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.
Swarm of Rats
Belphegor Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Crucified lust breaks their holy will
666 baphomet
The Christians to the lions
Swarm of rats in a world of shit
Jesus Christ son of stench
Swarm of rats in a world of shit
Burning crosses, invoke the powers
Rape the crown, hell awaits
666 baphomet
The Christians to the lions
Swarm of rats in a world of shit
Jesus Christ son of stench
Swarm of rats in a world of shit
Jesus Christ castrated savior
Kiss the demons of creation
Crucified lust breaks their holy will
666 baphomet
The Christians to the lions
Swarm of rats in a world of shit
Jesus Christ son of stench
Swarm of rats in a world of shit
Jesus Christ castrated savior
Belphegor's "Swarm of Rats" is a deeply disturbing and aggressive song with bleak imagery and a tone of disdain towards religions. The song begins with the lyrics "Kiss the demons of creation, crucified lust breaks their holy will, 666 baphomet, the Christians to the lions," which seems to suggest a blatant rejection of Christianity and its principles. The lyrics could also be interpreted as a call to embrace the darker side of human consciousness and a rejection of the perceived moral norms.
The chorus of the song, "Swarm of rats in a world of shit, Jesus Christ son of stench, swarm of rats in a world of shit, Jesus Christ castrated savior," is equally disturbing. The lyrics paint a picture of a world overrun by chaotic forces, with even the figure of Jesus Christ being degraded and mocked. The song then leads to "Burning crosses, invoke the powers, rape the crown, hell awaits, 666 baphomet, the Christians to the lions," which can be interpreted as a call to outright rebellion and destruction of religious symbols and teachings.
Overall, the lyrics of "Swarm of Rats" are deliberately provocative, and its themes of anti-Christianity, chaos, and degradation may not be suitable for all listeners. The song, however, is an excellent commentary on the dark underbelly of human consciousness and its unrelenting desire to reject perceived norms and principles.
Line by Line Meaning
Kiss the demons of creation
Worship and pay homage to the dark forces that supposedly created this world
Crucified lust breaks their holy will
Indulging in carnal pleasure weakens the willpower of the divine beings, rendering them powerless
666 baphomet
Referencing the devil, representing the antithesis of God
The Christians to the lions
Alluding to the ancient Roman practice of throwing Christians to the lions as a form of punishment and entertainment
Swarm of rats in a world of shit
Visual depiction of the reality of life, where humanity is surrounded by chaos and confusion
Jesus Christ son of stench
Mocking Jesus Christ and portraying him as a repulsive figure
Jesus Christ castrated savior
Deriding Jesus Christ and questioning his power and ability to save humanity
Burning crosses, invoke the powers
Burning crosses as a symbol of rejection of Christianity and summoning the powers of darkness
Rape the crown, hell awaits
Defiling the symbol of royal authority, an act that may land one in hell as punishment
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: HELMUT LEHNER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Vyc Ðarkshådøw
LOVE the intro on this song, great drumming!
jneild93
So this is the first time I've ever listened to Belphegor. I may have found a new favourite band.
lee Bass
one of my favorite songs by belphegor \m/
Aiturismolieteologia
Belphegor is one of the greatest bands! And comes from Austria too, impressive i can't believe, but even if is a smaller country, produces some nice bands, they take advantage and stay in their houses just maiking music, because it's very cold there! kkkhehehe ! Have a good week all of you!Bye.
Gauthier Harlass
one of my favourite songs
iammadeoutofmetal
this band is nothing short of hell. Long live Belphegor!
Mistcutter
Hell's Ambassador, this and Diaboli Virtus in Lumbar Est the top3 from this band!
LordAddragoth
I saw them live with Hate, Sepultura, and a couple other bands last May, and they blew my fucking mind! That was one of the craziest and best moshpits I have ever been in!
Deinviov
Hell yeah!! Belphegor forever! \m/
Teddie Prine
Awesome band!!!!!!!!!