El Visitante

The song 'El Visitante' by Almafuerte, a heavy metal band from Argentina, delves into the profound and often overlooked struggles of war veterans. The lyrics speak to the inability to forget the horrors of war, contrasting the individual's memory with society's tendency to move on and forget the sacrifices made by soldiers. The song's title, which translates to 'The Visitor,' could symbolize the haunting memories that visit the veterans, unwelcome and persistent.

The imagery of being 'entrenched in your room' with 'solitude, smoke, and shadows' evokes a sense of isolation and the internal battle that veterans face upon returning home. The 'apocalypse of the inner sustenance' suggests a destruction of the inner peace and stability that is essential for one's well-being. The phrase 'desperate, morbid affliction' further emphasizes the intense and consuming nature of the psychological torment that the 'visitor'—likely PTSD or the memories of war—inflicts upon the individual.

The singer positions themselves as a messenger, chosen to sing on behalf of those who wish to restore oblivion to the veteran, acknowledging the heavy yet conscious burden of this role. The repetition of 'I send it to you, ex-combatant' reinforces the dedication of the song to veterans and the recognition of their ongoing struggles. The song serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring impact of war on individuals and the importance of remembering and supporting those who have served.