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@the-annotated-antichrist
Heyho! This is an unofficial fan-made song-by-song breakdown of Therion's 2018 release "Beloved Antichrist" with explanations about the plot, the lyrics, the Biblical background, and the book BA is loosely based on.
Until it gets staged for real, this is a stage production in the theater of your mind!
If you want to start at the beginning, click here!
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If you don't want to see posts by this blog in the tags, just block the tag "taaposts".
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The Annotated Antichrist is a fan-written deep dive into Therion's "metal musical with opera voices" Beloved Antichrist, a song-by-song breakdown with an analysis of the plot, the characters, the Biblical parallels. This is a periodic reminder of this blog for people who haven't seen it yet :)
The Annotated Antichrist is a fan-written deep dive into Therion's "metal musical with opera voices" Beloved Antichrist, a song-by-song breakdown with an analysis of the plot, the characters, the Biblical parallels. This is a periodic reminder of this blog for people who haven't seen it yet :)
Hey, hello, buddy. I would like to ask you something. It turns out that I really liked the song "Who's your God?" from Therion, but not being an English speaker, it's hard for me to understand the lyrics. I would like to sing it, but it is impossible for me. Do you manage to know the complete lyrics of the song?
I wish! Lori's singing is pretty hard to understand in the bootlegs we have. I tried my best to transcribe the text, but her parts are tough. Also some words or lines are different in different versions:
All: Who's your only god? Tell me, who is he? I have seen the darkness inside. Lori: [sings something, I find it impossible to understand] Thomas: I am the one The one and only Who'll bring the darkness back into the light OR (in some versions): Who has the darkness inside of my heart Lori: [Sings something, I THINK she's saying "You think your rule will bring a brighter day", but I'm not sure] But I can see you will [take OR lead] us into darkness Linnea: Is he the [dark god OR darkness]? Is he the Antichrist? All: Who's your god? And what is his name?
Hope this helps a little, I would love to know the complete lyrics too, but this is all I could make out.
Isaiah 14:12-17
12 How you have fallen from heaven, morning star, son of the dawn! You have been cast down to the earth, you who once laid low the nations!
13 You said in your heart, "I will ascend to the heavens; I will raise my throne above the stars of God; I will sit enthroned on the mount of assembly, on the utmost heights of Mount Zaphon.
14 I will ascend above the tops of the clouds; I will make myself like the Most High."
15 But you are brought down to the realm of the dead, to the depths of the pit.
16 Those who see you stare at you, they ponder your fate: "Is this the man who shook the earth and made kingdoms tremble,
17 the man who made the world a wilderness, who overthrew its cities and would not let his captives go home?"
HERE BE SPOILERS!
If you keep scrolling, you'll see the posts about the LAST songs first. If you don't want that, click here to start at the beginning!
Act III, Track 14 - Theme of Antichrist
Song links: Spotify - YT Music - Apple - Tidal
If Beloved Antichrist were a film, this is the track that would play during the end credits. Nothing new happens, but much of the story is summed up. Also a devil/dragon type creature plays the drums in the video, we finally see Marcus Jupither's terrifying face (not really), and the female singers have found a glitch that gets them to the highest point of the map. ...I'm sorry. Look at these 90s video game graphics! A bold visual choice for sure, and not uncontroversial, but personally, I like it. This is also the only time Seth is explicitly called the "morning star".
[Choir:] He came to our world, to save us all from disaster In search of truth, to bring us hope for a new day But haunted by his pride, mirror of a lie, he was led astray Moving silence cold Visions to behold He would lose his way Antichrist Antichrist Antichrist [Apollonius:] A new kind of vision Nothing may be what it seems [Seth:] Consigned to the flames Bloodshed would rise from my dreams [Choir & Johanna:] Hallowed be thy name But what will remain More than empty words? Never take away questions from the Answers to the world [Seth, spoken:] "Path of night, where dark is light The only left to claim Only one, to travel on, which shall remain the same." [Helena:] Our bodies have parted But never our spirits Joined in my soul with him With the morning star forever more (ah-ah!) [Choir:] Antichrist Antichrist Who is good? Who is evil? Will we ever live to see the truth?
