THEOCRACY - Flicker (Official Lyric Video)

Taken off the album "Mosaic" (October 13th, 2023)
🎧 Stream, get it here: theocracy.afr....
Matt Smith:
"'Flicker' was one of the first tracks written for the "Mosaic" album. A fish-out-of-water tale of brutal honesty, the lyrics are a bit more straightforward and candid than usual from me, but that's what felt most authentic in the moment. Musically, it's aggressive, melodic, and fast, and sits somewhere slightly different for us, I think. It seemed like an obvious choice for opening track of the record."
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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 Ingo Spörl hard-media.com
THEOCRACY is:
Matt Smith - Vocals
Taylor Washington - Lead Guitar
Jonathan Hinds - Guitar
Jared Oldham - Bass
Ernie Topran - Drums
Lyrics:
FLICKER
Sometimes I feel like I just don’t belong here
Like a shadow cast from a time long past
I’m swallowed up and dissipating
I feel so out of phase and so invisible
It’s disorienting, alienating
Little stranger, welcome to the world
Do you ever feel like you just don’t belong here?
Me I’ve always known this isn’t home
I’m starting to feel so disconnected
A stranger in a strange and growing ever stranger land
In a world that I don’t understand
So misdirected
Trapped inside a world that buried Mozart in a pauper’s grave
And said, “Give us Barabbas,”crucified Christ and turned away
Electing fools to lead us
Rejecting truth, see us spiraling down
Shall we enter the last days?
Out of place and out of time
Oh tell me what’s the value of a life
In a modern day and age where monsters cling to evil ways
I can’t shake the feeling I just don’t belong
But we flicker for a moment
Flicker for a moment, then we’re gone
I don’t belong here
I don’t belong here
Pleasure slaves indulging every manner of perversion
If technology’s the god we feed, our sacrifice is full submersion
Lifelong friendships ended over stupid politicians
All the rhetoric and superstitions
Life on a screen, a simulated world that buried Mozart in a pauper’s grave
And said, “Give us Barabbas,” crucified Christ and turned away
This world feels so synthetic
Lost apathetic
While tragedy vampires drink blood of the fallen
Out of place and out of time
Oh tell me what’s the value of a life
In a modern day and age where monsters cling to evil ways
I can’t shake the feeling I just don’t belong
But we flicker for a moment
Flicker for a moment, then we’re gone
Centuries of deep corruption led to compromise
Practicing a counterfeit morality, the great disguise and
I don’t belong here
I’m just a weary traveler
This world has lost sight of the value of a life
Out of place and out of time
Oh tell me what’s the value of a life
In a modern day and age where monsters cling to evil ways
I can’t shake the feeling I just don’t belong
But we flicker for a moment
Flicker for a moment, then we’re…
#theocracy #mosaic #flicker #atomicfirerecords

[@Theodax1]

As a published author, I'm RARELY at a complete loss for words. I usually consider myself quite clever with how I craft my thoughts and feelings into relatively coherent sentences that sometimes make sense. This song in particular and even the ENTIRE MASTERPIECE OF AN ALBUM has left me completely SPEECHLESS!!!! Matt Smith and crew are to be absolutely commended on their dedication to crafting the PERFECT metal album. Let's not discount that this is in fact a CHRISTIAN METAL BAND, but this album could stand toe to toe with any single album released in the last 10 years and come out as totally superior. I don't just say this as a fan of the band, which I most certainly am. But I offer that assertion as a LIFELONG metal fanatic having listened to tens of thousands of metal songs by thousands of metal bands both secular and Christian over the last nearly 40 years. Theocracy just released the most important album of their careers and one of the greatest metal albums of all time.

[@josimaraquinomusic340]

Exatamente! Mas sabemos por que não é reconhecida: o regente desse mundo não gosta da temática da banda, mas O do universo gosta..

[@joseblanco9045]

Absolutely agree completely to this commentary. Fascinating and perplexing poetic prosing. 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉 . What a Lyricist. Only Tony Kakkoo comes to my mind trying to compare this level of statement wavering . Such fascinating lyricist….

