The group was originally a solo project in 1996 by guitarist Michayah, who at that time called himself Belfagor and was also active in the band Nefandus. In 1997, vocalist Nebiros joined the band. The duo entered Necromorbus Studios in January 1998 and recorded a 7" EP entitled "Mystérion Tés Anomias" which was released later that same year in 500 copies through PMP (Pounding Metal Productions). Bass player Mist left the band in 1999.
After this, the band went on hiatus for several years, due both to Michayah's wish to get away from the "scene" and to some legal problems. In 2004 the band was re-formed with Shiva (a.k.a. Necromorbus) on drums. The previously-recorded EP was remastered and re-released through Norma Evangelium Diaboli in 2005 with two new tracks added and recorded in December 2004. These were recorded with a new line-up, which together with Michayah and Nebiros consisted of guitarist Atum and bass player Tehôm, both previously in the band Dödfödd. During 2005 the line-up of the band increased with the additional vocalist Moloch.
In March 2006, Michayah was sent to prison for assault, robbery and some other charges. He was released in August, but was taken into custody a few days later, and sentenced to serve more time due to additional acts of violence. This delayed the release of the new album, which was partly finished in late-2005/early-2006 under the longstanding working title "Pentagrammaton" before finally seeing a 2008 release as Tiamtü.
Maasseh Nechushtan
Ofermod Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
The Serpent of Wisdom raises it's head
Proudly gazing at the lightning flash
The Path upon which it must ascend
Opening the Gate of Death
And piercing the foundation
Into thought and emotion
Through the very god that was sacrificed
Being ever mindful
Lest the abyss of knowledge devoures the ungrounded
Where one serpent's head is crushed by the waters
The other is that of wisdom
Ready to become God
Ready to cry Eheieh Asher Eheieh
I am what I am
Returning to the eternal Night of the Gods
The lyrics to Ofermod’s song Maasseh Nechushtan touch on themes of wisdom, sacrifice, and ascension. The Serpent of Wisdom is a symbol of knowledge and enlightenment, depicted here as raising its head proudly at the edge of the sword. The path of ascension is fraught with danger, as the gate of death must be opened and the foundation pierced. This is achieved through the sacrifice of a god, which leads to both severity and mercy.
The lyrics caution against the dangers of ungrounded knowledge, reminding the listener to remain mindful lest they be devoured by the abyss. The crushing of one serpent’s head by the waters represents the destruction of ignorance, while the other serpent’s head represents the pursuit of wisdom. The song ends with the serpent crying out “Eheieh Asher Eheieh” - “I am what I am” - a statement of self-realization and the embracing of one’s own divinity.
Line by Line Meaning
At the edge of the sword
Standing on the brink of a decision or action that may result in consequences, like facing the brink of death itself.
The Serpent of Wisdom raises its head
The embodiment of knowledge and cunning, serpent appears to represent the constantly adapting wisdom that is ready to use any means necessary to attain its goals.
Proudly gazing at the lightning flash
With confidence and pride, serpent surveys the environment with its dangerous electrifying power.
The Path upon which it must ascend
The climb serpent must undergo to reach the ultimate destiny or goal that the universe has prepared for it.
Opening the Gate of Death
Uncovering the concealed entrance to the unknown space of death, the final frontier for all living things.
And piercing the foundation
Tearing through the veil of mystery surrounding the fundamental principles of existence.
Into thought and emotion
Leading towards the realm of abstract ideas and intangible feelings that drive human existence.
Through the very god that was sacrificed
Carrying out the act of sacrilege by shattering previously held beliefs and convictions in the established gods.
Into severity and even into mercy
Exploring both the harshness and the forgiveness in life's experiences, and ultimately finding balance in both.
Being ever mindful
Always vigilant of the dangers and traps that the unknown mysteries can conceal, lest it cause one's downfall.
Lest the abyss of knowledge devours the ungrounded
Guarding against the possibility of succumbing to the irrational and unsettling thoughts that are born of unenlightened rationalization of deep knowledge.
Where one serpent's head is crushed by the waters
Just as one side of existence can be obliterated by the uncontrollable external forces, the other half could blossom into greatness.
The other is that of wisdom
The other half speaks of the sage-like, enlightened perspective that has already learned from the previous experience and is ready to adapt further.
Ready to become God
The ability of serpent to rise above its current status and thereby replace gods that command the universe, and thus attaining supreme glory and power.
Ready to cry Eheieh Asher Eheieh
Set to reveal its true divine identity and proclaim its ultimate authority.
I am what I am
Asserting its indomitable will and identity in the universe.
Returning to the eternal Night of the Gods
Embracing the boundless, ineffable universe where gods, with their vast powers, exist in the ceaseless darkness beyond our comprehension.
Contributed by Sarah E. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
nataschaAnja
Hello! I just noticed that you made a very well-done tab of Ofermod`s Rape the world for guitar pro! Cheers for that! If you have more tabs of Ofermod available, don`t hesitate to get in touch! Best regards
csehszlovakze
I have no idea. The new album (comes at the end of october) also has a song title I have no clue about.
csehszlovakze
I don't have much time for it, but I'm working on the EP version of Khabs Am Pekht. I'll PM you when it's done.
Lamech
What does Masseeh Nechushtan mean? Is this aramaeic or hebrew?