Higanbana, the red spider lily, is a flower steeped in Japanese culture and rich with symbolism. Blooming around the autumn equinox, its name translates to “flower of the other shore,” weaving a connection to death and the afterlife. Said to guide the dead to their next reincarnation, its vivid red hue captures a blend of beauty and melancholy. Often found near graves and temples, the higanbana represents final farewells and the transient nature of existence. Its ethereal, almost haunting appearance captures the delicate balance between life and death.
Tears For The Dying, hailing from Athens, GA, pays tribute to this fragile theme with Higanbana from the album In the Shadow of the Midnight Sun. The song is a poignant exploration of accepting unwanted and unexpected radical changes, whether they are our own or those of those close to us.
Higanbana delves into the challenge of embracing life’s unforeseen and often unwelcome changes. Vocalist Adria Stembridge draws from her personal experiences, recounting the heartache of watching her father struggle with dementia and witnessing a close friend’s parents battle cancer. The song speaks to the acceptance that moving on is a natural and beautiful part of life, yet it acknowledges the lingering sadness of dreams left unfulfilled. On this track, guitarist Joshua Broughton’s soaring guitars add depth, complexity, and beauty, along with the buoyant old-school post-punk bassline and iridescent synths.
Rather than viewing death as an end, Higanbana celebrates it as the beginning of a new chapter. While we remain on this mortal coil, we have the opportunity to make a difference.
Watch the video for Higanbana below:
In the Shadow of the Midnight Sun dives deep into the intricacies of mental health, mingling struggles and victories with reflective insights. The band’s aim is to forge a connection, offering listeners a chance to see their own mental health experiences mirrored in the music. They hope this album will contribute to the larger conversation on mental well-being, providing a means for listeners to process and relate to their personal challenges, and fostering empathy and awareness in the broader community. This is their first full-length release since 2021, out now via Classic City Vinyl/Bat-Cave Productions.
Listen to Higanbana below and order In the Shadow of the Midnight Sun here:
Since the filming of the video by Blake Pipes and Franky Villanueva, the band’s lineup has shifted, with Cody White now joining on guitar.
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