Cold Machines (Brutal Planet, 2000)

This week’s post focuses on another track from the Brutal Planet LP (a “Fridays With Alice” favorite). As the world continues spiraling out of control, this album seems more and more prophetic with every year, month, and day that passes.

“I wanted to write something that was very apocalyptic. I wanted to write something that we all know is coming, but we don’t want to say it. It is fiction, but maybe not so much fiction; maybe a lot of it is based on what everybody thinks eventually is going to happen…” – Alice Cooper

Brutal Planet, probably the heaviest Alice Cooper album to date (based on both the music and theme), is void of humor and satire. Instead, the real shock and horror of this LP are based on humanity’s current (and future) state of well-being.

This week’s song, “Cold Machines,” is an Orwellian narrative heavily influenced by George Orwell’s novel “1984.” And, interestingly enough, it not only defines the current state of the world but, in many ways, the Body of Christ as well.

It’s as if Alice, like Orwell, was forecasting the decline of humanity. A cold slip into a more heartless society – one that sees humanity as a commodity or a cog in the machine and where we care more about ourselves and our simulated, virtual existence than our fellow man, woman, and child.

Somehow the importance of each other’s well-being has been replaced by status updates, likes, shares, memes, etc. We’ve become more concerned with fantasies and the people we will most likely never meet instead of those in our closest proximity.

I see you working at your station
Radiation burns my eyes
Love’s forbidden so is passion
This whole place is sterilized

You don’t know my name
You don’t know my number
You don’t know my face at all (at all at all at all)
We walk right past each other, every single day
Like cold machines, we’re marching on and on and on and on and on

“Cold Machines” is a haunting example of how stoic and robotic humanity has become and raises many questions as we ponder the lyrics. Does technology help or hurt the human condition? Maybe both? Are we genuinely seeking fellowship with one another and helping to create a better world?

It is rather interesting how we’ve reached the boiling point in this current climate. While the world has been slowly roasting in a crockpot of misery for decades, it is fascinating to see how quickly things have escalated since the emergence of the smartphone and social media (modern-day pressure cookers for discontent and malice).

There’s no doubt humanity, as a whole, is headed towards a dangerous place. A narcissistic sense of entitlement flows through the collective mindset. It’s as if morality, common decency, and self-respect aren’t expected and cherished. As a result, we have replaced civility with commodities.

Where did decency and civility go? How did we lose them? Can such traits be relearned or found?

“Blessed are the poor in spirit,
    for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
4 Blessed are those who mourn,
    for they will be comforted.
5 Blessed are the meek,
    for they will inherit the earth.
6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
    for they will be filled.
7 Blessed are the merciful,
    for they will be shown mercy.
8 Blessed are the pure in heart,
    for they will see God.
9 Blessed are the peacemakers,
    for they will be called children of God.
10 Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,
    for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

11 “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. 12 Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for, in the same way, they persecuted the prophets who were before you. – Matthew 5:3-12

We’ve been designed to find meaning in places the world and darkness will never understand. We’ve been created to walk the narrow road and find fulfillment through our Creator. The verses listed above, also known as “The Beatitudes,” speak of the “blessed.”

What does the term “blessed” really mean?

According to an excerpt from the NIV Life Application Bible, “blessed” means more than happiness. The Beatitudes do not promise laughter, pleasure, or earthly prosperity. Instead, Christ points us to hope and joy, independent of outward circumstances.

Jesus Christ, God in the flesh, gives us the answers to fulfillment. “Cold Machines” describes what life looks like apart from the presence of our Creator. He is the missing element. Humanity has been coerced into adopting a narrative and worldview removed from His Example and His Love.

Humanity has chosen to believe and trust manufactured entities such as governments, religions, technology, and other more ominous things instead of its sole source of strength – the Creator.

So, what do we do? How do we change? How do we bring a virtual-driven society back to genuine human interaction?

The answer lies within us. But, first, every able person must be willing to reclaim their sovereignty and know that they are responsible for themselves. Knowing this means we must not be affected by what the world has to say. Instead, we must focus on who we were created to be and what it means to be “blessed.”

