

Listen to this and lots of other of there songs tonight just crying God is amazing

[@Toad-SG7]

Welcome back and Memento Mori! Christ is King!

[@RonKern]

This is definitely a good start! It sounds great and I really like the lyrics to Theocracy''s songs! They are not watered down and they make you think and I really like that!

[@digitalfairy27]

Music video is 🔥🔥 the song is epic 🤘🤘 absolutely worth the wait! Thank you for giving 100% to your craft

[@connorcampbell5274]

Wow this mix has got to be Matt's best yet. This is an astonishingly great mix. Its so great to hear that even a mid tempo song like this can be exciting and interesting to listen to. Both on a production and writing level. I was so excited to see Taylor join too, and I wasn't disappointed. Spectacular solo, and a nice addition to the chior of Matts :3 God bless, man.

[@dutchmcgee101]

Definitely going to see these guys in concert. Ready for the new album.

[@victorernestovelandiasuare3780]

Amazing, the best for the King!

[@eva.T2037]

Tremendous. Everything about Theocracy is a gem. Oh guys, God bless you

[@nelsoncorreia4619]

Worth the wait !!! Great track full of great Melodies ,the trademark of Theocracy

[@forefather6974]

Great song Great album !! Well done guys. Album Of the year for me in the genre of heavy power metal!!

[@user-ul9dt3ff2q]

Oh. Great song. And band. Can't wait to get my copy

[@matthewgill1873]

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

[@bahritkharakor9257]

Simply amazing as always..Theocracy my band!❤

[@mateusgomes742]

What an incredibly beautiful song, Theocracy NEVER disappoints on their Albums and what a pride to have a band at this level in the Christian world because many secular bands don't play even half of what Theocracy demonstrated in this clip, greetings from Brazil, and whoever comes touring this new Album for South America, all of BRAZIL loves you 🇧🇷🇧🇷

[@jakeofalltradesmusic]

This is the first song I've heard from these guys. I'm genuinely surprised by how great this is. The lyrics are fantastic. The singer's voice has an awesome classic metal tone. The key transition from the verse to chorus is seemless. The rhythm guitar isn't double tracked like in most metal songs, but it still works so well. Also, most modern metal keeps drop tuning, which is something that I love, but you guys keep the standard tuning and still make it sound fitting for the modern era of metal. Bravo! I'm looking forward to checking out more.

[@necroplastful]

I STRONGLY STRONGLY urge you to check out the rest of their material. Highlights are the 22min masterpiece Mirror Of Souls and Easter the closer of Ghostship. But honestly, their discography is spot on all around. All (probably 5) albums are fantastic!

[@twoeagles19]

Rock on Brothers ! For the ROCK !👑!!!

[@NestorChacon-hu6gu]

Excelente! Dios le siga ayudando mis hermanos. Saludos desde 🇻🇪

[@sgold989]

Amazing to finally listen to a band where the vocalist can sing!!! ...and masterfully do so. What a great band and a nice find!!!

[@chrisburch7254]

Drummer straight fuckin chillin, while killin it!! Bad ass

[@alanjeffery2008]

Totally rocking,, love there music

[@TrinimacWanderer]

Fantastic band. For the Glory of God!

[@gounderusbyMichaelTomlins]

Incredible! Amazing dynamics; undeniable orchestric choruses; magnificent musicianship - all make for a truly stellar track from Theocracy! This album will definitely blow some doors down, musically and spiritually! Can't wait! Huge thumbs up!!!

[@joseblanco9045]

It seems this genius composer is the only one that might deliver those I AM kind of Multiple 3 layered verses and choruses and this song might the beggining of those majestic choruses because this lyrically is just glorious. He is indeed clever when putting every verse. Greetings from Mexico, Ciudad Juarez , Chihuahua. 🎉🎉🎉🎉 Congratulations. Another midtempo masterpiece. (I love how the last solo note is suspended while Ernie the drummer ,ends his toms ,floor progression then to keep the last note played again in suspension while Ernie retakes that last part addressing the cymbal. Just fantastic. Mesmerizing.

[@MsBluessy]

Amazing, have you heard the bands other stuff? Everything is quite incredible.

[@joseblanco9045]

@@MsBluessy Absolutely. Been following since 2012 . The first song I heard was “Absolution day”. They came as recommendation from KZbin algorithm after listening to “The Harvest “ by Sonata Arctica. Then I bought As The World Bleeds album after listening to “30 Pieces of Silver”. I love the progressive elements , intricate or complex choring system and the orchestral elements the band adds to the general concept of its musical idea. It’s indeed incredible. I agree with you. All albums are fascinating since the first and including all The Christmas songs which are quite Dynamic.

[@joseblanco9045]

@@MsBluessy What Songs do you like.

[@dominikajanikova_artist]

I'm really impressed with this album 😍Theocracy was my first Christian metal band. They didn't disappoint again, it sounds Phenomenal!!🎶🎸👏

[@godseeker9]

Can't wait for the new album! The song is amazing!

