Festum Asinorum / Chapter 2

Belphegor's song 'Festum Asinorum / Chapter 2' delves into the esoteric and the arcane, drawing upon historical and religious references to create a dark and evocative atmosphere. The title itself, 'Festum Asinorum,' refers to the Feast of Fools, a medieval festival that inverted social norms and celebrated the absurd. This theme of inversion and subversion is central to the song's meaning, as it explores the boundaries between the sacred and the profane.

The lyrics are steeped in Latin, a language often associated with the church and ancient rituals. Phrases like 'Aurum de Arabia' (Gold from Arabia) and 'Thus et Myrrham' (Frankincense and Myrrh) evoke the gifts brought by the Magi to the infant Jesus, but here they are presented in a context that feels both reverent and blasphemous. The 'Virtus Asinaria' (Virtue of the Ass) and the 'Virus Asinaria' (Poison of the Ass) suggest a duality, where the humble donkey, often a symbol of foolishness, is both celebrated and vilified.

Belphegor, known for their blackened death metal style, often incorporates themes of anti-religion and the occult into their music. This song is no exception, as it challenges traditional religious narratives and invites listeners to question the nature of virtue and vice. The repeated invocation of the 'Asinus' (Ass) from the 'Orientis partibus' (Eastern parts) underscores the idea of an outsider or a marginalized figure being brought to the forefront, a common motif in both historical and contemporary subversive art.

'Festum Asinorum / Chapter 2' is a complex and layered piece that uses historical references and dark imagery to provoke thought and evoke a sense of the uncanny. It is a testament to Belphegor's ability to blend musical aggression with intellectual depth, creating a work that is both challenging and compelling.