The Evolution of Her Own Holy War
The best music is rooted in emotion, and Mother Father by Holy Wars is reflective of this. Kat Leon of Holy Wars was the frontwoman of Sad Robot, a Los Angeles band, in 2015. This was an undeniably busy and chaotic time full of recording, collaborations, and being in the public eye, until both of Leon’s parents unexpectedly died. Understandably, Leon’s career was put on pause as she grieved her tragic loss. In early 2017, Leon’s career rose to the surface again as Holy Wars. Leon explains that Mother Father “started as a form of therapy for [her]” but is now “a collection of songs that documents the process of healing.”
Leon’s emotions can be seen even just through the song titles. “Orphan” kicks off the album and features a slow alternative rock sound as Leon softly chants, “Everyone that you know / they all will go away in time, and you’re left alone.” The obvious pain that Leon has experienced is showcased in these lyrics, but so is the slightly uplifting message of being left stronger and rising from the ashes after hardships. She likens her experience to the “crowning of an orphan.” “Back To Life” highlights a grungier rock sound. Leon painfully shouts, “I searched for you in the light of my darkest hour / I’m coming back to life,” as heavy guitar riffs away in the background.
“Warrior” has a more ominous and haunting sound, but highlights Leon’s personal growth as she explains, “I suffered a loss for a gain / I am a warrior.” The pace picks up with “I Cant Feel a Thing” and “Cruel World.” Both songs encapture the intensity of rock through the instrumental sound and angry passionate lyricism. Perhaps the largest standout track on the album is the final track, “Mother Father,” which begins with a melancholic piano melody before a slow beat and Leon’s gentle vocals kick in. She doesn’t shy away from her raw feelings in this track which is clearly directed towards her parents as she sings, “Mother, father, life’s a little harder without you by my side.” Leon illustrates one of the toughest moments of her life, describing the moment she heard the news of her father’s passing, singing “when I fell to my knees.” The song slowly builds and builds during the last minute as Leon repeatedly chants, “now there’s a holy war in me,” alluding that her battle is not over, and she has changed.
A clear transformation can be seen throughout the album as it paints the personal journey Leon underwent after her loss. She doesn’t hold anything back, and Mother Father depicts her own stages of grief through six gutting tracks. Not only does Mother Father represent her own process of pain and healing, but it allows the rest of the world to feel it with her. Despite being a personal album, it brings something to the table which anyone can connect to.