[@Danielkde10]

Awesome band! Greetings from Argentina!!!

[@jovisgonorway1001]

Yes. It's a fantastic band! Greetings from Norway 😆

[@sauliruottu5871]

That solo gives me chills every time. So beautiful.

[@twixierose136]

I love this song so much--I have had it on repeat all day. SOOOOOOO happy to have new Theocracy music to listen to!

[@user-kv3gm8hu7u]

А отличный трек, слушайте. И альбом очень даже ничего. Слуханул пару раз, остался доволен. 😊

[@nathall3102]

Alright! New Theocracy means new domination in the Progressive Power Metal World! And as always, Rockin' for the Rock!

[@77RockkAnddRoll77]

Glória A Deus O Theocracy Voltou

[@NeilDavies-pq5gr]

Great band. What an amazing set of pipes. Great prog !🎸😊❤️

[@a.r.t.makesbeats777]

"I don't know who to be, will you watch over me?" Felt that completely. ❤😢

[@bracyhochstetler8594]

Incredibly beautiful music, vocals, lyrics and everything as always is the case with theocracy!

[@warbrawler8518]

I am turning into a huge fan of these guys, Jesus power rock will live on!!

[@rebelfrog3]

Man when they come back to the grove after the solo, such a huge sound.

[@soulphoenix13]

Excellent song! Love it. SO GLAD to hear they've returned to. . .ROCK!

[@commonsensehill372]

Great lyrics, sung by a man who has the holy spirit of God within him.

[@jrgenclevin4185]

Finally a lead guitarist worthy of Theocracy. Better skills, better sound. Nice find. Good song.

[@Spankedchicken]

lol

[@III-jj8qk]

Thank this label for signing power metal bands, sign more of them!

[@musicalmooku]

I'm overjoyed to see fresh material from these guys. I've been a fan for years. They're way underappreciated. Glory to God forever!

[@victorernestovelandiasuare3780]

Maranatha!

[@yl_009]

As alway theocracy is great christian metal band. I love this band since 2012.... ❤❤❤❤ God bless theocracy... 🎉🎉🎉 For God is our rock..🤘🤘🤘

[@warbrawler8518]

This tune gets better every time I hear it. The year of theocracy. Jesus Rocks and Christian power Rock is here to stay!!!!!!

[@carlitozik]

Seven years have passed since the last album. The material will definitely be great. The new lead guitarist is very talented. I think he fits in perfectly with the band.

[@cantarycantares6231]

La mejor banda de los últimos tiempos! I love you music! I from Argentina, Córdoba. Quedo a espera de más temasos!

[@joelleggett8157]

I just came across this band and I AM IMPRESSED!!! I love this music. This is amazing metal.

[@puertoricanstyl5570]

Man, this is so good. Been listening to Theocracy since Mirror of Souls. The way songs like these start the way they do but gradually get more powerful and grand with the vocals and harmonies within the chorus, and how he bends his voice in the chorus or randomly here and there is something I've always loved about their music. And for Theocracy, this is light (for vocals and harmonies), but it still sounds so good to me because of that formula. I'm really looking forward to what other kind of songs I'll get to hear. Really has a gift for bringing it all home at the end of songs. His lyrics and poetry is something special, too. How he can make a statement or whatever but also rhyme the words in a way that connects them like cursive. And also how deep the meanings are. When I read what he actually said in the chorus, that hit pretty hard.

[@spacecar]

Awesome single. Praise God

[@gglugh]

Impatient d'écouter ce nouveau pur petit bijou d'album, comme tout ce qu'a produit Theocracy jusqu'à ce jour. 🌟 Que Dieu vous bénisse! Salutations de Suisse.

[@user-qm3ji1yl3q]

Rock on guys excellent

[@pines8411]

When I first heard this song I thought it was Stryper. Awesome band ❤

[@carlosmatt6399]

Não tenho nem palavras, agora falta uma turnê aqui no Brasil.

[@saiko_1]

Another great song. I’m so curious to listen to the whole album! God bless you.

[@steveopc81]

One of the best songs I have heard in a long time. Stunning.

[@paulm8908]

this song is just a taste of what's to come. 7 1/2 years since their last studio release, means that Mosaic is going to be something earthshattering.

[@mychallenger4943]

by far my favorite sounding song off from the new cd.

[@thatonestickfigure5105]

I'm so happy to see you all performing again!! As the World Bleeds was such a good album! I listen to it very often and you all have such a strong passionate beautiful relationship with Christ. I can't wait to stream "Mosaic" when it comes out.

[@Vkon001]

Great song!

[@HPTFan]

This is a solid Power Metal song. Can't wait for their new album.

[@tristramcoffin926]

I listen to Theocracy and praise the Lord. There is no band who ever has lifted me up like these guys. The music is great but also so edifying. There have been times im just in my room listening with my hands to the sky praising God.

[@mickkruger]

Awesome song!