I thought I'd comment on the end of the story here instead of in the post about the last song so as to not lessen its spontaneous emotional impact.
The ending of BA was generally meant to be open and leave some room for interpretation, something that I think it achieves quite well. What was the place Seth and Johanna went to when they died? Where is God in all of this? What will become of the survivors of the battle - the children, the old and maybe certain disabled people? And will Apollonius try to influence the development of their society? What were Satan's true intentions when he contacted Seth? How would things have continued if Seth had been allowed to rule unchallenged?
However, Christofer stated that the end was also written with an eye toward how the audience might react: Had the Antichrist lost, metal fans might have been unhappy about it. But since the ambition behind BA was to create something that could also be staged for a general audience, an ending that sees the Antichrist come out on top might have alienated people without a metal background and allowed the work to be pigeon-holed as the "typical" satanic story a metal band would tell. Thus, an ending in which everyone would die was deemed best.
Indeed the end is quite different in the Solovyov book: There are some rebellions by Christians, but it's a minority movement. Most Christians (the "superficial" ones) continue to be enchanted by Pope Apollonius' "miracles and spectacles". Eventually the Jews rebel too, showing far greater unity. A "final battle of the two armies" nearly comes to pass here too, but the Antichrist and Apollonius end up dying in a volcanic eruption instead. Then the real Second Coming of Christ happens and the faithful Christians and Jews who had been killed by the Antichrist come back to life to rule with Jesus for a thousand years.
Solovyov, after all, was a Christian theologian and mystic and thus probably did not worry too much about whether his Short Story about the Antichrist might alienate a Satanist reader.
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This is the end of the Annotated Antichrist series. If you've read this far, thank you for your attention! This was fun to write and I hope it was fun to read.
Act III, Track 13 - To Shine Forever
Song links: Spotify - YT Music - Apple - Tidal
The music turns as sweet and gentle as it hasn't been in quite a while. Hand in hand, Johanna and Seth float into the sky. Sophia and Helena appear as spiritual beings and greet them. Mare, Agnes, an angel and a demon also appear. I wondered earlier how "heaven" is conceptualized in BA given that Apollonius states that Sophia was there, when we know she was actually in a place where Satan also was. Here, a demon appears alongside an angel while the main characters go to a place that might reasonably be assumed to be heaven, or a heaven-like place. Maybe the unification of all beings, the good and the evil, that Seth attempted on Earth has actually happened in the spiritual world?
Johanna and Seth are welcomed with no bitterness, only love. The union of the opposites has come to pass. There is light, then darkness, "only a bright star is visible."
[Mare & Agnes:] Melt your eyes, create a key to eternity [Agnes:] We had dreams Where are they now? The dreams in our hearts [Mare, angel & demon choir:] Ageless glass of light Turn it on its head and we shall fall Just like stars Through time into night Run and flow until dawn Rise to all the beauty in the darkness divine To shine forever
[Angel:] Bid farewell [Mare & Agnes:] Farewell
Everybody die [x].
Act III, Track 12 - Seeds of Time
Song links: Spotify - YT Music - Apple - Tidal
Johanna and Seth are dying side by side. Surrounded by silence and dead bodies, with the all-deciding battle both won and lost, they contemplate their actions and for the first time see things from the perspective of the other.
The instrumental last 40 seconds of the preceding track are probably supposed to already set the mood for this song and give the characters time to think about their situation, because they start expressing their thoughts the moment this track starts. So picture them lying in silence for a while first.
Seth "regrets letting vanity curse his mind" when he could have been the greatest leader the world has ever known. Maybe paying lip service to Jesus would not have been such a big sacrifice if in return he could have had the utopia he had created instead of a horrible war that killed nearly all his adult citizens? And seeing how everything has fallen to ruins now, was he really better than Jesus? He had planned to unite humanity instead of dividing them, but the opposite has happened. Perhaps he even realizes how his "vanity" caused his relationship with Helena to be void of real mutuality.
