In-Depth Analysis of Track 11: “Assassinations” by Nicole Blackman

Track Details:
• Title: Assassinations
• Duration: 0:33
• Music By: Anton Fier
• Read By: Nicole Blackman

Introduction:
“Assassinations,” the eleventh track on “Hashisheen: The End of Law”, is a compact yet powerful piece that delves into the practice of assassination as used by the medieval Nizari Ismaili sect, known as the Hashshashin. Nicole Blackman’s sharp spoken-word delivery, accompanied by Anton Fier’s evocative and tense musical backdrop, unpacks themes of moral ambiguity, violence as a tool of power, and its profound psychological and societal impacts.

Despite its brevity, the track resonates deeply with the album’s exploration of mysticism, rebellion, and the ethical complexities of historical narratives.

Lyrics:
“He makes one faithful, another an infidel.
He fills the world with tunneled and wrong.
Taverns have been edified by his lips.
All my desire has been accomplished through him.”

Lyrics Breakdown and Interpretation:
1. “He makes one faithful, another an infidel.”
• Duality and Judgment: The figure, presumably the leader of the Assassins or a symbolic archetype of power, assumes the role of ultimate arbitrator. They divide individuals into the “faithful” and “infidels,” wielding the ability to shape identity, allegiance, and worth.
• Reflection on Power: This line highlights the capacity of authority figures to manipulate belief systems and the profound societal impact of labeling and division. It invokes themes of control over ideological boundaries and the polarization of communities.
• Ambiguity in Morality: The act of creating faithfulness or infidelity questions the ethical dimensions of enforcing belief systems through manipulation or violence.

2. “He fills the world with tunneled and wrong.”
• Distorted Realities: This imagery suggests the constriction of thought, freedom, or perception imposed by the figure. The “tunneled” implies narrowness—restricted pathways of belief or action dictated by the figure’s influence—while “wrong” points to moral or existential disarray.
• Chaos as Strategy: The figure’s reach fills the world with controlled disorder, which can simultaneously create and destroy, offering a commentary on the paradoxical nature of power wielded through fear and violence.

3. “Taverns have been edified by his lips.”
• Transformative Power: Taverns, traditionally profane spaces of indulgence and escape, are transformed into sanctuaries or places of enlightenment by the figure’s words. This reflects the ability to redefine the sacred and the profane, erasing conventional boundaries.
• Charisma and Influence: The “lips” symbolize the figure’s ability to persuade, inspire, and control, further emphasizing their godlike or mystical qualities. This line juxtaposes decadence and reverence, a recurring theme in the album.

4. “All my desire has been accomplished through him.”
• Fulfillment and Submission: The speaker acknowledges complete reliance on the figure for the fulfillment of their aspirations. While this might imply devotion and faith, it also raises questions about dependency, loss of agency, and the costs of allegiance.
• Human Longing for Purpose: The figure serves as both a savior and a master, fulfilling desires but perhaps on terms dictated by them, reflecting the tension between spiritual fulfillment and subjugation.

Thematic Exploration:
• The Ethics of Assassination: The track examines the act of assassination, particularly in its political and ideological contexts, as both a tool for justice and a method of terror.
• Moral Ambiguity: The lines invite the listener to grapple with the ethical complexities surrounding assassination. Can violence be justified if it serves a perceived greater good, or does it irreparably harm the moral fabric of society?

• Power, Manipulation, and Control:
• Faith vs. Infidelity: The dichotomy of “faithful” and “infidel” underscores the use of binary divisions to consolidate power and maintain control.
• Influence through Fear: Assassination, as a deliberate and public act, instills fear and commands respect, illustrating how power can be sustained through psychological tactics.

• Dualities of the Sacred and the Profane: The transformation of taverns into edified spaces blurs traditional boundaries, reflecting the fluidity of moral and spiritual constructs under the influence of powerful figures.
• Legacy and Consequences: Assassination, while effective in achieving short-term objectives, has lasting ripple effects, influencing historical narratives, societal structures, and individual psyches.

Spoken Word Analysis:
• Nicole Blackman’s Performance: Blackman’s voice is likely measured and intense, reflecting the gravity of the subject matter. Her deliberate pacing and clear articulation create a sense of urgency and focus.
• Emotional Weight: Through her vocal delivery, Blackman conveys the ethical and psychological complexities of assassination, prompting introspection and discomfort in the listener.

Musical Composition:
• Anton Fier’s Soundscape: Fier’s composition likely uses dissonant chords, sparse percussion, and ambient textures to create a feeling of unease and suspense, mirroring the themes of the track.
• Subtle Dynamics: The minimalist arrangement emphasizes the spoken word, with sound cues accentuating key moments in the narrative.

Emotional and Psychological Impact:
• Tension and Unease: The combination of spoken word and music creates a gripping atmosphere that confronts listeners with the stark realities of violence and power.
• Reflective Space: The brevity of the track invites focused contemplation, encouraging listeners to question their own perceptions of morality and justice.
• Lingering Questions: By avoiding definitive answers, the track leaves listeners grappling with the ambiguities of assassination as both a tool of resistance and an act of terror.

Connection to the Album’s Themes:
• Historical and Mystical Exploration: Continues the album’s examination of the Hashshashin, focusing on their most controversial practice.
• Ethics and Power: Aligns with the album’s broader themes of rebellion, moral ambiguity, and the human condition.

Conclusion:
“Assassinations” by Nicole Blackman and Anton Fier is a brief but profound meditation on the ethical, psychological, and societal dimensions of targeted killings. Through vivid imagery, evocative spoken word, and tense musical composition, the track challenges listeners to confront the complexities of power, violence, and morality.

By situating these themes within the historical context of the Hashshashin, the piece resonates with both the past and the present, offering a timeless reflection on the human capacity for destruction and transformation.

Reflective Questions for the Listener:
• How does “Assassinations” challenge your understanding of morality in the context of violence and power?
• What emotions does the track evoke, and how do they shape your engagement with its themes?
• How does the duality of faith and infidelity resonate with contemporary struggles over ideology and identity?

By engaging with these questions, listeners can deepen their appreciation of “Assassinations” and its place within “Hashisheen: The End of Law”, fostering a richer connection to the album’s exploration of history, mysticism, and the human experience.