Mercyside
Tristania · Illumination [2007]
You can hate me for
All the things I do
You should let my heart go
Whatever you decide to do
You can make me bleed
You can make me cry
You can make me fall
You can make me live or die
And I wonder how
And you wonder why
For years our world has been falling apart
But we're tied up by words
The surface is smooth and cold
But underneath the blood always boils
It's getting harder
Getting worse now
Everytime
We're growing colder
Digging deeper
In our minds
You laughed, but your smile never reached your eyes
You cried, but your eyes never shed a tear
And I wonder how
You laughed, and you untied your hair
There are things to do
Things we never could tell
Name me
Use me
Blame me
Every time you hurt
Your favours are not what I deserve
All the things I do
You should let my heart go
Whatever you decide to do
You can make me bleed
You can make me cry
You can make me fall
You can make me live or die
And I wonder how
And you wonder why
For years our world has been falling apart
But we're tied up by words
The surface is smooth and cold
But underneath the blood always boils
It's getting harder
Getting worse now
Everytime
We're growing colder
Digging deeper
In our minds
You laughed, but your smile never reached your eyes
You cried, but your eyes never shed a tear
And I wonder how
You laughed, and you untied your hair
There are things to do
Things we never could tell
Name me
Use me
Blame me
Every time you hurt
Your favours are not what I deserve
Mercyside
Tristania's "Mercyside" stands as a defining track on the band's 2007 album *Illumination*, showcasing their evolution from early black metal roots into a more polished, progressive sound. Released during a period of significant artistic maturity, the song exemplifies the group's signature blend of atmospheric post-metal and melodic death metal. With its haunting vocals and intricate guitar work, the recording captures the emotional depth and technical proficiency that characterized Tristania's later discography. The track remains a staple of their catalog, reflecting the band's ability to maintain their unique identity while exploring new sonic territories in the mid-to-late 2000s.