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
Sceptre Command
Absu Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
A watchman: bound and bound
My staff is the answer (for elucidation)
We shall not climb to the origin of elements
We must examine the base of Gudua
In order to harvest a benthos existence
I paint the bow at the gold crown
Three arrows spear the heart of the staff
The placement of Mars must be equal
Enrapture within Sceptre Command!
The Cylinder seal projects the spell of triangular silhouettes of Irra
Hear me, Namtar
Descending by the stages
Gugalanna
Circules of this great dwelling
Gugalanna
O' breathing, flowing orb - you're in place
O' formless, lifeless mock - your gray place
The Cylinder seal projects the spell of
Triangular silhouettes of Irra
Hear me, Namtar
Descending by the stages
Gugalanna
Circules of this great dwelling
Gugalanna
O' breathing, flowing orb - you're in place
O' formless, lifeless mock - your gray place
THOSE ABOVE...
THOSE BELOW...
FIRST ORDER!
I paint the bow at the gold crown
Three arrows spear the heart of the staff
The placement of Mars must be equal
Enrapture within Sceptre Command!
The Cylinder seal projects the spell of triangular silhouettes of Irra
Hear me, Namtar
Descending by the stages
Gugalanna
Circules of this great dwelling
Gugalanna
O' breathing, flowing orb - you're in place
O' formless, lifeless mock - your gray place
Thank you, O' Great Ones
Now, Kuta's repressed
My solar cantrip...
My fourteen afreets...
Anon, Gudua's placed
[Narrator:]
Three embraced each other
Namtar, Nergal and Mars
The truncheon gripped the light
Command - the bolts were shot
The lyrics to Absu's song Sceptre Command are full of esoteric references and mystical language that is typical of the black metal genre. The song begins by invoking the name of Namtar, who is the personification of a plague in Mesopotamian mythology. The singer refers to Namtar as the "Hyle of plague-ness," which could mean that Namtar is the source or essence of the plague. The singer then mentions a staff that will provide answers for elucidation.
The rest of the song talks about the need to examine the base of Gudua, an ancient Sumerian city that was a center for ritual and trade. The singer suggests that by understanding the fundamental aspects of Gudua, one can achieve a benthos existence, which is a form of life that inhabits the bottom of an ocean or deep water body. To accomplish this goal, the singer calls upon the backing of Gugalanna, a bull-like deity that was associated with the underworld and the night sky.
Line by Line Meaning
Namtar, you're the Hyle of plague-ness
Namtar, you're the watchman and carrier of diseases
A watchman: bound and bound
A watchman who is rigidly bound (to his duties)
My staff is the answer (for elucidation)
My staff holds the key to understanding
We shall not climb to the origin of elements
We will not attempt to reach the beginning of creation
We must examine the base of Gudua
Instead, we must investigate the foundation of civilization
In order to harvest a benthos existence
To obtain a subsistence-level lifestyle
I call upon the backing of Gugalanna
I seek the support of Gugalanna
I paint the bow at the gold crown
I prepare my weapon for battle
Three arrows spear the heart of the staff
I aim to strike the enemy's weapon with three arrows
The placement of Mars must be equal
The alignment of the planet Mars is crucial to our success
Enrapture within Sceptre Command!
Become enchanted by the power of the sceptre
The Cylinder seal projects the spell of triangular silhouettes of Irra
A magical cylinder seal casts a spell with triangular silhouettes of the god Irra
Hear me, Namtar
Listen to me, Namtar
Descending by the stages
As we descend slowly
Circules of this great dwelling
The circular structures of this magnificent structure
O' breathing, flowing orb - you're in place
Oh, living and moving sphere - you exist (in a certain location)
O' formless, lifeless mock - your gray place
Oh, shapeless and deathlike illusion - your existence is dull
Those above... Those below... First order!
Referring to the hierarchy of gods and mortals, with those above being superior to those below
Thank you, O' Great Ones
Expressing gratitude to the deities
Now, Kuta's repressed
Now, Kuta's power has been suppressed
My solar cantrip... My fourteen afreets... Anon, Gudua's placed
Referring to the use of a magical charm and spirits to place Gudua (or civilization) in a certain location
Three embraced each other Namtar, Nergal and Mars The truncheon gripped the light Command
Namtar, Nergal, and Mars come together to wield their weapons and issue orders
Contributed by Liliana P. Suggest a correction in the comments below.