The song "Playing With Fear" by Exhumed explores the theme of mental torment, paranoia, and the manipulation of one's mind. The lyrics depict a person's subconscious being plagued by deep-rooted fears and anxieties that have been suppressed for a long time. The metaphor of a "pulsating toxic welt" emphasizes the disturbing and unsettling nature of these inner demons. As the song progresses, it suggests that an external force or substance enters the protagonist's life, causing them to lose their grip on reality. This unnatural solution, possibly referring to drugs or some other form of mind-altering influence, takes hold of the protagonist's brain and drives them to the brink of insanity. The injection mentioned in the lyrics symbolizes this transformation. The resulting mental deterioration is characterized by distorted thoughts, decaying senses, and a loss of control over one's actions. The line "Madness unleashed, playing with fear" suggests that the protagonist is both experiencing and toying with their own fears, perhaps as a result of the external manipulation. The song also touches upon the concept of hearing thoughts within one's mind that are not their own. This could represent intrusive thoughts or the influence of external sources, further heightening the protagonist's terror and confusion. The feeling of being controlled and forced to do others' bidding is present, with the protagonist learning to carry out violent acts and finding themselves unable to escape the cycle of madness. Overall, "Playing With Fear" is a dark and intense exploration of the inner workings of a tormented mind, delving into themes of fear, manipulation, and the breaking of one's sanity.
