Belphegor was founded as Betrayer in 1991 by vocalist and bassist Maxx, guitarists Helmuth and Sigurd, and drummer Chris. The band released their first demo Kruzifixion in April 1991, and Unborn Blood later on. After adopting the name Belphegor in 1993, they released another demo, Bloodbath in Paradise on Maxi-CD format. At somepoint before or after the release of this demo, Maxx departed from the band, resulting in Helmuth assuming his role as both vocalist and guitarist of Belphegor since. In between 1993 and 1996 session member A-X performed bass, after which bassist Mario "Marius" Klausner joined the band as a full-time member.
The band was briefly signed to Perverted Taste Records, the label on which the demo Obscure and Deep was released in 1994. This release featured a cover of the Black Sabbath song Sabbath Bloody Sabbath. Their first album, The Last Supper, was released by Lethal Records in January 1995. At this time the band's logo was also redesigned to include two inverted crosses surrounded by blood.
Stigma Diabolicum
Belphegor Lyrics
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Receive this sacrifice - this lifeblood of mine
Infernal power - shout for the devil
He who flies - faster than the hawk
Stigma Diabolicum - possessed and branded
I cut your signs - into my flesh
Stigma Diabolicum - possessed and branded
Dancing witches - wrapped in flames
Demonic claw - rips lecherous flesh
Three bleeding chunks - the beast's vestige
He who flies - faster than the hawk
Stigma Diabolicum - possessed and branded
I cut your signs - into my flesh
Stigma Diabolicum - possessed and branded
One flesh, one spirit, one blood!
The lyrics of Belphegor's song, Stigma Diabolicum, depict a ritual of demonic worship. The singer or protagonist is willingly offering their lifeblood as a sacrifice to the devil. The opening lines, "so much flesh - so many different pleasures," suggest the singer's willingness to experience all types of pleasure in service to evil. The "infernal power" that they shout for likely refers to the devil or a demon, which they seek to invoke by performing this ritual.
The phrase "Stigma Diabolicum" can be translated to "devil's mark." In the context of the song, it represents a symbol of possession and branding by the devil. The singer cuts the devil's signs into their flesh, which could be interpreted as a sign of submission to the devil's will. The lines "one flesh, one spirit, one blood" suggest a joining together with the devil or a surrendering of oneself to the devil's will.
The second verse describes a scene of witchcraft and demonic possession. "Dancing witches wrapped in flames" suggests a convocation, or ritual gathering, of witches. The "demonic claw" that rips "lecherous flesh" evokes a sense of violence and horror, further emphasizing the dark and malevolent themes of the song. The three chunks of "the beast's vestige" may refer to a demon or supernatural creature that is being invoked or worshiped.
Overall, the lyrics of Stigma Diabolicum paint a vivid picture of demonic worship and the willing surrender of oneself to evil forces.
Line by Line Meaning
So much flesh - so many different pleasures
There are countless possibilities for pleasure in the vast array of flesh available.
Receive this sacrifice - this lifeblood of mine
Accept this offering of my own lifeblood as a sacrifice.
Infernal power - shout for the devil
Invoke the power of hell and call forth the devil.
He who flies - faster than the hawk
A reference to a demon who is known for moving quickly and efficiently.
Stigma Diabolicum - possessed and branded
A term for being marked as possessed by the devil.
I cut your signs - into my flesh
Marks of the devil are carved into the singer's own flesh.
One flesh, one spirit, one blood!
The singer feels united with the devil and his followers through the physical and spiritual ties they share.
Dancing witches - wrapped in flames
Depiction of witches involved in devilish rituals being consumed by flames.
Demonic claw - rips lecherous flesh
The demon's claw tears apart the flesh of those who engage in lustful behavior.
Three bleeding chunks - the beast's vestige
A gruesome image of remains left behind by the devil's beastly ally or offspring.
Contributed by Eli L. Suggest a correction in the comments below.