Ashes To Ashes

Absurd's 'Ashes To Ashes' is a haunting and provocative song that delves into themes of death, religious conflict, and the triumph of darkness over light. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a funeral scene, where the somber atmosphere is disrupted by a drunk priest's blasphemous outbursts. This sets the tone for the rest of the song, which challenges traditional religious narratives and glorifies a darker, more chaotic worldview.

The repeated refrain 'Earth to dirt, ashes to ashes and dust to death' underscores the inevitability of death and decay, a common theme in many metal songs. However, Absurd takes this a step further by juxtaposing Christian imagery with satanic elements. The mention of Jesus weeping on the cross while Satan mocks God introduces a stark contrast between the suffering of the divine and the mocking defiance of the infernal. This is further emphasized by the imagery of a vampire rising from the grave, summoned by the priest's unholy actions, symbolizing the resurgence of dark forces.

The song's narrative continues with the destruction of Christian symbols and institutions, such as the breaking of the cross, the death of the pope, and the burning of the Vatican. These acts of desecration signify a rebellion against established religious authority and the ushering in of a new, darker era. The final verses describe a world where Christians are punished for their sins and subjected to eternal torment in Hell, ruled by the Dark Lord. This bleak vision of the afterlife serves as a stark warning against the perceived hypocrisy and corruption of organized religion, while also celebrating the power and inevitability of darkness.

'Ashes To Ashes' by Absurd is a powerful and unsettling exploration of death, religious conflict, and the triumph of darkness. Its vivid imagery and provocative themes challenge listeners to confront their own beliefs and consider the darker aspects of existence.