In The Absence Ov Light
Behemoth
Embracing Chaos: The Dark Philosophy of Behemoth's 'In The Absence Ov Light'
Behemoth's 'In The Absence Ov Light' is a profound exploration of existential rebellion and the rejection of conventional morality. The song delves into themes of darkness, chaos, and the rejection of divine and rational order. The opening lines set the tone with the imagery of the devil's breath and the gravity of hell, suggesting a life weighed down by sin and darkness. The protagonist prays for a rain of flaming rocks, symbolizing a desire for destruction and the creation of a new, symmetrical world order. This vision of impenetrable darkness, not found on either side of the moon, represents an inner turmoil and a soul in harmony with hatred and chaos.
The chorus, 'Chant the psalm, Non serviam, Retrieve the pride, Within and without,' is a powerful declaration of defiance. 'Non serviam,' Latin for 'I will not serve,' is a phrase attributed to Lucifer's rebellion against God. This chant signifies a rejection of servitude and an embrace of pride and self-reliance. The subsequent verses in Polish further emphasize this rebellion, rejecting all order, ideas, abstractions, and doctrines. The protagonist seeks a human connection that is flawed, dark, and incomplete, reflecting a desire for authenticity and raw human experience over divine or rational perfection.
The song continues with vivid imagery of a burning sun and a vulture, symbolizing the internal struggle and the feverish intensity of the protagonist's soul. The plea to let chaos reign and infect moral arteries underscores a desire to break free from societal and moral constraints. The repetition of the chorus reinforces the central theme of rebellion and pride. Behemoth, known for their blackened death metal style, uses this song to challenge listeners to question their beliefs and embrace the chaos within.