[@danielmckendry9925]

Aye ok

[@bluemango8689]

Agree 100%, just listened to Dragonforce new single and gotta say even a band of their caliber sound lame compared to this masterpiece.

[@corex72]

Bo ya brother. I just found this band this week. I thought metal was dying, especially christian metal. It’s just raised from the dead and it’s name is Theocracy.✝️✝️🤘🤘

[@marcodonockley9101]

I cried. A good cry. This world has lost the value of life. The sudden ending really hammered home the message.

[@glaucoloveJesus]

For me, the best band heavy metal melodic the world

[@pedro_fpires]

Agree, for me it's the best Christian Band in the world.

[@Lancor84]

written like a bot

[@rebelfrog3]

I love that Matt has such a firm grasp on our current state of affairs.

[@kalebc2134]

This song deserves to blow up, the whole album is phenomenal

[@digitalfairy27]

Let's gooooo! Best intro track ever, I feel this to my core "I don't belong here!" Even so, come, Lord Jesus." 🙏💯❤️😎

[@hiyoomikilyngdoh]

Just listening 'Red Sea' it's very long 19 minutes, just like 'Mirror of Souls, wow great song, God Bless You, Theocracy 👍

[@kennethhernandez9321]

The whole álbum is amazing. Nothing left to say, it is perfect.

[@antoniohenrique5542]

MOSAIC is the Magnum Opus! Well done, Theocracy! And thank you guys, btw! May God be praised!!!

I wonder when I will have the privilege to see you guys live... this new album is amazing! Come to Brazil! 🇧🇷🇧🇷🇧🇷

[@cristian71357]

Gira por sudamerica!!

[@coasterfreakrob]

This whole album is a masterpiece that blew away even my highest expectations for it. But this song in particular....just wow. I get goose bumps every time I listen to it. The moment of silence at 1:37, followed by "I don't belong here! I don't belong here!", and then it just absolutely tears into the next verse. Chills every time! And the lyrics express how I feel about the current state of the world better than I ever could.

[@doubledocable]

This is really one of my favorite songs from Theocracy. The music is so much powerful, and the lyrics shed light to some serious issues, which luckily can be answered by reading Revelation 2:9

[@user-jv9fs6zn2l]

So true

[@Arbiter_OG]

THE ENDING!!! OH, THE ENDING!!! PERFECT.

[@josimaraquinomusic340]

Long live The King!

[@andrewwells755]

Well done, Theocracy. Absolutely phenomenal work on this tune and a magnum opus album. Two thumbs WAY up!!

[@joshuahintz3465]

This is incredible. I'll have this song on repeat for weeks now!

[@canadianintheukbrian]

I'm an old metal head seen all the big bands in their prime , I been following this bands for 8 years these guys are brilliant I love great lyrics , lyrics that make you think ,but then coupled with brilliant musicianship that has been always a consistent staple with Theocracy , I'm on my second listening to the new record , absolutely brilliant , maybe one day you hit the UK shores I would love to see you lads live,

[@747jono]

Great song Great album love it.💯💯💯🤘🤘

[@markguy1231]

This so reminds me of As the World bleeds as Theocracy sings these lyrics powerful song

[@edcorps2876]

This album 🤘! Best Theocracy yet, and that's a big deal.

[@dominikajanikova_artist]

Yes I agree with you ❤🎶🎸

[@greg8122]

Agreed and I loved the previous 4.

[@dominikajanikova_artist]

@@greg8122 Please, what is previous 4 ?

[@Marcelino1098]

​​​​Theocracy-Theocracy ( same name as the band), Mirror of Souls, I am, Ghostship and now Mosaic

[@greg8122]

@@dominikajanikova_artist This is their 5th album as Marcelino1098 points out. All are amazing in their own right. Their first album self titled Theocracy, Matt wrote all the songs and played all the instruments except the drums. He used a drum machine for that, so for its 10 year anniversary Matt went back and had their live drummer play and he remixed and rereleased it. If you haven't heard the rest, you're in for a treat!

