Diabolical Masquerade was an avant-garde/atmospheric black metal solo proje… Read Full Bio ↴Diabolical Masquerade was an avant-garde/atmospheric black metal solo project of Anders Nyström (aka Blakkheim), guitarist for Katatonia and Bloodbath, origins from Stockholm, Sweden. Nyström wanted to have a band where he could compose more extreme music while Katatonia were exploring more mellow themes and moods.

All of the music on the first two albums were written and performed by Nyström, with guest vocal appearances from longtime collaborator Dan Swanö. Swanö later became an integral part of the project, as co-writer and co-arranger, performer, engineer, mixer and producer on the 'Nightwork' and especially 'Death's Design' albums.

Diabolical Masquerade has released four full length albums: Ravendusk In My Heart (1996), The Phantom Lodge (1997), Nightwork (1998) and Death's Design (2001).

Since long journey from 1993, Diabolical Masquerade was laid to rest in September of 2004. But recently Anders Nyström stated that he is working on a new Diabolical Masquerade album and he is also looking for more members for live performances.

Upon The Salty Wall Of The Broody Gargoyle
Diabolical Masquerade Lyrics

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Caught in a Woodsleep
Miles Down the Crypts Beneath
Desert Sands lay Deep
Sworn to an Obscure Belief

Shapes with Serpent Faces
Watchers in Deathwish Cry
Warpzones in Mazes

Venomous Tounges in Sigh

Upon the Salty Wall of the Broody Gargoyle

Broody - Come Forward from the Salt in your Wall
Broody - A Weak Human Soul is your Call

Nightshade Serenade
Diabolical Masquerade

Overall Meaning

The song "Upon The Salty Wall Of The Broody Gargoyle" by Diabolical Masquerade conveys a sense of darkness, danger, and mystery. The lyrics paint a picture of someone who is lost in a dream-like state while wandering through a forest or crypts. Their belief is obscure and they encounter serpent-faced shapes and watchers who cry out in death wishes. The maze-like setting becomes even more perilous with venomous tongues sighing all around.

The repeated lines "Upon the Salty Wall of the Broody Gargoyle" serve as a sort of chorus, as if the singer has stumbled upon this ominous creature, beckoning them to come forward. The Broody Gargoyle is a symbol of weakness that lures in unsuspecting human souls. Its salt wall may represent a barrier between worlds, a place where nightmares come alive. The "Nightshade Serenade" adds to the haunting atmosphere, conjuring up images of a lullaby that brings forth both comfort and unease. Overall, the song seems to be about facing one's inner demons and the danger that comes with it.

Line by Line Meaning

Caught in a Woodsleep
Trapped in a deep slumber, unable to awaken or escape

Miles Down the Crypts Beneath
Deep underground in the crypts, far from the light and surface

Desert Sands lay Deep
The arid desert floor is vast and extensive

Sworn to an Obscure Belief
Committed to a faith or conviction that is not widely known or understood

Shapes with Serpent Faces
Figures with features akin to that of a snake

Watchers in Deathwish Cry
Those observing death calling out in anguish or despair

Warpzones in Mazes
Portals or gateways within confusing passageways

Venomous Tounges in Sigh
Poisonous words breathed out in a sigh

Upon the Salty Wall of the Broody Gargoyle
Standing upon the salty surface of a gargoyle's wall, dark and melancholic

Broody - Come Forward from the Salt in your Wall
Addressing the gargoyle to leave its perch on the wall and engage with the environment

Broody - A Weak Human Soul is your Call
The gargoyle prey on those who are vulnerable or weakened