The Nightmares, ‘Fire In Heaven’ | Track By Track

The Nightmares' Adam Parslow guides us track by track through the creation of their second studio album ‘Fire In Heaven’, out now via Venn Records.

Siren Song

“We wanted to open this record with a bang and ‘Siren Song’ is a very energetic track that, on a surface level, is our take on the Greek fable about the beautifully enchanting songs that ultimately lured sailors to their demise. Metaphorically, the song touches on temptations and greed and how nothing good can stay that way. An interest in this kind of mythology perfectly encapsulates the motifs and our collective mindset as we approached the writing of this album.”

Something In The Dark

“‘Something In The Dark’ is a song for the outsiders, a song for those who don’t fit in – the misfits, weirdos and the nonconformists. The narrative of the lyrics tells the story of a young woman called “Blue” who, one fateful day, sees something that cannot be explained. This moment changes her forever and leaves her literally speechless from that point onwards. The song was influenced by our love of artists such as Gary Numan, Killing Joke and Heavens. The music video was inspired by our collective fascination with cult 90s television programmes like The X-Files & Twin Peaks.”

Dead Roses

“‘Dead Roses’ is a song that explores how a single thought or observation can trigger a deep-set emotional reaction inside one’s self. How something as trivial as a discarded rose on the ground can transport you back to a time in your life when something traumatic happened to you. Life can sometimes lead us into a false sense of emotional security – only to strike us down like a dagger in the night when we least expect it… ‘Dead Roses’ is a song that explores those emotions, anxieties and fears.”

Hell Is Gonna Happen

“A song for those that feel luckless in life. For people who feel like life never goes their way. ‘Hell Is Gonna Happen’ is about embracing the chaos in life and following the path set for us – no matter how uncertain. It’s about finding beauty in disaster and chasing your dreams. The song was influenced by our love of artists such as New Order and (self-titled era) blink-182.”

Letting It All Go

“‘Letting It All Go’ is a song about rolling the dice and taking a chance on yourself. Leaving behind everything that has been holding you back in life. A song about trusting in love and escaping the “safe” environment that has been stunting your growth. Daring to do better. A song about belief. The song was influenced by our love of artists such as Alkaline Trio and The Strokes.”

Beneath Your Name

“‘Beneath Your Name’ reflects on the grieving process and learning to live with loss. It’s something we all experience throughout life… yet, until that moment reveals itself, there is just no way to prepare for it. A song about embracing love in life and not being afraid to hurt in death.”

Blood On Your Hands

“This song talks about the atrocities of animal cruelty – that have, to this day, been ignored. We need to open our eyes and recognise the abuse that we, as a species, inflict on animals. It can be easy for people to turn a blind eye… humanity needs to do more.”

Run Away

“Small town life can often leave people feeling trapped and frustrated. But young love can feel like a key to unlock a whole new life. ‘Run Away’ is a song that is focussed on escape. A song about breaking free from the shackles of where you come from. Maybe there is more out there than this? Maybe you could get away…”

Heaven Won’t Hold Me

“This is a discussion about finding our place in the universe. Are we alone? How do we find meaning in life when we’re on a rock flying through space? Does anything really matter? A song about the mundane slog of working a 9 to 5 job with the backdrop of the enormity of the universe. Is there a God? Is there something else out there? The struggles of life can be suffocating and this song explores what could be… surely it can’t be as simple as just clocking in and out every day?”

Melancholy Waltz

“The closing song on the album talks about depression and anxiety in life. Laying in bed for days on end… staring out of a window at the rain. It is a cold and honest take on what true depression can feel like. But it is also a song of hope. It is okay to feel this way. You are enough. You are loved. And you are not alone.”