Medusa
Anthrax
The Haunting Allure of Medusa: A Metal Odyssey
Anthrax's song 'Medusa' delves into the mythological tale of Medusa, a Gorgon from Greek mythology whose gaze could turn people to stone. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of the terror and allure surrounding this infamous figure. The song opens with a chilling description of Medusa's curse, emphasizing the cold, petrifying effect of her stare. The 'land of doom' and 'world of sin' set the stage for a place where danger and evil are omnipresent, warning listeners to stay away from her island.
The chorus, with its powerful exclamations of 'Destroyer of life, Demon!' and 'I'm ready to strike, Gorgon!' captures the intense fear and readiness to confront this monstrous being. The verses further describe Medusa as a 'serpent's bride' and a 'wicked smile, full of lies,' highlighting her deceptive and deadly nature. The imagery of 'head of snakes' and the warning 'don't look in her eyes' reinforce the peril of encountering Medusa.
The song's bridge, with the repeated lines 'Seize, appease, deceive, die!' underscores the inevitable doom that befalls those who cross Medusa's path. The final verses depict the ultimate fate of her victims, turned into statues for all eternity, as Medusa laughs at their helplessness. Anthrax's 'Medusa' not only retells a classic myth but also explores themes of fear, seduction, and the inescapable nature of fate, all set to the backdrop of their signature thrash metal sound.