As opposed to the aggressive Satanism of many black metal bands, GBK's lyrics take a literate, satirical view of biblical lore. The band is known for incorporating melodic, traditional heavy metal influences while retaining the more unorthodox aspects of black metal songwriting. GBK are one of America's first black metal bands and are true fathers of USBM.
Following the death of Richard Mills (singer on Kosherat) in August of 2006, the band split up, but later reformed to play gigs in 2009-10. The band has been sporadically active and playing gigs ever since with Unhold (Absurd, Luror, Helduntum) taking over as live vocalist. New studio material has been recorded Kohanic Charmers (2022)
Releases
* Goat Of A Thousand Young (1992; demo)
* Triumph of the Hordes (1994; demo)
* A Witness to the Regicide (1996; EP)
* Mocking the Philanthropist (1997)
* The Tricifixion of Swine (2000; EP)
* Judeobeast Assassination (2001)
* Satan is Metal's Master/Sperm of the Antichrist (2001; split)
* Castrate the Redeemer (2001)
* Hobo of Aramaic Tongues/Le Royaume Maudit (2003; split)
* On a Mule Rides the Swindler (2005; EP)
* Kosherat (2005)
* Weltenfeind (2008; split)
* Goat of a Thousand Young / Triumph of the Hordes (2017; compilation)
* Kohanic Charmers (2022)
The Seventh Enochian Key
Grand Belial's Key Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Ra-asa isalamanu para-di-zoda oe-cari-mi
aao iala-pire-gahe qui-inn.
Enai butamonu od inoasa m pa-ra-diala.
Casaremeji ujeare cahirelanu,
od zodonace lucifatianu,
caresa ta vavalezodirenu tol-hami.
da o desa vo-ma-dea od
pi-beliare itahila rita od miame ca-ni-quola rita!
Zodacare! Zodameranu! lecanmi quo-a
dahe od i-mica-ol-zododa aaiome.
Bajirele papenore idalugama elonusahi-od
umapelifa vau-ge-ji bijil-iad.
[ENGLISH]
The east is a house of harlots singing praises among the flames
of the first glory wherin the Dark Lord hath opened his mouth;
and they are become as living dwellings
in whom the strength of man rejoiceth;
and they are appareled with ornaments
of brightness, such as work wonders on all creatures.
Whose kingdoms and continuance are as the third and fourth,
strong towers and places of comfort,
the seats of pleasure and continuance.
O ye servants of pleasure, move!
Appear!
Sing praises unto the earth and
be mighty amongst us.
For that to this remembrance is given power,
and our strength
waxeth strong in our comforter.
The Seventh Enochian Key by Grand Belial's Key is a song that evokes dark and esoteric themes, with lyrics that are cryptic and difficult to interpret. The first stanza seems to allude to a place in the east where harlots are singing praises among flames, which is a metaphor for a hedonistic lifestyle or the worship of the Devil. The "Dark Lord" mentioned here might be a reference to Satan or any other demonic entity worshipped by the band. In this place, they have become "living dwellings" whom the strength of man rejoices, which might suggest that their power lies in their ability to seduce and manipulate people to their will. They are also "appareled with ornaments of brightness" that work wonders on all creatures, perhaps referring to the allure and temptation of the hedonistic lifestyle. Finally, the third and fourth lines of the stanza describe their kingdoms as "strong towers and places of comfort", the seats of pleasure and continuance, referring to the power and safety they might have as a result of their worship.
Line by Line Meaning
The east is a house of harlots singing praises among the flames
The east is a place where those who are immoral and ungodly are elevated and admired, singing praises near the flames of hell
of the first glory where the Dark Lord hath opened his mouth
Where the devil has first made himself known and has spoken his words of deceit and corruption
and they are become as living dwellings in whom the strength of man rejoiceth;
Humans, who celebrate the power and strength of the flesh, have become like the harlots themselves
and they are appareled with ornaments of brightness, such as work wonders on all creatures.
The harlots present themselves with charms and illusions, deceiving and captivating all those who encounter them
Whose kingdoms and continuance are as the third and fourth,
The kingdoms of these harlots are strong and enduring as if they were the third and fourth in a line of dynasties
strong towers and places of comfort,
They are strong in their position and provide a sense of security and pleasure for those who seek it
the seats of pleasure and continuance.
A place where people enjoy temporary satisfaction and long-lasting comfort
O ye servants of pleasure, move!
Those who seek to fulfill their fleshly desires, take action!
Appear!
Make yourselves seen and known
Sing praises unto the earth and be mighty amongst us.
Rejoice in your immoral ways and make your power and influence visible and impactful upon the world
For that to this remembrance is given power,
This glorification of pleasure and corruption has been given significant power in our collective memory
and our strength waxes strong in our comforter.
Our adherence to these immoral ways causes us to be even more committed and comfortable in these practices, feeling stronger as a result
Contributed by Bella R. Suggest a correction in the comments below.