Johanna is able to admit to herself that Seth really did make a lot of things better, even if he was the Antichrist. For the first time in her life she questions her faith and realizes that abstract notions of piety and lawfulness aren't all that matters. Was it really worth it? Johanna, who along with her friends pointed out to Seth that results aren't all that matters just before he showed himself to be the Antichrist, is now beginning to understand the opposite perspective as she sees the disastrous effects that her insistence on abstract virtues and God's non-negotiable law is partially responsible for.
"Attraction arises between them." Really, that's what the scene description says. Is this the most dramatic enemies-to-lovers ever? Is it more of a spiritual attraction? I'd say that's open to interpretation.
Johanna takes Seth's hand as they bleed out side by side.
[Seth:] Everything we held so close is lost A lonely world has long since gone to dust A weightless word, a rain of light A silver tear will fall on fields of gold [Seth:] If you touch my hand you'll seize the dark And reach the sadness of a woken heart [Johanna:] In the earth I dig to feel you near Your soil is black but I no longer fear [Seth:] A place that we can call our home... [Seth & Johanna:] ...will rise within a star and lead us there [Johanna:] Your hand in mine. [Seth & Johanna:] You and me. Who are we? Who is God? [Seth:] War of man is over [Seth & Johanna:] No one has the answers Of who will keep and Sow the seeds of time
Maybe it is at this point that both realize for the first time that the other one meant well. Their mutual hate has dissolved into understanding, self-reflection, and a kind of gentleness. They realize that in a way they wanted the same thing, were trying to answer the same questions. Johanna says that she does not fear Seth's "darkness" anymore and likens it to the black soil, which not only fits the titular "seeds" concept but also has far more positive connotations than the dark things she likened him to in the past. It's also an interesting parallel to how Seth likened his heart to a garden into which the seeds of time had been sown in "The Wasteland of my Heart". One could say that Satan sowed a seed in Seth and Helena, the gardener, tended to it until the world could eat its fruit - until she died, the garden fell to ruin and humanity was banished from its bliss. There are clear parallels to the story of the Garden of Eden as well of course.
The earlier version of this song called "Sad End", which has completely different lyrics but very similar content, is also interesting to watch once or twice - and then another time just for Thomas' and Lori's wonderful stage chemistry. Keep in mind though that Lori plays Helena in the recorded version (afaik there is no live version of this song with Chiara) and personally I think the live video shows very well why this role suits her. Caring and love seems to speak from every movement and glance while she sings.
The only line that both versions have in common is "Who is God?" A good question, since God does not appear at all in this work while Satan plays a very active role.
Act III, Track 11 - Striking Darkness
Song links: Spotify - YT Music - Apple - Tidal
Nearly everyone who participated in the battle is dead. A few are still fighting, but it is clear that any victory will be a hollow one at this point. Seth is still standing. Suddenly, something causes him to turn around. Johanna has been sneaking up on him. The second he turns around, she stabs him in the chest with her holy dagger.
[Johanna:] In thy name, my Lord...
Dying, Seth slowly falls to the ground while she stares paralyzed with fright. But even though his strength is leaving him, Seth is able to raise his revolver and shoot Johanna in the stomach. She falls to the ground next to him.
Act III, Track 10 - My Voyage Carries On
Song links: Spotify - YT Music - Apple - Tidal
Apollonius suddenly finds himself powerless. His arsenal of spells does not work anymore and his demons can't reach him.
[Demons:] Come to us now, Magic Master
Sophia's spirit rises behind the demons. Her magic has bound him and by her chanting she is able to turn Apollonius' demons against him. She is taking revenge for what he did to Johanna.
[Sophia:] Demons you did send To possess my Johanna My child!
He also killed her btw. I find it sort of touching that Sophia appears to avenge Johanna even though they were so estranged when she was alive. Sophia cares for Johanna despite their differences and even though Johanna would not even visit her at her deathbed.
Apollonius tries to defend himself from her magic, though not from her accusations.
[Apollonius:] Rest assured my lore will my soul defend Reach me you can never who are from heaven sent
It's interesting that he claims she's "from heaven sent". We the audience know that she actually met Satan in whatever astral afterlife she was in. Does Apollonius see anyone who opposes him as an agent of God? Or was Sophia in heaven, but Satan is allowed there?
