1.) An American black metal band wit… Read Full Bio ↴There are 2 bands named "Absu":
1.) An American black metal band with a sound comprised of both thrash and death metal. Formed in Plano, Texas in 1989, the band's name was originally "Dolmen" but this was soon changed to "Absu", drawing thematic influence from esoteric middle-eastern and Celtic mythology. They recorded four albums and an EP from 1993 to 2001. After the release of Tara in 2001 the band was put on hiatus as guitarist and bassist Equitant Ifernain and Shaftiel departed, citing musical differences and disinterest in the band, respectively.
The current line-up is:
Proscriptor McGovern - Vocals (lead), Drums (Proscriptor, ex-Melechesh, ex-Judas Iscariot)
Vis Crom - Guitars (Rumpelstiltskin Grinder, ex-Armageddon, ex-Evil Divine)
Ezezu - Vocals (backing), Bass (ex-Panzram)
In 2007, Proscriptor resurrected Absu, announcing a new line-up and a new (self-titled) album was released in 2009.
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2.) Black metal band from Italy, released only one demo:
Catacomba, Opera I Demo, 1993
Later changed their name to Void of Naxir
A Quest Into The 77th Novel
Absu Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
-In the shade of timberlands
Horses and wolves united
-With our invoking orbit
In order to blister
-The green summer plains
We heard commands
-From our benighted master:
"Reap from the illumated sky
...And become visible to thy eye!"
"I beseech thee; I entreat me"
"O circle of storms, my shield is cracked!"
We stand here to cultivate
And summon smoke from the meadow
A sweep of an athame
(The widdershin), willunlock the deep portals
Long ago
-In the shade of timberlands
Horses and wolves united
-With our invoking orbit
In order to blister
-The green summer plains
We heard commands
-From our benighted master:
"Ye overseer of the watchtowers below all clouds; we thank
You for framing the Rite of Hagiel. Bygone and beyond, we
Must always and without ease, be explused
The season or solstice is complete when the shepherd of
Wolves lie upon vanishing hill's way. We shall lure thy
Lost flock from shadows onto day
Aloneness is our space of winged sleep and sight; therefore
Watchtowers burn before the lift of the twilight"
The lyrics of the song, A Quest Into The 77th Novel by Absu, describe an ancient ritual being performed amidst the timberlands by a group of people, including horses and wolves. The group is summoning and invoking an unknown entity or master, who seems to be commanding them. The lyrics suggest that the aim of the ritual is to become visible and to unlock some deep portals. The group is appreciative of the overseer of the watchtowers who framed the Rite of Hagiel, which seems to be a part of the ritual. They also seem to indicate that they will always be expelled and that their isolation is necessary for the ritual.
The lyrics are quite metaphorical, and their meaning can be abstract. A possible interpretation of the song is that it speaks to the human condition of seeking to understand things beyond the material world, be it through a spiritual or a physical act. It also suggests that this search for meaning is eternal and that isolation and sacrifice are often necessary for such a quest.
Line by Line Meaning
Long ago
In a distant past
-In the shade of timberlands
In the forests, under the trees
Horses and wolves united
The animals came together
-With our invoking orbit
With our magic spell
In order to blister
To scorch and burn
-The green summer plains
The fields full of grass
We heard commands
We were given instructions
-From our benighted master:
From our dark and ignorant leader
"Reap from the illuminating sky
Gather from the bright heaven
...And become visible to thy eye!"
And show yourself to us!
"I beseech thee; I entreat me"
"Please hear my request"
"O circle of storms, my shield is cracked!"
"Oh, mighty storm, my protection is broken!"
We stand here to cultivate
We are here to grow
And summon smoke from the meadow
And call forth smoke from the grassy field
A sweep of an athame
The movement of a ritual knife
-(The widdershin), willunlock the deep portals
(In a counterclockwise motion), will open the gates to the unknown
Long ago
In a distant past
-In the shade of timberlands
In the forests, under the trees
Horses and wolves united
The animals came together
-With our invoking orbit
With our magic spell
In order to blister
To scorch and burn
-The green summer plains
The fields full of grass
We heard commands
We were given instructions
-From our benighted master:
From our dark and ignorant leader
"Ye overseer of the watchtowers below all clouds; we thank
"You who guards from above the towers; we acknowledge and appreciate
You for framing the Rite of Hagiel. Bygone and beyond, we
You for creating the ceremonial ritual. In the past and the future, we
Must always and without ease, be explused
Must always suffer and be banished
The season or solstice is complete when the shepherd of
The cycle of the year is finished when the caretaker of
Wolves lie upon vanishing hill's way. We shall lure thy
The wolves rest in the disappearing landscape. We will attract your
Lost flock from shadows onto day
Missing followers from darkness to light
Aloneness is our space of winged sleep and sight; therefore
We find solace in our solitary dreams and visions; thus
Watchtowers burn before the lift of the twilight"
The towers are destroyed before the dawn comes"
Contributed by Anna D. Suggest a correction in the comments below.