The Acclamation of Bonds
Emperor Lyrics


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Vide
Ravens caw in reverence
Anthems to the Welkin at dusk
In celebration of the few

The kin
Beyond flesh
Beyond words
Those of the core

Beyond gods
As gods received
I float among them
On wings once broken

Now gleaming black
I share their song
Of words unspoken
Cries of the past

In times of fiendish tempest
Bloodlust turns against the coil
Hungry for the fall
I greet the pit

Blind Savage
Cursing Life

Yet, at the moment of my final step
The hands and golden chains are given
Bidding me that which can not be deprived
The bonds of trust and unity
Till the end

Brethren and sisters of my circle
I acclaim thee all
When guiding stars are clouded and deranged
Fear not to take my hand

The bonds of trust and unity




As gods received
'Til the end

Overall Meaning

The song "The Acclamation of Bonds" by Emperor is a deeply philosophical and poetic version of black metal, which delves into the themes of unity, divinity, and the complexities of the human experience. The song starts off by painting a picture of ravens cawing in reverence, singing anthems to the Welkin at dusk, a beautiful but mournful celebration of the few. The lyrics describe those that are beyond flesh and words, those of the core, beyond even gods. The singer floats among them, on wings that were once broken, now gleaming black. The song is a journey through time, a reflection on the past, and growing to embrace the bonds of trust and unity.


The singer shares their song, words that are unspoken, the cries of the past, and in times of fiendish tempest, bloodlust turns against the coil, hungry for the fall. They greet the pit, blind savage, cursing life. Yet, at the moment of their final step, the hands and golden chains are given, bidding them that which cannot be deprived - the bonds of trust and unity until the end. To brethren and sisters of their circle, they acclaim thee all. When guiding stars are clouded and deranged, fear not to take their hand, as the bonds transcend even that of gods.


The song, with its rich symbolism and references, is a masterpiece of intelligent and thoughtful black metal. It speaks of the stark realities of the human experience, of our fleeting time and our imperfect nature, and offers a poignant reflection on the importance of unity, love, and mutual support.


Line by Line Meaning

Ravens caw in reverence
The birds caw loudly as a sign of respect


Anthems to the Welkin at dusk
Songs to the sky at sunset


In celebration of the few
Honoring a select group of people


Beyond flesh
More than just physical bodies


Beyond words
More than can be expressed in language


Those of the core
The essential part of something


Beyond gods
Above the level of deities


As gods received
Received like a divine blessing


I float among them
Moving freely with this group


On wings once broken
After overcoming past difficulties


Now gleaming black
I am now strong and powerful


I share their song
I join in their chorus


Of words unspoken
Without needing to say anything aloud


Cries of the past
Sorrowful memories


In times of fiendish tempest
During times of evil disturbance


Bloodlust turns against the coil
Desire for violence turns against the instigator


Hungry for the fall
Eager to see the downfall of an enemy


I greet the pit
I welcome the end


Blind Savage
Uncontrolled animalistic behavior


Cursing Life
Angry at existence itself


Yet, at the moment of my final step
Despite my despair


The hands and golden chains are given
I am offered a binding agreement


Bidding me that which can not be deprived
Offering something that cannot be taken away


The bonds of trust and unity
The commitment of loyalty and cooperation


Till the end
Until the very end of our existence


Brethren and sisters of my circle
My allies and compatriots


I acclaim thee all
I enthusiastically praise them all


When guiding stars are clouded and deranged
When circumstances are uncertain and confusing


Fear not to take my hand
Have no fear in joining forces with me


As gods received
Like a divine blessing


'Til the end
Until the very end of our existence




Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

Esteban Steven .Goode Hill

One of my favorite Emperor tracks... so fucking unbelievably epic and majestic.

Timmy Jenkins

I started listening to Emperor when I was like 14. No one I knew at the time had any clue who they were. I mean we all listened to metal but nothing like this. It’s funny because it took me a long time to really appreciate them and now at 35 I absolutely love them. I compare a lot of other music to them and shit just falls short. Thank god for Emperor.

Dirkei

Yep, the same applies to me, but I got into them 14 years ago, haha. Nowadays, I constantly come back to listen to them and am still blown away by their master craftmanship

Ross Lowen

I only started listening to them 2 years ago aged 35 and now they are one of my favorite bands. Some of the songs are incredible

PLATOON72

Most probably their best album, and the best Black Metal album ever.

Massive Moon

Maybe not the best, but it's clearly top3

Matthewlav 13

@Massive Moon what are your contenders?

Massive Moon

@Matthewlav 13 Hard to say, Dissection - Storm of the lights bane is top1 for me, but it's a matter of taste. Windir - Arntor, Burzum - Filosofem are solid contenders aswell, but Anthem still would be #2 for me

Archie Farrer

I love the for whom the bell tolls reference

Esteban Steven .Goode Hill

+Archie Farrer Yep it works

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