Extinct
Moonspell
A Lament for Lost Love and Time: Moonspell's 'Extinct'
Moonspell's song 'Extinct' delves into themes of lost love, existential dread, and the inexorable passage of time. The lyrics paint a picture of a relationship that has deteriorated to the point of mutual destruction, where the lovers are both in each other's arms and at each other's throats. This duality suggests a deep connection that has turned toxic, leading to a metaphorical burial of their love. The absence of the moon, a traditional symbol of guidance and romance, underscores the darkness and hopelessness that envelops them.
The recurring plea for the waters to come can be interpreted as a desire for a cleansing or a reset, a way to wash away the pain and start anew. However, this hope is juxtaposed with the grim wish for time to stop while the other rots, indicating a deep-seated bitterness and a longing for the end. The repeated refrain of 'Before the lights go out, before our time is gone, a taste of your lips, before we go extinct' emphasizes the urgency and desperation to experience one last moment of intimacy before everything ends. This line captures the essence of the song: a final, fleeting grasp at love and life before inevitable extinction.
The imagery of the ark sailing without control to the 'far beyond' and being led by the 'star of death' further amplifies the sense of doom and inevitability. The ark, often a symbol of salvation, here becomes a vessel of aimless drift, highlighting the futility of their efforts to save their relationship. The 'star of death' guiding their way suggests that their path is predestined for destruction. Moonspell's gothic and dark metal style is evident in the somber and haunting tone of the lyrics, which reflect the band's penchant for exploring themes of mortality, despair, and the darker aspects of human emotion.