Songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and producer Eric Bass (Shinedown) released his debut solo album, I Had A Name, earlier this year. Written, recorded, and produced entirely by Bass, the full-length effort introduces listeners to a sprawling dystopian world of his own creation. Bass has teamed up with Metal Insider to offer a deeper look into the record, sharing an exclusive track-by-track guide.
Track-by-Track Breakdown of the Album
Track 1: A World Unseen
This is your introduction to the album’s world. It invites you into the space I created—a reflection of my mind. The opening guitar represents me sitting in a room, thinking about my doubts, joys, and inner workings. It sets a tone of relatability: we’re all a little bent, twisted, or broken. When the piano starts, it symbolises a shift—like Dorothy entering Oz—fully immersing you in this world.
Track 2: The New Gods of War
This track drops you into the middle of the story. The narrative centres on children fighting against a dystopian power that imprisoned them. Some kids escape to a place called Burden and fight back. One of these children, Milk (our main protagonist), represents the innocence I lost to neurodivergence and depression. This song parallels the struggles of overcoming childhood adversity.
Track 3: Azalea
Azalea, another protagonist, is a former monk turned assassin seeking vengeance for her mother’s death. This song portrays her on the run, facing exhaustion, and finding strength in a moment of reflection. By the end, she escapes, driven by her resolve.
Track 4: We Can’t Go Home
This song focuses on the children in Nion Camp, a brutal work camp disguised as an elite educational facility. The kids know they’ll never return home, and the song reflects their bleak reality as they sing about their restricted lives. It captures their despair and resilience.
Track 5: Goodnight, Goodnight
The most personal song on the album. It’s a goodbye to the happy child I once was—a child unaware of the struggles with ADD, autism, and depression that would later define my journey. This track resonates deeply, both as Milk’s realisation of lost innocence and as my own introspection.
Track 6: Mind Control
Here, we meet DeVarren, the dictator and embodiment of depression. He despises the populace yet feels conflicted about his actions. The song’s breakdown reflects his inner turmoil, hinting at an origin story that explains his darkness.
Track 7: New Graves
A counterpart to Goodnight, Goodnight, this track is about making the most of life despite dark circumstances. It touches on themes of resilience and finding meaning, even in a grim reality. The song also provides glimpses into the lives of other characters in the camp.
Track 8: All Good Children
This song explores the exhaustion of constant struggle, whether it’s war or personal battles like depression. The lyrics capture the weariness of the characters as they continue their fight, even as resentment builds toward those encouraging them to keep going.
Track 9: Modenheart
Milk goes on a mission, fuelled by anger at his past, but he has a moment of clarity when his mother’s voice urges him to use his voice rather than violence. The song underscores the importance of channelling emotions constructively and becoming a leader through personal growth.
Track 10: Dead Inside
A triumphant moment on the record, this song is about finding strength in what’s been taken from you. The characters have endured so much that they become unbreakable, embodying defiance in the face of darkness. Milk reflects on his lost memories and vows to reclaim his identity.
Track 11: The Churches of the Dead
This epilogue sees Azalea sharing the world’s backstory with Milk, explaining how their dystopia came to be. Milk learns the reasons behind the struggles, gaining tools to confront them. The song parallels my journey of understanding my neurodivergence and finding hope.
Hidden Track: I Want to Go to Hell
A playful and satirical take on hypocrisy and societal obsessions. It critiques those who misuse religion for power, commit evil, or live a fake, self-absorbed life. The mariachi band interlude adds levity to an otherwise serious album.
