By Keith Walsh
When it comes to literary lyrics, Mark Abbruzzese of MindFree has a lot to offer. As the vocalist and guitarist of the band, Abbruzzese also teaches anthropology at two colleges in Southern California. It’s no wonder his song about death and the afterlife presents a well-informed view of the hereafter through the perspectives of both Greek and Mayan mythology.

The band just dropped a compelling new video for “Skeleton,” featuring stunning footage of models in Dia De Los Muertos garb, as well as cute shots of kids clowning around in Halloween costumes. I asked Mark about the significance of the lyrics in the song.

“The lyrics in the first verse are about the Greek afterlife in Asphodel. The longer second verse is about the Mayan afterlife in Xibalba, with peoples’ souls ascending after the twins win at Ulama.”

Abbruzzese explained the influence of the Mayan story that continues to present day. “The Mayan religious story about death was the inspiration for most of the Aztec religious stories of death,” he said. “After the twins win the right for people to go to a heaven, the dead come back on Dia de Los Muertos to visit family, the altars include pictures marigolds and candy skulls etc. Similar religious rituals are found among the Celtic peoples Samhain/Halloween.”

The video was compiled with footage from Pexels.com, without which it would not have been possible. Thanks to videographers Mikhail Nilov (Day Of The Dead footage) Mike Jones (kids in costumes), Miguel Á Padriñán (golden skull) and Nataliya Vaitkevich (skull and libation).

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