Beyond The Black
Metal Church
A Dystopian Vision of Post-Apocalyptic Despair
Metal Church's song "Beyond The Black" paints a grim picture of a post-apocalyptic world ravaged by nuclear war. The lyrics describe a scenario where humanity has been obliterated by atomic bombs, leaving behind a desolate and nightmarish landscape. The opening lines set the tone by declaring the end of war and the extinction of the human race, emphasizing the catastrophic consequences of atomic warfare. The imagery of sealing the urn suggests a finality, as if humanity's fate is sealed in a tomb.
The song delves deeper into the chaos and destruction, with vivid descriptions of troops marching to their doom and smoke blotting out the moon. The plea to God to stop the slaughter highlights the desperation and hopelessness felt by the survivors. The repeated question, "Will we make it back beyond the black?" serves as a haunting refrain, questioning whether there is any hope of returning to a state of normalcy or if humanity is doomed to remain in this dark, devastated world.
As the song progresses, it shifts focus to the aftermath of the apocalypse. The survivors emerge from their crypts, their faces marred by the horrors they've witnessed. The unity of the survivors is emphasized, as they come together to rebuild in a world where food supplies are more valuable than gold. The transformation of the young into the old signifies the loss of innocence and the heavy toll the catastrophe has taken on everyone. The song concludes with a stark warning to "watch out" and "look out," reinforcing the ever-present danger and uncertainty in this new, dark reality.
"Beyond The Black" is a powerful commentary on the devastating impact of nuclear war and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of unimaginable adversity. It serves as a cautionary tale, urging listeners to consider the consequences of their actions and the importance of unity and hope in the darkest of times.