As The Eternity Opens

Immortal's 'As The Eternity Opens' is a haunting exploration of the themes of death, darkness, and the afterlife. The song begins with the protagonist awakening from a 'funeral sleep,' suggesting a resurrection or a transition from death to another state of existence. The 'summoning voices' and 'crypts of eternal deeps' evoke a gothic atmosphere, setting the stage for a journey into the unknown realms beyond life. The imagery of dust blowing away with the winds signifies the ephemeral nature of life and the inevitable return to the earth.

The journey described in the song takes the listener 'unto the other side,' beneath mountains and through gates, symbolizing a passage into the underworld or a different dimension. The 'floating evil' and 'sarcastic caves' suggest a realm ruled by malevolent forces, where fear reigns supreme. The protagonist's enlightenment 'into a blacker dark' indicates a deeper understanding or acceptance of this dark reality, contrasting with the futile search for light. The light, described as blind and unable to see the 'gate to immortality,' represents the futile efforts of salvation or redemption in a world dominated by darkness.

The song culminates with the opening of eternity, a moment of revelation where the protagonist sees the true nature of existence. The 'harnessbells' hailing the soul and the disappearance of light underscore the finality and inevitability of this dark enlightenment. The light, which 'was never here,' signifies the illusory nature of hope and salvation in the face of eternal darkness. Immortal's lyrical mastery and atmospheric composition create a powerful narrative that delves into the existential themes of life, death, and the eternal struggle between light and dark.