Ancient Civilization Cultures In Metal
A Look at what Aspects of Ancient History Inspire Metal Bands
Sep 5, 2008
Nile, a long standing death metal band from the USA, have based their whole career on the inhabitants of ancient Egypt and the almost fantastical culture that surrounded them. Having both devout ancient Egyptian lyrics and a traditional Middle Eastern/North African sound to their music make Nile possibly the most dedicated band in terms of one main influence.
Dedicated to the Past
The lavish and meticulous inlay of the third album, 2002's stunning In Their Darkened Shrines depicts all the lyrics as well as a full and lengthy explanation behind the meaning and source of the song, clearly reflecting frontman Karl Sander's passion for Egyptology. Other album booklets contain song descriptions too, such as 2000's Black Seeds Of Vengeance.
Karl Sanders reputedly has a sarcophagus in his living room, a testament to his dedication and his scrupulous knowledge and research shows in the lyrics which are most lifted from old and rare texts such as incantations and spells which only the avid Egyptologist would have access to.
Many glorious and dark elements of Egyptian life, routine, religion and warfare are depicted in Nile's songs. The fervent obedience of the ancient Egyptian people and the euphoria and enlightenment they gained from their polytheistic and complex belief structure is captured in the various emotions that are evident when reading the lyrics across the albums.
From the burning fires of the Underworld ("The Burning Pits Of The Duat") to the furious retribution of the Gods ("Black Seeds Of Vengeance"), and from the process of death and afterlife ("The Blessed Dead") to such everyday issues that relied on the Gods such as harvest or fertility ("Ithyphallic") the range encompasses a vast picture of ancient Egyptian history.
"The Black Flame" from 2000's Black Seeds Of Vengeance reads:
Arise Apophis Return
That I Might Return
Borne by the Flame
Drawn by the Gods Who Clear the Way
That I Might Pass
The Gods Which Sprang From the Drops of Blood
Which Dripped From
The Phallus of Set
That I Might Be Reborn
For I am Khetti Satha Shemsu
Seneh Nekai
And Will Become Set of a Million Years
Akhu Amenti Hekau
I Shed My Burnt Skin
And am Renewed
This song, according to the liner notes is taken from The Papyrus of the Undying which itself is shrouded in mystery due to its questionable origin. The papyrus contained blasphemous chapters also, but the song focuses on the underworld and the arcane spells of regeneration therein. The obscurity of the papyrus and generally dark content matters combine to give a vibe typical of Nile's work, interpreting many evil, unknown and murky areas of Egyptian history.
Although none have extensively and exhaustively exhumed the ancient lore of Egyptian history like Nile, many metal bands have drawn insight from the same pool of influence. Septicflesh on their 2008 album titled a track about the dog-faced God, Anubis and the role played in the passage to the afterlife.
"Anubis" from Communion (2008) reads:
The brave in heart
Can claim eternal life
My scales of truth
Will need sufficient proof
Aztec Civilization
Another ancient civilization that has captured the hearts and minds of many investigators and readers across the world and had a massive influence in terms of art, philosophy, science, astrology and spirituality was the Aztec empire of South America.
The Aztec history, similar to ancient Egyptian history, was tumultuous, with glory and valour central themes, worship an essential and bloodshed and warfare part and parcel of life in these times. One particular metal band has centralised their lyrical theme on Aztec history and in particular Aztec astrology and that band are Mexican natives The Chasm.
Cryptic, layered and foreboding lyrics underpin all conjurations by the band and no doubt they derive this curse from the fiery circle of life, sacrifice and death in Aztec custom; riddled with overtones of spirituality, honour, destiny and apocalypse.
"Manifest My Intervention" from 2004's The Spell Of Retribution reads:
Yes, Decimate and Reconstruct
Apocalypse of inner War, in this soil of dried bloodpaths
Through the tongues of giants
My sceptre has spoken, and I feel the furure
I see the Final Victory, but in the end
Nobody has Won
Decimate and Reconstruct
Possibly speaking through the eyes of an Aztec god and telling of its influence on a great battle looming on the horizon, these lyrics reek of mysticism, war and celestial intervention and are typical of The Chasm's mind frame when 'defending the Core of this Magnificent Manifestation that is the Honourable Heavy Metal of Death'.
"Return Of The Banished" from 2000's Procession To The Infraworld reads:
Afraid of the sinful twilight, the bastard sons of mediocrity are beheaded one by one
By our mace of dark steel and black ice, melted with the blood of past tragedies
The ultimate massacre of the false ones, they are beheaded one by one
With no mercy, marching for revenge,
We the proudest, rise high the flames of Victory
Always guided by the eyes of the serpent with feathers
Always procreating our liberation and destiny
Again focusing on battle and the quest for pride and retribution through conflict, whilst guided by divine beings of Aztec lore, "Return Of The Banished" relies heavily on inspiration found from history of this ancient cult.
Aside from Egyptian and Aztec influences, there are many others in metal, like ancient Greece, Mesopotamia and ancient Rome among others. Behemoth sang about "Christians To The Lions" and "Rome 64 C.E" for example. A quick look at the track lists and lyrics of many metal bands will reveal similar influences.
