Monstrance Clock

The song 'Monstrance Clock' by the Swedish rock band Ghost delves into themes of ritual, unity, and the occult. The band is known for its theatrical stage presence and its members' anonymity, often exploring satanic or dark religious imagery in their music, which is a blend of heavy metal, psychedelic rock, and pop melodies. The lyrics of 'Monstrance Clock' evoke the atmosphere of a ritualistic gathering, where the air is 'cleansed' and the 'assembled flock'—possibly the band's audience or a congregation of followers—comes together in a hypnotic state. The repeated references to black candles and the alignment of minds suggest a shared, trance-like experience among the participants, possibly during a satanic or occult ritual.

The 'monstrance clock' itself is a symbol that can be interpreted in several ways. In a literal sense, a monstrance is a vessel used in Roman Catholic rituals to display the consecrated Eucharistic host. However, in the context of the song, it may represent the passage of time or a focal point for the ritual. The 'lady revealed of cloak' could be a figure of worship or an important participant in the ceremony. The chorus, 'Come together, together as one / Come together for Lucifer's son,' serves as a call to unity among the participants, further emphasizing the communal aspect of the ritual. The song's refrain reinforces the idea of gathering for a shared purpose, which in this case is for 'Lucifer's son,' a figure often associated with rebellion or the antithesis of traditional religious values.

'Monstrance Clock' can be seen as a metaphor for the power of music to unite people. Just as the participants in the song come together for a ritual, fans of Ghost come together at concerts, united by the band's music. The song's dark and mystical themes are a hallmark of Ghost's style, which often challenges religious orthodoxy and celebrates the theatricality of their performances. The hypnotic and melodic nature of the song, combined with its evocative lyrics, creates a powerful and immersive experience for the listener.