[@rebelfrog3]

Man, the emphasis put on the phrase "Stupid Politicians" was definitely personal. So right there myself.

[@ralphfiligenzi6180]

This is no doubt their heaviest and best album ever (in my opinion of course).

[@manchus5]

Lyrics of power .Sometimes I feel like I just don't belong here Like a shadow cast from a time long past I'm swallowed up and dissipating I feel so out of phase and so invisible It's disorienting, alienating Little stranger, welcome to the world! Do you ever feel like you just don't belong here? Me, I've always known this isn't home I'm starting to feel so disconnected A stranger in a strange and growing ever stranger land In a world that I don't understand So misdirected Trapped inside a world that buried Mozart in a pauper's grave And said, "Give us Barabbas" Crucified Christ and turned away Elected fools to lead us Rejected truth See us spiraling down Shall we enter the last days? Out of place and out of time Oh tell me, what's the value of a life In a modern day and age Where monsters cling to evil ways I can't shake the feeling I just don't belong But we flicker for a moment Flicker for a moment, then we're gone I don't belong here I don't belong here Pleasure slaves indulging every manner of perversion If technology's the god we feed Our sacrifice is full submersion Life and friendships ended over stupid politicians All the rhetoric and superstitions Life on a screen A simulated world that buried Mozart in a pauper's grave And said, "Give us Barabbas" Crucified Christ and turned away This world feels so synthetic Lost apathetic While tragedy vampires drink blood of the fallen Out of place and out of time Oh tell me, what's the value of a life In a modern day and age Where monsters cling to evil ways I can't shake the feeling I just don't belong But we flicker for a moment Flicker for a moment, then we're gone Centuries of deep corruption Led to compromise Practicing our counterfeit morality The great disguise And I don't belong here I'm just a weary traveller This world has lost sight of the value of a life Out of place and out of time Oh tell me, what's the value of a life In a modern day and age Where monsters cling to evil ways I can't shake the feeling I just don't belong But we flicker for a moment Flicker for a moment, then we're. Yahweh Bless u Matt :D

[@twixierose136]

SQUEEEEEEEEE!!!! 💜💜💜 I have waited SO LONG for this day, and it does not disappoint. Flicker is AMAZING, just as Return To Dust and Mosaic are amazing. My teenage child just asked me why I am fangirling, lol. Can’t help myself. I LOVE THEOCRACY and this is MOSAIC release day! 😍 Let the Theocracy appreciation festivities commence!

[@joseblanco9045]

I agree with the appreciation festivities commence statement. Such a fascinating album. Red sea is such an Odyssey. Quite adventure.

[@ralphfiligenzi6180]

SQUEEEEEEE!!! I AGREEEEE!! This is the best and heaviest album so far by Theocracy!! Cheers to your enthusiasm twixierose!!!

[@Vandark15]

Huge fan of the band. But This album knocked me off my chair and blew my mind. Every single track has something to offer to keep you on edge from beginning to end. Sinsidious is my favorite of the shorter tracks. Now about Red Sea…….WOW. The melodies, the fluid change in tempo. The solo that kicks off at 8:23. Awestruck and my personal fav on the album. Best Theocracy album ever and my fav album of the year! Love it all and is on repeat since I started it at 6 am!!! Worth the 7 year wait!!! Thanks Theocracy ❤️ hope you tour in Montréal Québec Canada❤️

[@troyadams9639]

I second that. Please come to Nova Scotia!!

[@joseblanco9045]

On interview Smith stated that the album was ready before earlier but the situation is that COVID-19 appeared and there was band restructuring prioritizing the complex label new signing. That’s why It took longer to release. Hopefully Smith Can release more albums with this label. It’d be legendary.

[@mish375]

I would rather them take a long time to release a phenomenal album than rush it.

[@gleycea.8891]

A great masterpiece! Long live Theocracy! 🙌🏼 🙌🏼

[@user-lt2ws5qn9h]

That cut-off ending is so perfect and on point!

