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.
Tophetian Cleansing: Furnace Of Moloch
Ofermod Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And justly so: for all things from the Void
Called forth, Deserve to be destroyed.
Twere better, then, were naught created.
Thus, all which you as Sin have rated-
Destruction-aught with Evil blent-
That is my proper element."
The lyrics of Ofermod's song Tophetian Cleansing: Furnace of Moloch depict a figure who revels in destruction and denies the existence of all things that come from the Void. This character believes that destruction is his proper element and that anything tainted with evil deserves to be destroyed. The lyrics convey a nihilistic worldview, in which the destruction of all things is seen as the only true purpose.
The reference to the Void suggests a rejection of creationism, in favor of the idea that everything comes from nothingness. The singer takes this idea to its logical conclusion, arguing that if everything arises from the void and has to be destroyed eventually, it would be better for there to be no creation at all. This is a deeply pessimistic and anti-life view, which is reflected in the lyrics.
Overall, the lyrics of Tophetian Cleansing: Furnace of Moloch paint a picture of a nihilistic character who revels in destruction and denies the value of existence itself. They suggest a rejection of life and a fascination with darkness and chaos.
Line by Line Meaning
I am the spirit that denies
I am the force that opposes all creation and existence.
And justly so: for all things from the Void
My opposition is justified because all things originate from nothingness.
Called forth, Deserve to be destroyed.
Anything that is brought into existence deserves to be annihilated.
Twere better, then, were naught created.
It would have been preferable if nothing had ever been created.
Thus, all which you as Sin have rated-
Therefore, all the things that you consider sinful,
Destruction-aught with Evil blent-
destruction combined with evil,
That is my proper element.
is the realm where I exist and thrive.
Contributed by Carter W. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Janice Herbon
Awesome!