What if the threat of global domination by shadow governments was real and impacting us every day? What if, by employing space-age technology, these powers have programmed us to blindly obey?
Toronto-based quartet The Android Meme thinks it knows the answer to these burning questions and urges us to heed their warnings. With the release of their first full-length CD, Ordo Ab Chao, produced by Matthew von Wagner, The Android Meme might well be called rock and roll prophets, delivering a message the world needs to hear.
“A lot of what we talk about in our songs concerns conspiracy theories and the idea that society is being steered in different directions by forces beyond our control,” says lead vocalist/lyricist/founder Stefano Amelio. “Looking at the global stage, it’s difficult not to think that there’s some sort of New World Order afoot.”
Tracks such as “The Machine Stops”, “Sumii”, “Ordo Ab Chao”, “Left Right Parasite”, “Whistleblower” and “Stranger” range in topics from secret societies to secret government experiments. While not a concept record in the truest sense, Ordo Ab Chao explores the mystical realm of the unseen and largely unknown – an esoteric dimension represented by the rich Masonic symbolism adorning the CD’s cover artwork.
“You’ll find several overarching concepts running through Ordo Ab Chao, helping to create a kind of cohesive narrative,” says Amelio. “Our music is inherently visual. The symbols on the cover are important because they relate to how a listener will perceive this CD.”
Hidden and double meanings abound on the record. For example, Ordo Ab Chao, which roughly translates to “order and chaos” (or order from chaos), is also an appropriate description of the band’s music. By working in various musical styles, The Android Meme has created its own artistic identity. Ordo Ab Chao certainly offers something for everyone.
Want infectious, driving hard rock? Check out “Polar Rose.” Hungry for a techno-influenced anthem? Clue in to the bass-heavy “Sumii.” Is prog rock more your speed? Zone in on “Left Right Parasite.” Banging your head to hear some well-constructed metal? Play the title track and turn up the volume!
Despite universal overtones, each song signifies Amelio’s personal spiritual search. On one level, “The Machine Stops” is a searing admonishment of how we, as a society, are becoming increasingly enslaved by invasive technology. But it also represents our difficulty in communicating with each other as people, one-on-one.
“Left Right Parasite” traces the duality of existence but also explores Amelio’s inner struggle to find balance between science and faith. “Sumii”, an open letter to an ex-girlfriend, portrays a society spinning out of control, toward an apocalyptic end.
“We wanted a well-rounded record,” says Amelio. “Despite some of the individual songs being completely different stylistically, they all represent ‘our sound.’ I like the fact that we’re difficult to label. I think that’s our strength.”
Self-taught vocalist Stefano Amelio formed The Android Meme in 2005 after experiencing a spiritual epiphany. Suddenly all of the pieces fit together and Amelio viewed the world with new eyes. This change was reflected in Amelio’s musical approach, the subject matter of his lyrics and the band’s ironic title: The Android Meme -- a phrase popularized by conspiracy theorists, signifying man-made social programming.
“From that point onward I no longer viewed the world in terms of black or white,” says Amelio. “I took note of the cyclical nature of chaos and order. I touch upon these ideas in songs such as the title track, ‘Sigma’, ‘Left Right Parasite’ and ‘Esoterika’.”
Today, The Android Meme continues to decode many of life’s baffling mysteries and warns us of the Western World’s impending dangers. Like most prophets, Amelio and his band absorb the vibe of the times while presenting apocalyptic future scenarios.
With all due respect to The Android Meme, here’s hoping they’re wrong.