Oration of Ruin...

Xasthur's 'Oration of Ruin...' is a haunting exploration of grief, longing, and the complex relationship between suffering and divinity. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a soul tormented by loss, yet finding a twisted solace in the pain. The opening lines, 'And in those frozen moments won / From grief that creeps to wreathe the sun,' set a somber tone, suggesting that the narrator's moments of clarity and victory are fleeting and overshadowed by an ever-present sorrow. The imagery of 'deathshead wing' and 'drapes inwove' further emphasizes the pervasive nature of death and despair in the narrator's life.

The repeated line, 'I thank God for the suffering,' is particularly striking. It suggests a paradoxical gratitude for the pain, perhaps because it keeps the memory of a lost loved one alive. This suffering is not just a burden but a connection to something or someone deeply cherished. The narrator's burning desire for 'Her return' indicates a profound longing, and the willingness to 'make my peace with everything' underscores the depth of this yearning. The use of 'Her' with a capital 'H' could imply a divine or almost sacred figure, adding layers of spiritual and emotional complexity to the song.

The final stanza, 'I, I still recall, the first fullmoon of May / Consigned to flames like secret letters,' evokes a sense of nostalgia and ritualistic mourning. The imagery of flames consuming secret letters suggests a burning away of private sorrows and memories. The mention of 'angels sigh' and 'lonely she sits / Upon the lip' creates a melancholic scene of isolation and unfulfilled desire. The narrator's plea, 'Only a slip from whence I beg her,' captures the desperation and fragility of their hope. Overall, 'Oration of Ruin...' is a deeply emotional and evocative piece that delves into the dark recesses of the human soul, exploring themes of loss, suffering, and the haunting persistence of memory.