At the very heart of “The Beatitudes” is humility, and humanity’s current state (from a warm-blooded loved creation to an army of ‘Cold Machines’) finds pride (mentioned nearly 50 times in the Bible) at the very center of it all.

Pride is something to be avoided (Romans 12:3). Something that divides (Proverbs 13:10). Something that deceives (Proverbs 26:12) and causes sin (Proverbs 16:18). Pride is a killer. It turns us into self-righteous, pious individuals that look at one another with disdain.

As Christ’s ambassadors, what are we doing to help change that narrative? Do we cling to our faith and walk away from society? Do we only associate with other Christians? Do we ignorantly spin webs of lies in the name of power and righteousness?

Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. 16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.

17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. 18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. 19 Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. 20 On the contrary:

“If your enemy is hungry, feed him;
    if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.
In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.”

21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. – Romans 12:14-21

Read the verses above carefully. Do they hit home a little? Who do we consider people of “low position”? Are there certain people we’d rather not be seen with or meet on the street?

It is vital to apply scripture-based principles virtually (on social media, emails, etc.), yet they are even more critical in everyday face-to-face conversations. It is up to us to set the tone. We allow the Spirit to move by approaching others in Love – His Love (1 John 4:9-11).

All interactions (with Believers and Non-believers) must be based on the Love He has shown. Unfortunately, when judgment, strife, and vitriol sneak into our conversations, they often contribute to the “Coldness” found in society instead of the warmth of His Love. It’s easy to say we will walk in Love but not always easy to do so.

“Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted. 2 Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. 3 If anyone thinks they are something when they are not, they deceive themselves.” – Galatians 6:1-3

We are all in need of daily intervention. Life is a struggle, and faith is a process. However, we should not become so consumed in our battles that we disregard others (and their struggles). We are often faced with pride after a significant victory over sin. Pride that leaves us wondering why someone else still struggles where we may not.

We must stay humble and remember the progression it took to find our victory and gain trusted relationships with others. Accountability is underrated. Someone willing to confront evil with you is a powerful tool. It pleases God to see us living together in harmony. We were designed with that in mind (Psalms 133).

Wrapping up this week’s post, “Cold Machines” tells the story of humanity becoming more and more emotionless – apathetic, cruel, and ruthless. But if you listen closely, you may hear some questions being posed to Believers as well.

As we continue to walk in the world (not of it), will we also become a part of that world? Can the Love of Christ be “electroshocked” out of us? Can He be “erased” from our minds? Can we be pushed far enough to ignore the guidance of His Spirit?

As the heart of humanity continues to harden with time and world events, do we continue to follow our plans instead of embracing those our Creator has set for us (Jeremiah 29:11)? He wants to “bless” us with joy today and give us hope for tomorrow. That blessing comes from knowing Him and His Spirit.

The name of Christ brings Light to a darkened world (John 8:12). Those that fully embrace His Word and know Him as Lord must help change the atmosphere. His Love is the catalyst – the reagent for a world in need of transformation.

We are meant to share His Light and Love with everyone (the world), not always with words, but primarily with our actions. Therefore, with His Word in mind, we must be willing to go the extra mile. Ready to love the unloved and willing to forgive our enemies.

We must remain vigilant. We must know that our hearts and minds are the enemy’s target, yet we are given hope in Christ. For we are His creation and have been equipped to show the world that we (humanity) were not designed to be “Cold Machines.”

In conclusion, Alice has a way of bringing poetic justice to the world’s affairs. He brutally describes what this planet looks like, ruled by the enemy, and also remember, this LP was released in 2000 – the war on terror and September 11^th had not taken place.

The subjects and themes personified on Brutal Planet and its sequel, Dragontown, require us to take a deeper look at our contributions to society. Alice masterfully draws a line in the sand between good and evil. And, like most of Coop’s albums, the narrative leaves us wondering – where do I stand?

That’s it for this week, be well and catch you next week!

Until then, keep walkin’ in Faith and rockin’ with Alice!