"Arclight" by Exhumed is a very dark and graphic song that explores themes of sadism, violence, and the dehumanization of its subject. The lyrics describe a deranged individual who takes pleasure in torturing and ultimately killing their victim. The song starts with the image of someone teetering on the edge of insanity, their sanity stretched upon a knife's edge. As the song progresses, the violence and brutality escalate, with the perpetrator committing atrocities that worsen with each act. The lyrics describe the pleasure derived from inflicting pain, using vivid imagery of stabbing, slashing, and mutilating. The victim is objectified and dehumanized, reduced to a vessel for the perpetrator's sadistic fantasies. Their body is dissected and torn apart, with body parts used to torment and serve as reminders of the horrific acts committed. The lyrics also touch upon the arousal felt by the perpetrator, despite the revulsion that should be present. There is a sense of power and control associated with the violence, as the perpetrator uses chains and manacles to immobilize the victim. The song hints at cannibalism, with the perpetrator suggesting that they will consume their victim to satisfy their appetites. Overall, "Arclight" explores the mindset and actions of a disturbed individual who revels in the pain and suffering of others. It offers a very dark portrayal of sadism and the depths of human depravity.
