The song "The Harrowing" by Exhumed tells the story of two characters, Hare and Dr. Knox, who are involved in a series of murders and the trade of corpses during the 19th century. The lyrics illustrate their perspective and experiences. In the beginning, Hare describes the initial murder as a coincidence, but the second murder was intentional. As they continue killing, they become more skilled and precise in their methods. Dr. Knox, who is responsible for obtaining the bodies, states that he doesn't concern himself with how they are obtained as long as they are delivered to his door. Hare acknowledges that death is an inevitable part of life, and as they continue their deeds, they become desensitized to the horror of their actions. Dr. Knox views the bodies as mere objects and values the money he receives more than the lives he takes. Throughout the song, the chorus emphasizes that their victims will not survive the harrowing, meaning they will not escape their fate of being murdered. It is a grim realization for them, as they see life as a final joke and death as the ultimate truth. The hope for survival diminishes as death becomes more overpowering. The song portrays the dark and sinister atmosphere surrounding these characters and the macabre theme of murder and trading corpses.
