Natural High
HammerFall
The Dark Allure of Immortality in HammerFall's 'Natural High'
HammerFall's 'Natural High' delves into the dark and mystical realms of dreams, immortality, and the eternal struggle between good and evil. The song opens with a vivid dream where the protagonist finds himself in a place where reality is distorted. This sets the stage for a journey of self-discovery and transformation, where the protagonist identifies as a hunter and heir to a throne, suggesting a sense of destiny and power.
The lyrics are rich with imagery of blood, revenge, and an insatiable urge to kill, painting a picture of a character who is both tormented and driven by darker instincts. The lines 'I'm south of heaven, north of hell' and 'My final place to dwell' indicate a liminal space, a purgatory where the protagonist exists between two extremes. This duality is further explored through the concept of surrendering one's soul and pride to achieve a 'Natural High,' a state of being that transcends mortal limitations.
The recurring theme of rebirth and transformation is central to the song. The protagonist invites others to enter his dream and find their 'Natural High,' promising that 'your rebirth is near.' This suggests a form of dark salvation, where surrendering to the darker aspects of oneself leads to a higher state of existence. The imagery of the bat awakening and the eternal bride adds a gothic, almost vampiric element to the narrative, emphasizing themes of eternal life and the seductive allure of the night. Ultimately, 'Natural High' is a complex exploration of the human psyche, the eternal struggle between light and dark, and the quest for immortality.