Ascend Into Darkness
Draconian
Embracing the Abyss: A Journey Through 'Ascend Into Darkness'
Draconian's 'Ascend Into Darkness' is a haunting exploration of existential despair and defiance against oppressive forces. The song opens with the protagonist shedding their 'filthy attires,' symbolizing a departure from a tainted past or corrupted existence. The 'dazzling dark' they see represents an alluring yet terrifying unknown, a stark contrast to the 'scorn of the rulers' they defy. This sets the stage for a narrative of rebellion and a quest for liberation from a life 'sleeping in stone,' a metaphor for stagnation and entrapment.
The lyrics delve into themes of disillusionment and the rejection of false idols. The 'Soulless Seven' and 'God-imitator' are depicted as deceivers, entities that promise salvation but deliver only 'death' and 'loss.' The protagonist's refusal to 'bow' signifies a steadfast resistance to these hollow promises. The imagery of 'jewels of grievance' and 'clandestine dream of the earth' evokes a sense of mourning for a lost purity and a world corrupted by falsehoods. The 'death of rebirth' suggests a cycle of renewal that has been tainted or obstructed, leaving the protagonist in a state of perpetual sorrow and yearning.
The song also touches on themes of memory and oblivion. The 'right to be forgotten' and the 'sad voice of wisdom' yearning for 'dreamless sleep' reflect a desire to escape the burdens of consciousness and the pain of remembrance. The plea for mercy from a 'mother' figure, possibly symbolizing nature or a higher power, underscores a deep sense of vulnerability and a longing for absolution. The final lines, 'I can see the dazzling dark,' encapsulate the protagonist's acceptance of their fate, embracing the unknown with a mix of fear and awe. Draconian's gothic and doom metal influences are evident in the song's dark, poetic lyrics and somber tone, creating a powerful narrative of existential struggle and defiance.