De La Morte Noire

Haggard's 'De La Morte Noire' is a haunting and evocative piece that delves into themes of death, despair, and the supernatural. The song opens with a reference to astral constellations, suggesting a cosmic or divine influence on the events that unfold. The protagonist is tormented by visions sent by the highest god, which rise from the deepest depths of his mind. This sets the stage for a narrative steeped in mysticism and existential dread.

The lyrics then shift to a more personal and immediate tragedy—the death of a king, who dies slowly by the lance. The protagonist's emotional turmoil is palpable as he wipes away tears and struggles to think clearly, only to find his hope sinking. This part of the song captures the human experience of grief and the overwhelming sense of loss that accompanies the death of a loved one or a revered leader.

The song takes a darker turn with the introduction of a plague, described in vivid and terrifying imagery. The lyrics switch to German, adding a layer of historical and cultural depth. The 'Herr der Plagen' (Lord of Plagues) arrives to enslave humanity, with pestilence ruling with a punishing hand and corpses covering the land. This apocalyptic vision is both a literal and metaphorical representation of societal collapse and the inescapable nature of death. The final lines bring the focus back to the personal, as the protagonist laments the creeping of diphtheria, a deadly disease, into his own family, underscoring the pervasive and indiscriminate nature of suffering.

Haggard, known for their symphonic metal style, masterfully blends classical and metal elements to create a soundscape that complements the dark and complex themes of the lyrics. The orchestral arrangements and heavy guitar riffs work in tandem to evoke a sense of grandeur and doom, making 'De La Morte Noire' a compelling exploration of mortality and human frailty.