[@gunplapocket8823]

Powerfull song guys !! God bless !!! 🇧🇷

[@dmarr83]

I just heard of this band in a comment section of a Strung Out video. To whoever you are, THANK YOU! This band is rad!

[@timthaman5778]

This is insane. This album is nothing short of breathtaking! I didn’t think any album would ever top “As the World Bleeds.” Wow. I am blown away.

[@kamehamedouken8869]

incredible song dudes, and even better message

[@Hallow334]

WOW! Jamming the album right now! 2023 album of the year for me! Nothing comes close!

[@joseblanco9045]

LORNA SHORE has a line that states “Dancing like flames , flickering in the night “. It’s just fascinating to see the word repeated in such poetic beautiful prose in both songs. This song also has some Paper Tiger feeling into it. It is just extremely fascinating all the themes it explores in less than 4 minutes related to politics , human contradiction and inevitable wear (Laying Demon to Rest) of life itself. Another exquisite masterpiece song at a high BPM spectrum with intricate lyrical weaving. Just Mesmerizing 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉 Congratulations Theocracy. Such Jewel.

[@mtaffer]

Absolutely, he says so much in such a short amount of time and all of it is truthful! It basically sums up what has been going on the last few years...powerful stuff and perhaps a bit sad that so many have been fooled by this "new morality".

[@TheWanderingBard17]

Theocracy is back!!!

[@puertoricanstyl5570]

Wow. This song is absolutely incredible. Everyone's going nuts. Too many nuances to point out, but. The poetry is always amazing. And with how things are and have been for the last few years, it hits even harder. Also love how Matt isn't afraid to be bold with his lyrics and hasn't strayed from that. And since I know it's coming, I almost break my neck headbanging when 2:44 starts, lol. Always love when things build up and the music in the third verse is so awesome. Song just gets better as it keeps going. And I'll never stop saying how I love how he sings differently as the song goes. Bending his voice like a whammy bar and singing more powerfully. It's one of the things that made me really like Theocracy. Also wasn't expecting the song to end like that. That's that flicker though. Over before you thought it would be. I'm so hyped to hear a new Theocracy album. Their music is truly a special and unique thing to listen to. Feels criminal that they're not bigger, but. Here in a world where they "buried Mozart in a pauper's grave" 🎶🧠

[@smetak53]

This is most certainly my favorite Theocracy video. Well done, Matt on the lyrics! I personally request more lyrical videos.... maybe doing some from the previous albums.

[@sonictimm]

This is epic! I want more of these lyric videos for Theocracy songs.

[@kras_gk]

I love the new album! this song reminds me of Misplaced :D

[@malignant666tumors]

CATCHY and great as always 💪

[@anyoneattheendoftime4932]

What an absolute banger album

[@sauliruottu5871]

This is just amazing, just amazing. Power metal done right. Can't wait to get the album on my birthday.

[@spmoran4703]

I can identify with the words of this song.

[@manuelaturbanisch1996]

Ich wünsche allen das sie satt werden und ich wünsche ihnen noch sehr viel Spaß Freude und viel Gesundheit und Gottes Segen Amen 🙏🙏🙏❤❤❤

[@dominikajanikova_artist]

❤Woow love this new album

[@ekpiyalichai]

the lyrics packs a nuclear punch 💣 boom 💥

[@anjaevers848]

Yeah. This is mega, great, perfect! 🤩💯💣💣👌🤘🤘🤘👍I love it!!

[@robrokks]

Absolute 🔥🔥🔥!

[@ryumple]

This was the first song on the album and the song that convinced me to buy it before I heard the second one. It hit HARD!

[@tylertyler6418]

If I’m being honest I thought ghost ship was their worst album to date. I was worried that they would decline or never make another album. But I was wrong!!! They came back way better than ever!! This is a superb album and I’ve only heard 4 songs but they have all slapped hard!! Thank you guys for rocking it!

[@andrewkennedy9704]

This albums sounds like an extension of mirror of souls

[@Slideways1989]

If Ghost Ship is their worst then that speaks volumes to how good these guys are.

[@SyndicateRC]

Man I feel this song...Theocracy always delivers.

