"Dis-Assembly Line" by Exhumed is a brutal and graphic song that explores the theme of postmortem dissection and the dehumanization of corpses in a morgue or autopsy setting. The lyrics vividly describe the macabre process of cutting open bodies, slicing through flesh, and dissecting various body parts. The first verse sets the scene by mentioning the dissection ward, sharpening surgical tools, and preparing for the procedures. The song emphasizes the brutal nature of the work, using phrases like "butchery," "hack," and "recreational pathology" to evoke a sense of sadistic pleasure in the act of cutting up the dead. The chorus employs the metaphor of an assembly line to depict the devaluing of human life in death. The bodies are reduced to mere objects, cataloged with toe-tags, and disassembled like industrial parts. The lyrics suggest that this process erases the individual identities of the deceased, reducing them to "bone, flesh, bowels, and shit." The following verses continue the gruesome descriptions of the autopsy process, including shattering ribcages, suctioning bodily fluids, and botched craniotomies. The lyrics highlight the lack of dignity in the treatment of corpses, with words like "mess," "carnal junk heap," and "dead meat" emphasizing the dehumanizing aspect. In the later part of the song, the grotesque imagery reaches a climax as cadavers are described as "cankered" and the narrator stands ankle-deep in gastric discharge. The lyrics suggest a sense of sadistic pleasure or satisfaction derived from inflicting these indignities upon the dead. Overall, "Dis-Assembly Line" is a song that delves into the dark and gruesome reality of postmortem dissection, exploring themes of dehumanization, the disregard for dignity, and the sadistic pleasure some may find in such acts. It is important to note that the song's lyrics depict extreme and graphic content that may not be suitable for everyone.
