The song "Mandatory Slaughtery" by Heaven Shall Burn explores the themes of animal cruelty, ethical responsibility, and the need for resistance against unjust practices. The lyrics criticize those who turn a blind eye to the suffering of animals and exploit them for personal gain. The opening lines question the listener's innocence and highlight the blood trails leading to their face, symbolizing their involvement or complicity in the exploitation of animals. The lyrics describe the brutal treatment and stories of pain endured by innocent creatures, yet the listeners refuse to acknowledge or listen to these accounts. The song suggests that the exploitation and suffering of animals are driven by human greed and desire for wealth. The lyrics question how it feels to be involved in consuming animals and supporting their endless torture for minimal benefit. Heaven Shall Burn argues that such behavior justifies an "ethic holocaust," where innocent animals are slaughtered daily but remain unseen and unheard. The band urges resistance as the only way to avoid drowning in the bloodshed, suggesting that a collective effort is needed to promote a harmonious and respectful coexistence between humans and all living beings. The lyrics emphasize the importance of individual actions and the power of unity. A single hand symbolizes hope, while a million hands become weapons in the war for peace. The band encourages listeners to use their imagination, dreams, and voice against a growing sense of helplessness and fear. The song accuses those who choose to remain oblivious to the suffering around them, describing them as swimming in a stream of blindness that will ultimately lead to their own downfall. Heaven Shall Burn portrays the current slaughter of animals as a disturbing aspect of our century, predicting that future generations will look back and struggle to understand how such cruelty was tolerated. The lyrics call for setting signs that cannot be ignored, suggesting that it is time to take a stand against the slaughter of innocent beings. The song questions who shares the pain of these animals and describes the acts of slaughter, murder, and torture as vain and inhumane. Overall, "Mandatory Slaughtery" criticizes the indifference and ignorance towards animal suffering, advocating for awareness, resistance, and change.