[@IowaMoss]

I hope you guys can come to Iowa!

[@Usiv101]

Matt Smith is a freaking genius Glory to God 🙏

[@hmrvargas]

How pleasant it is to be able to listen to a group with a high level, not only in the execution of their instruments but also the impressive lyrics that Matt Smith writes, there is no way I can feel more identified with their music, in each album I get the inspiration I need, I think those who condemn Christian groups are idiots and prefer stupid lyrics that talk about evil and the devil. I am very disappointed in metal today. What many bands do is repeat the same album over and over again with recycled riffs. , no matter how much time passes between albums, thank you Matt for restoring my faith in Metal, you are the best.

[@_mzkr_]

Do I love me some speed metal and this track ticks so many boxes. Misucally on point and lyrically insightful and saying it as I also see it. Feeling disconnected and that you don't belong. Thanks for what you have shared wit hthe world. The whole album is so well done and something so needed in 2023.

[@heavenmetal1]

❤❤❤❤❤❤ LOVE THE WHOLE ALBUM. I've listened to it three times today.

[@Soup19922]

Love the ending.

[@spacecar]

Theocracy never disappoints. This is yet another masterpiece of an album. One hundred percent worth the wait. Matt and crew did an astounding job.

[@jpcantrell1]

What a profound song....WOW

[@lukeb9385]

Amazing talents well invested

[@johnknox4293]

excellent , love the new album!

[@toddh9507]

The album rules! I absolutely love it. Worth the wait. Best thing I've heard this year

[@russellvitranoiii3504]

😮😮 This is THE BEST "official lyric" video I have EVER SEEN IN MY ENTIRE LIFE!! *hashtag* completelyblownaway, amirite??? Wow!!

[@cheerfulturtlegirl]

I am grateful to God for good music. Seriously, I relate to this so much. It feels like the world has gone insane. Still, the LORD is on the throne. Jesus is still King. I also am glad to have more meaningful rock and metal to add to my collection. I'll buy the new album soon. Thank you guys for the hard work and dedication you put into this music. Hopefully I can attend one of your concerts someday. God bless you! :)

[@ilikepork247]

Well, new band for me. Song feels like a mix of Black Tide and Strung out, love it.

[@oTIEEMANUEL4940]

❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@Marcelino1098]

Love the song and the lyrics. So actual about the current world. The endtimes feel very close to me.

[@froggyladpole5357]

Love this

[@LukeArnold-yt4dq]

Wow you really did it in this album guys. Flicker is my new to favorite theocracy song ever now Great job guys keep it up. God bless all of you

[@chrisreynolds6576]

Another great album!

[@iainmanapat6643]

I love Theocracy

[@RaydenX17]

Meu Deus eu AMO essa banda e AMO esse álbum.

[@camion300]

YEAH, THIS IS AWESOME. 👍👍👍👍👍. Stupid politicians 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣. Greetings from Philadelphia Pennsylvania.

[@tiko_guitar]

orgulho de ser um guitarrista brasileiro e ouvir essa bela canção 🇧🇷

[@gusdepaula]

O que tem uma coisa a ver com a outra??

[@gusdepaula]

@metallianvalidor Trying to, but doesnt make sense not even in Portuguese...

[@tiko_guitar]

@@gusdepaula me desculpe irmao,eu sou hetero,mais respeito sua opcão,bora estudar guitarra e evoluir 🙌🏻🔥🎸

[@gusdepaula]

@@tiko_guitar Ta desculpado, além de hetero é burro. Estude guitarra e portugues também. Alias, evoluir é uma boa, já que vc supôs que sou gay, so porque perguntei da coisa sem sentido algum que vc comentou. E sim estudo guitarra msm, vi seu canal, ta precisando.

[@Styles1125]

Gotta order a CD for my car!! Praise God!!

