As a full band from 1989 to 1993, they released a large amount of demos, a demo compilation CD named "The Oath of Black Blood" in 1991, and the album "Drawing Down the Moon" in 1993, both of which are considered classics of the style. Laiho, the group's frontman, would continue the band as a solo project after "Drawing Down the Moon" and released an EP called "Messe Des Mortes" 1993, as well as two more albums under the band's name. These albums, H418ov21.C from 1994 and Electric Doom Synthesis from 1995, were dubbed "ritual ambient" by the band. Much like the metal recordings from the band, these electronic releases have a cult following. After these albums were released, Beherit effectively ceased to exist, although Laiho would release another album of electronic material under the name Suri Shamaani in 1999.
Original members Nuclear Holocausto and Sodomatic Slaughter reformed the band in 2008, now a four-piece featuring new members Ancient Corpse Desekrator and Abyss. With this new lineup the album Engram would be released in 2009, which is largely considered a return to form to the band's metal era. In 2011, a recording for what the band had planned to release as a debut in 1990 would be unearthed and released as "At the Devil's Studio 1990", and this would be followed up with the "Celebrate the Dead" EP in 2012.
In 2020, Beherit would return with a new album, Bardo Exist. This album was a radical departure from Engram's sound, having returned to an electronic sound much like the band had created as Laiho's solo vehicle in the mid-90s.
The Gate Of Nanna
Beherit Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
To the land, the sphere of eternal sin
A half light, dark the realm of Nanna
The realm of spirits and the father of the gods
Oh, shine of moon, of the astral gods
It ravishes, it calls us to sin...
Lord Nanna, of the race of Anu
Lord Nanna, called sin
Lord Nanna, the gate of sin...
Ave Satan, Ave Lucifer, Ave Satan, Alla Xul
Ave Satan, Ave Lucifer, Ave Satan, Gigim Xul
Sleep...
The lyrics to Beherit's song, "The Gate Of Nanna," describe a dream-like descent into the realm of the moon, the sphere of eternal sin, and the dark half-light of Nanna, the father of the gods and ruler of the realm of spirits. The song references Lord Nanna, who is from the race of Anu and is called Sin, as well as being seen as the gate of sin. The lyrics suggest that the shine of the moon and the astral gods will lead one to sin, and this is reinforced by the repetition of the phrases "Ave Satan, Ave Lucifer" and the ancient Sumerian chant "Alla Xul" and "Gigim Xul."
The overall tone of the song is one of darkness and fascination with the destructive aspects of the spiritual realm. The powerful imagery and religious references in the lyrics reinforce this tone, making for a haunting and thought-provoking listening experience. Some may interpret the song as an exploration of the darker aspects of spirituality or as a rejection of societal and religious norms.
Line by Line Meaning
The dream descends to the region of moon
A dream-like state descends towards the moon's region.
To the land, the sphere of eternal sin
This state is directed towards a land or sphere where sin is eternal.
A half light, dark the realm of Nanna
The realm of Nanna is obscured in a dim light of darkness.
The realm of spirits and the father of the gods
Nanna is the realm of spirits, and the father of the gods is present there.
Oh, shine of moon, of the astral gods
The shine of the moon calls upon the astral gods.
It ravishes, it calls us to sin...
The moon's radiance is so seductive that it compels us towards sin.
Lord Nanna, of the race of Anu
The great and powerful Lord Nanna belongs to the race of Anu.
Lord Nanna, called sin
The name of Lord Nanna is synonymous with sin.
Lord Nanna, o hero of the gods
Lord Nanna is revered as a hero amongst the gods.
Lord Nanna, the gate of sin...
Lord Nanna is regarded as the gateway to sin.
Ave Satan, Ave Lucifer, Ave Satan, Alla Xul
Satan and Lucifer are both praised, and they are called upon alongside the phrase 'Alla Xul'.
Ave Satan, Ave Lucifer, Ave Satan, Gigim Xul
Satan and Lucifer are praised again, this time with the phrase 'Gigim Xul'.
Sleep...
The song ends with the word 'Sleep', inviting the listener to rest or slumber.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: MARKO JUHANI LAIHO
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@miikulipoika5876
Beherit
The gate of nanna
The dream descends to the region of moon
To the land, the sphere of eternal sin
A half light, dark the realm of Nanna
The realm of spirits and the father of the gods
Oh, shine of moon, of the astral gods
It ravishes, it calls us to sin...
Lord Nanna, of the race of Anu
Lord Nanna, called sin
Lord Nanna, o hero of the gods
Lord Nanna, the gate of sin...
Ave Satan, Ave Lucifer, Ave Satan, Alla Xul
Ave Satan, Ave Lucifer, Ave Satan, Gigim Xul
Sleep...
@BornForBurning
The dream descends to the region of moon
To the land, the sphere of eternal sin
A half light, dark the realm of Nanna
The realm of spirits and the father of the gods
Oh, shine of moon, of the astral gods
It ravishes, it calls us to sin...
Lord Nanna, of the race of Anu
Lord Nanna, called sin
Lord Nanna, o hero of the gods
Lord Nanna, the gate of sin...
Ave Satan, Ave Lucifer, Ave Satan, Alla Xul
Ave Satan, Ave Lucifer, Ave Satan, Gigim Xul
Sleep...
@user-hx4xw4dt7o
Sleep, sleep, sleep
Sleep my friend, sleep
Descent down to the dream
Sleep
What is this life here?
What is this light here?
Is this fire in my mind?
Is this fire in my mind?
To draw down the moon
To draw down the moon
The night of dream
The night of dark
Come, come gate
Come, come gate
@DemonAdvance
Sleep, sleep, sleep
Sleep my friend, sleep
Descent down to the dream
Sleep
What is this life here?
What is this light here?
Is this fire in my mind?
Is this fire in my mind?
To draw down the moon
To draw down the moon
The night of dream
The night of dark
Come, come gate
Come, come gate
@bgsousa
The most effective song in black metal history, seriously. Also, Mystifier’s Goetia and Beherit’s DDTM have the best use of keyboards in extreme metal! Worship!
@jalohepo-oja7399
truer words have never been spoken xheers my man!
@manogueto156
For those who haven't listened, just search for An Elizabethan Devil Worshipper's Prayer Book
@danieloriolamirez6522
It's tru you right
@spigoteehafiz
Nice. I am working on a performance piece with the Gates.
@Conan_WhatIsBestInLife
I would agree and add early Master’s Hammer (who had the best use of timpani drums as well!)
@Hatred-ub2io
This song is a MASTERPIECE.
@Oneguyinc.
Hatred1944 -demoncy,S.O.A \m/
@deannapena3686
I agree...
@Void-jk6bd
I agree as well