Slottet I Det Fjerne
Gorgoroth
A Distant Castle of Sin: Gorgoroth's Dark Allegory
Gorgoroth's song "Slottet I Det Fjerne" ("The Castle in the Distance") paints a vivid and dark picture of a distant castle where revelry and sin are rampant. The lyrics describe a scene of carefree indulgence, with couples dancing and laughing, seemingly oblivious to the moral decay they are partaking in. This imagery serves as a metaphor for a society engrossed in hedonism and spiritual neglect, a common theme in black metal, a genre known for its critique of organized religion and societal norms.
The song contrasts the joyous, sinful activities within the castle with the perspective of an observer from a dark, grim cave. This observer, possibly representing a more enlightened or morally aware individual, watches the festivities with disdain. The reference to the sun worshipped by the 'black' suggests a critique of false idols or misguided worship, further emphasizing the spiritual corruption of those within the castle. The celebration of the New Year with 'festing og tull' (partying and nonsense) underscores the frivolity and emptiness of their actions.
The lyrics also introduce a sense of inevitable doom. The 'holes' mentioned are graves meant for the revelers, filled with spiritual needles that will eternally torment their limbs. This imagery of eternal punishment reflects themes of divine retribution and the consequences of living a life of sin. The observer's ability to 'hate for a thousand years' and take pleasure in the pain of the revelers suggests a deep-seated resentment and a belief in the justness of their suffering. Gorgoroth's use of stark, evocative language and dark themes is characteristic of their style, which often explores the darker aspects of human nature and spirituality.