Bring Forth Ye Shadow

Theatre of Tragedy's 'Bring Forth Ye Shadow' is a gothic metal masterpiece that delves into the themes of time, fate, and existential despair. The song opens with a profound reflection on the nature of time, described as an abyss as deep as a thousand nights. The narrator expresses a sense of futility in hastening through life, questioning the value of such eagerness when it ultimately leads to nothing but a 'fatal kiss.' This metaphor suggests an inevitable end, possibly death, that awaits everyone regardless of their pace in life. The narrator's resignation to this fate is evident as they declare they will no longer rage against time or destiny, acknowledging that their own future is beyond their control.

The chorus, 'Bring forth ye Shadow,' introduces a mysterious and possibly malevolent entity with whom the narrator seems to have a complex relationship. The shadow could symbolize death, darkness, or an unknown force that the narrator is both drawn to and fearful of. The imagery of time stopping for the narrator while continuing for others highlights a sense of isolation and detachment from the flow of life. The burning of the 'Pages of Life' on a funeral pyre further emphasizes the finality and destruction of one's existence.

The latter part of the song explores themes of blood and sacrifice, with the narrator questioning the value placed on one's blood when it could instead flow through their veins. This could be interpreted as a desire for unity or a merging of identities, possibly through a vampiric or supernatural transformation. The 'fell gift' of passing on the 'dark trick' suggests a transfer of dark knowledge or power, which is both erotic and tragic. The repetition of the lines about blood underscores the narrator's obsession with this idea, highlighting a deep yearning for connection and transcendence through a shared, dark experience.