[Demons:] Come to us now, Magic Master [Apollonius:] In this time and place, where will I go? Sophia, be cursed Eternally I shall haunt you [Sophia:] Not the only one with powers, magic man you are [Apollonius:] I will cast you out, you traitors of the spell Serpents of Sophia, be gone [Demons:] Here we are still, all by the light rejected And by your will in astral vaults created [Sophia:] Now from a kingdom of your own to the void you return
Apollonius makes some seemingly empty threats that don't appear to intimidate Sophia. He then threatens his own demons, who are also unfazed. Finally, he realizes that it would be best if he fled. Being immortal, he reasons that he can still re-enter history later.
[Apollonius:] At this growing eve, could it be that I'm done? Why should I come to grieve? My voyage carries on [Demons:] You will join us in the darkness Come to us now, Magic Master
Act III, Track 09 - Time Has Come / Final Battle
Song links: Spotify - YT Music - Apple - Tidal
The two armies meet.
[Seth & Apollonius:] Time has come Victory [Seth:] Slay them all Leave none alive [Seth & Johanna:] We shall stand And you shall fall [Johanna:] In my hand fate is woven To a web striking darkness
The battle starts. This is a surprisingly short scene.
[All:] Upon us - starless nightfall Makes our day and light descend Will we last 'til morning? Will we last 'til morning? Dawn may seem forever lost now And somewhere in shadows Flames await for all of us
Act III, Track 08 - Rise to War
Song links: Spotify - YT Music - Apple - Tidal
By now, everyone knows the truth about Seth and the - mostly Christian - population of Europe has had to make a difficult choice: are they willing to accept being ruled by the Antichrist if in return they get a life of peace, prosperity and happiness? Or will they oppose him on principle? "More or less every man and woman of weapon-bearing age" has joined in the fight, which to my mind shows that they aren't thinking clearly anymore and are caught in some kind of mental death spiral. Whichever side wins the war - what will they eat once the battle is done? Having nearly every adult fight in a war is not a sustainable way to run a society. Who is working in the fields? Who's taking care of the children? Assuming that Seth's brilliant ideas haven't made agriculture and childcare (and a multitude of others things that need to be done every day to keep society running) obsolete, of course.
Apollonius has rallied Seth's army. He and Seth are speaking to some elite soldiers.
[Apollonius:] Rise to your Emperor Rise to war [Seth:] Hail! Hail! Hail! Hail! [Soldiers:] Fighting for the Emperor [Apollonius:] Face the end and dawn of time Rise to war [Seth:] All rise to me [Seth & Apollonius:] Rise and unleash fury
An instrumental interlude follows that I think sounds quite scary considering the subject matter. The mix between a marching rhythm and sudden large orchestral moments makes me think of some kind of gigantic war machinery (even though European society is canonically on the technological level of the 19th century). There is something merciless about this song, a feeling that the only way out is forward now.
Seth tries to inspire the soldiers by promising that once the war is over, the beautiful future he and his followers have envisioned will finally be possible.
[Seth:] History shall tell our tale New age to be Future will bring our name's supremacy Summon pride for us to give The strong and free Courage and we shall live Eternally [Apollonius:] Rise to war Revelation soon will end with us The past and all therein Shall come to dust
Apollonius says it explicitly: They are going through the prophecy of the Book of Revelation. I guess there's nothing left to hide at this point, the soldiers know they're fighting for the Antichrist. Seth appeals to the "pride" of "the strong and free", implying that the other side wants to enslave them. What Seth and Apollonius are saying sounds quite grim. It sounds to me like they are preparing the soldiers for a likely death.
Act III, Track 07 - Day of Wrath
Song links: Spotify - YT Music - Apple - Tidal
The title is likely a reference to a famous line from Revelation 6: "For the great day of his wrath is come; and who shall be able to stand?"
Johanna and Seth are sleeping, dreaming, preparing themselves for the final battle. Sophia and Satan are watching from the astral plane.
