Songfacts®:

• The story of "Oblivion" is told from the perspective of a vampire who reflects on the state of the modern world before "going down with the ship." Alkaline Trio singer Matt Skiba told KROQ the idea was sparked by watching the 2024 Nosferatu remake, which prompted him to revisit the 1922 original. One of the title cards in that silent film - "Does this word sound like the death bird calling out your name at midnight?" - stuck with him so much that he worked it directly into the lyrics.
• "Oblivion" holds a bit of Alkaline Trio band-history trivia: it's the first official studio recording to feature drummer Atom Willard, who joined after 2024's Blood, Hair, and Eyeballs.
• "Oblivion" is one of three Alkaline Trio songs recorded with Travis Barker as producer, a collaboration with extra resonance thanks to Matt Skiba's time with Blink-182. The plan was to record just one new song, or maybe a cover, during Atom's first studio session with the band. But once Barker's energy kicked in, they wound up writing and recording three entirely new originals instead.
• Travis Barker didn't limit himself to production. At one point he hopped behind the kit to demonstrate what he was hearing. Willard took the seat back, tried it Barker's way, and nailed it. The inspiring hands-on moment left the band calling Barker their "fourth member."