Consummation

Akhlys' song 'Consummation' delves into the surreal and often unsettling realms of dreams and the subconscious. The repeated phrase 'Gateways upon gateways' suggests a journey through multiple layers of consciousness, each leading to deeper and more obscure parts of the mind. This imagery evokes a sense of endless exploration, where each gateway opens to another, symbolizing the infinite complexity of the human psyche.

The lyrics describe various dreamscapes, each with its own symbolic meaning. The 'ebb and flow of lethean waves' refers to the river Lethe from Greek mythology, which causes forgetfulness in those who drink its waters. This metaphor suggests a struggle between clarity and oblivion, as the dreamer navigates through these waves. The 'sun over a sea that knew no land' and 'so many ships upon it' represent a vast, uncharted territory filled with countless souls, each on their own journey. This imagery conveys a sense of isolation and the unknown, as well as the collective experience of dreaming.

The dream of a 'hall suspended in an abyss' with a mirror at its end reflects the theme of self-discovery and the unknown aspects of one's identity. The mirror symbolizes introspection and the confrontation with one's true self, which remains 'yet unknown.' The labyrinthine building with 'crimson and gold' halls, filled with 'ruin and decay,' represents the complexity and duality of the human mind—beauty intertwined with destruction. The presence of an 'invisible spirit of infanticide' adds a dark, haunting element, suggesting the presence of deep-seated fears and traumas that can 'slay' the dreamer.

Overall, 'Consummation' is a haunting exploration of the subconscious, filled with rich, symbolic imagery that invites listeners to reflect on their own inner landscapes and the mysteries that lie within.