Ever since I was a little kid, one of my favorite things to do was put on an album I love, lay back with headphones on, and read the lyrics while listening. The journey of getting lost in the words as well as the music, is euphoric. We all know that, as you start to follow a band, you begin to feel a connection. So for many years after connecting to an album, the words become a part of you. The person writing them becomes a literary figure to you. I can remember Jim Morrison being the first one to really hit me that way. So many more over the years like James Hetfield, Trent Reznor, Layne Staley, Jerry Cantrell, etc have hit me in ways that I could relate.
One that really has struck a chord with me in the last 10 years is Greg Puciato of The Dillinger Escape Plan and The Black Queen. On top of the aggressive nature that has been seen by many over the years, there is a person inside that is trying to purge themselves of the pain and anguish they’ve been living with and I fully get it. That being said, Greg recently released a book of his writings called Separate The Dawn and with this release, he’s able to convey a different aspect of himself. Throughout the book, you as the reader, start to feel like you connect with the inner turmoil and tribulations of Greg. The writings tell stories that expand on thoughts one might have on a regular day and keep to ones self. From relationships, to growing up in a strange place, to the thoughts in your head, the way that Greg writes and lays it out, really hits home. The way some of the pieces are written are done in a way that after you read the passage, if you close your eyes, you can almost feel like you are swept away to where this is taking place. The vivid imagery in the way Greg writes is profound. The poetic sensibilities in the verse is something else that really hits as you read on. This book is more than just a collection of writings. It’s a capsule of a time that needed to get out and for people to understand the who and the why of someone.
From start to finish Separate The Dawn is a heavy read. The thoughts that will pass through your own mind while reading will leave you thinking and reflecting on your own self. Although very dark at times, this book does emit a sense of hope. Something that Separate The Dawn provides as well is a feeling that you are not alone. So often, many of us feel like we aren’t able to express how we feel or feel like we have no where to turn. When a person like Greg, shares this for the world, it’s as though a door has opened and you are welcomed in.
Personally, I love books like this. It shows that not only is the person that you’ve looked up to a genuine person but, it gives just enough insight to see and know why they are the way they are. Lyrics and words are just as powerful as music, and when you have someone with the ability to really write as powerful as these are, it truly completes that sentiment. Separate The Dawn is a book that if you are a fan of Greg and his work, you should definitely read, as well as if you aren’t. I really hope that at some point, there will be another book because after finishing this one, I really can’t wait to read where Greg will go next.
Purchase Separate The Dawn:
Via Federal Prisoner:
https://www.federalprisoner.net/product-page/separatethedawn
Amazon:
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