[Sophia:] Slowly, mist erases dawn Turn to dust shall the island of dreams and silver [Sophia, Seth & Satan:] What will of this day become? Colored red is the heaven behind our darkness [Johanna:] Oh saviour, show me the way Oh saviour, show me [Seth:] Out of the dark My nocturnal art Soon shall become morning Echoes of pain Following my name None shall remain - fire bring [Sophia:] When the tales of love are gone One by one on the stairway of no returning... [Sophia, Seth & Satan:] ...love itself shall linger on It will be there Vibration, like rhythm burning [Johanna:] Saviour, guiding my way My faith shall never fail [Satan:] Shadows of light Children of the night Soon shall unite mankind Eyes of the deep Watching in your sleep Dreams running free through your mind [Johanna:] Lord, your day has come- Your day of wrath
Something I find interesting here is that Johanna sings alone while the other three join their voices together. It seems to imply that Seth is closer to Sophia and Satan's consciousness than she is, that they see things the same way. They are thinking about the future and cosmic processes while Johanna only speaks to call to Jesus for guidance.
Sophia mentioned in Act I that Johanna is not yet ready to understand "anything that enriches the human spirit" and "that humanity needs both light and darkness". Johanna's single-minded - one could say fanatical - devotion to a dualistic worldview that is based on good and evil, allowed and forbidden, holy and sinful limits what she is able to consider and mentally accept. She does not try to imagine the future or understand the deeper truth behind her situation: God has a plan, and that is enough for her. Sophia and Seth are not bound by these constraints and thus able (or forced?) to think more independently.
Act III, Track 06 - Prelude to War
Song links: Spotify - YT Music - Apple - Tidal
A short, ominous instrumental. "Seth is gathering his loyal troops."
Act III, Track 05 - Burning the Palace
Song links: Spotify - YT Music - Apple - Tidal
Two weeks after Helena's death. The Christian soldiers, led by Johanna, are marching on Seth's palace.
[Agnes:] So, it has come to this [Johanna:] Yes, it has come to this Heaven will have its way
Seth appears on a balcony.
[Seth:] Trust me: this holy temple remains not for thee Hear me, Johanna Be gone Take heed
Johanna and the troops try to set the palace on fire. In retrospect I wonder if they held off on doing this earlier because Helena was there, since Johanna clearly cared more for her than she showed. But, as before, she does not express her private feelings in words here either. Resolute and driven, she does not grieve her sister's death openly. Only the mission matters.
[Johanna:] I'll not run Nor will my soul hide For the time has come Prince of Night Thy fate awaits thee Light this day will prevail [Mare & Agnes:] Bless you, Christus! Bless you, Christus!
A soldier is hurt while trying to put out the flames.
[Wounded soldier:] Hailing from who we are He is the master Ever to conquer, ever to rise again [Agnes:] Future reaching yesterday Such a painful human touch You will feel it soon [Johanna:] Thy kingdom shall return to dust Cursed be thy name [Agnes:] Cursed be thy name and thy spirit
Suddenly, a huge Christian army appears with flaming arrows and torches.
[Troop & Johanna:] No throne of darkness shall remain No echo from your fall Prepare for fire, spawn of hell [Johanna:] All, Lord, for you
Seth realizes that his only option is to flee. He and Apollonius leave the palace via a secret exit while the Christians burn the place to the ground.
[Seth:] You can't reach me: soon I will be gone Into battle, into war we will go [Christian army:] Heroes unite Summon to fight Hearts of God are protected by swords Martyrs of grace Soon we shall face Armageddon We'll ride into dawn [Seth & Apollonius:] Unleash morning, meet us face to face Into battle, into war we will go
The music turns cheerful. Having driven the Antichrist away and burned his palace, the Christians celebrate their victory.
[Christian army:] Mighty and strong, still marching on Never surrender Curtains fall down End of our time [Christian army & Johanna:] Hallelujah Hallelujah Ave God of creation and of man [Christian army:] Heroes unite Summon to fight Hearts of God are protected by swords Martyrs of grace Soon we shall face Armageddon We'll ride into dawn
