Al Svartr (The Oath)

Emperor's 'Al Svartr (The Oath)' is a powerful invocation that delves deep into themes of darkness, power, and unity with the night. The song opens with a call to the 'Nightspirit,' a mystical entity representing the darker aspects of the self. This invocation sets the tone for a ritualistic and solemn oath, where the protagonist seeks the presence and blessing of this dark force. The imagery of a 'lake of blood' from which they feed to breed adds a visceral and almost primal element to the song, emphasizing the raw and ancient power being invoked.

The lyrics continue with a series of wishes and declarations, each one reinforcing the protagonist's connection to the night and the natural world. The night is asked to carry the protagonist's will, the mountains to remember the night, the forest to whisper their name, and the storm to carry their words to the end of all worlds. These lines create a sense of timelessness and eternal power, as if the protagonist's oath is not just a momentary declaration but a binding contract with the forces of nature and the cosmos.

The song reaches its climax with the protagonist swearing on their honor, pride, and darkness itself to rule by the 'blackest wisdom.' This is a declaration of ultimate power and unity with the Nightspirit, culminating in the proclamation, 'I am The Emperor.' The final lines call for winds and storms to embrace them, laying waste to the light of day and opening the gates to darker lands. This imagery of spreading wings and flying away suggests a transcendence from the mundane world to a higher, darker plane of existence, solidifying the protagonist's transformation and ascension.