[@juancarlosortiz4188]

Ojala los trajeran por aqui ,rock imperium o leyendas del rock, o a mi sotano 😅,no los merecemos ya,siempre traen lo mismo ya es tiempo de cambiar 🤘🤘,y por cierto gran banda y gran cancion🤘🤘

[@josimaraquinomusic340]

Theocracy TEM vida longa! 🎶🙌🎸🎤✝️🇧🇷

[@fendi_Ajaw]

❤❤❤

[@adrielbodevan5113]

THEOCRACY E ANGRA NO MESMO DIAAAA

[@kalebyhenrique4829]

sonata arctica e judas priest tambem lançaram musica hoje.

[@adrielbodevan5113]

@@kalebyhenrique4829 é nada!

[@adrielbodevan5113]

Judas tá BRABA

[@RandyVampiro]

That's Some Really, Really Good Fucking Thrash Power Metal Gentlemen! All Hail!

[@LuisPellicano]

God be with you, guys. Thanks for such a power bomb

[@micaelapa3552]

Amaizing just like that,

[@user-kw9mx7oe7m]

Go taylor🤘🤘

[@ken17079]

yeah ♪

[@reaper5468]

Another masterpiece from Theocracy

[@Imorajna]

Why did someone intentionally make the lyrics "lifelong friendships ended over stupid politicians" illegible? That was clearly done on purpose

[@rebelfrog3]

Interesting take, I love that line because its so true.

[@lalogarcia96]

amazing !! Great song!! we don't belong here!

[@toferg.8264]

Niiiiiiiiccccccee!

[@jordanhirsch2045]

🤘🤘

[@Cugel]

🍺😎🤘

[@TheoHawk316]

Now THIS is Christian metal!

[@HotheadLad]

0:34 WHY IS KAIN HERE!

[@duncandonuts5268]

Can't underestimate the Christians lol

[@down-the-rabbit-hole]

The Bible thumping Religious lyrics never bothered me about Theocracy. Even though I'm very far from being a Christian, I still enjoy the music for what it is, the same way I enjoy King Diamond, even though I"m not a Satanist.

[@fooser77]

If one is not for Christ, then by default ............. one is --- against him! Most do not understand the demonic .. and by same extension -- the supernatural .. It does not matter whether or not one believes or not .. THEY are using you! (and you do not even know it) www.youtube.com/@hauntedcosmos_/videos

[@holodeck71]

You need to go further "down the rabbit hole" my friend. You will find that those running this realm worship lucifer and they take their belief VERY seriously. Most of their plans are hidden in plain sight. Their game is depopulation and altering humanity's DNA while most are completely oblivious. They keep everyone distracted through mass media, corporate news (ALL of it!), the fake left/right paradigm, politics, religion, all of it! Following Yeshua (Jesus) is the ONLY way out of this prison. He is the only one who can save you, free your mind and truly open your eyes!

[@001vivadiego]

This song is kinda emo...

[@sauliruottu5871]

The song is a lot about feeling like an alien to this world as a Christian knowing this is not your true home.

[@mikkosalminen523]

What happened to this band? Something is terribly amiss. They sound like a teen band and not at all what they have achieved this far. All other albums are really really good. People are raving that this is a masterpiece, but i cannot hear it no matter how i listen to it. Anyone else with me?

[@fooser77]

NOPE!

[@davidb9744]

Okay I get it, you like more something etc... To each his/her own tastes. But calling them now a "teen band" is nonsensical. You almost sound spiteful.

[@user-hi8gb3xp8b]

No. I don't agree with you. You have the right to your opinion. You like something else. But in my opinion, this is their best album. I have all their albums and enjoy listening to them. But there was always something missing. Only here I found it. It's a really amazing album

[@Aqua-pl8qw]

Honestly "Flicker" was I letdown for me aswell when I first listened to it. Yet I encourage you to listen to the rest of the album. There are many songs more similar to their previous work both in style and quality. After a couple of listens I enjoy this one as well but I think it´s not as good as the rest of the album.

[@RaydenX17]

I can't say it's a bad song, because I'd be lying. But I can say that it was very different from what they have delivered so far, the music has this style of 'songs for teenagers'.

[@user-ue5wn8ow7h]

🤘🤘🤘