Hark, O'Nightspirit, father of my dark self. From within this realm, wherein Thou dwelleth, by this lake of blood, from which we feed to breed, I call silently from Thy presence, as I lay this oath.
May this night carry my will and may these old mountains forever remember this night. May the forest whisper my name and may the storm bring these words to the end of all worlds.
May the wise moon be my witness as I swear on my honor, in respect of my pride and darkness itself, that I shall rule by the blackest wisdom.
O'Nightspirit! I am at one with thee. I am the eternal power. I am the Emperor.
Winds and storms, embrace us now. Lay waste the light of day. Open gates to darker lands. We spread our wings and fly away.
2. Ye Entrancemperium
[Words: Ihsahn.] [Music: Samoth & Ihsahn.] [Arrangements: Samoth & Ihsahn.] [Opening theme originally composed by Euronymous.] [5:14]
Drawn towards these lands again. Seeking death and sacred soil. I ride the longing winds of my blackened soul, growing stronger once I enter my empire beyond.
Emperium! Behold my coming.
The fullmoon rise above me, enlightening my realm in a silvery glow. Yet the shadows crawl beneath my storming sky, guarding treasures from forbidden light.
I still remember, though ages ago it seems, the first time I entered the gates, the revelation of ritual death by which I became divine. Sacrifice of the life I had among the flesh of the light.
And now I enter again. Even stronger, yet amazed by what I see. In ecstasy I mock the world.
Suddenly I memorize, asking what I left behind. Nothing.
Can I ever comprehend? Will my longing ever end? Never.
Drawn towards these lands again. Seeking death and sacred soil. I ride the longing winds of my blackened soul eternally.
3. Thus Spake The Nightspirit
[Words, music & arrangements: Ihsahn.] [4:29]
Close your eyes and gaze into this realm that I reveal. See where eternities are born. Close your eyes, behold the powers of the broken seal. See the liars bound in thorns.
Fear and you shall fall. Weakness suffocates your will. Dare, yet never fail. Wisdom guides the one, the strong who can defy Death.
So I speak, though, am I heard...? Wasting visions on a world of blinded fools.
Still I scorn the vacant contradiction of life, if only to bewilder. The final truth shall speak my name.
Thus spake the nightspirit.
Nightspirit, spirit, spirit, embrace my soul. [Repeat]
Memories of torment strikes me. Attemps were made to suffocate me at birth. Fools, I was already ancient. Thou can not kill what breeds within Thee.
Alas, this agony, the emptiness of earthborn pride hath stirred my faithful heart which guided me to darker paths. Far away from their pestilent ways cleansed was I from deceitful grace.
Yet, put to scorn was I by those unclean. Enslaved by ignorance they blindly spat upon the deity of hate. Awake is the darkest fiend.
By the fallen one I shall arise.
Upon bewildered masses, to whom the indulgence of my soul portray as sin made god, I shall revile and quell the source whence mockery of my kind derive.
This I know: Facile shalt my quest not come to pass. Deathwish be my gift to all at last.
Honour. Commended no longer as virtue. Yet, shalt be extolled by light's demise.
By the fallen one I shall arise.
Arise.
[Guitar lead.]
Believer, speak not to me of justice, for none have I ever seen. By God, I shall give as I receive. Betrayer, speak not to me at all. You and this world ripped my fucking heart out.
Again... again... and again... Again... and again...
Vide, ravens caw in reverence. Anthems to the Welkin at dusk. In celebration of the few, the kin, beyond flesh, beyond words. Those of the core, beyond gods, as gods received.
I float among them on wings once broken, now gleaming black. I share their song of words unspoken. Cries of the past.
In times of fiendish tempest bloodlust turns against the coil. Hungry for the fall, I greet the pit. Blind Savage Cursing Life.
Yet, at the moment of my final step the hands and golden chains are given. Bidding me that which can not be deprived: The bonds of trust and unity, till the end.
Brethren and sisters of my circle, I acclaim thee all. When guiding stars are clouded and deranged, fear not to take my hand.
The bonds of trust and unity. As gods received till the end.
Deep Green Dark Chaos. Blinded I run down these paths. By heart I know them. They lead to the soaring cliffs. Stout they stand above the water's edge, lifeless.
And this is my foundation: Cold stone. Formed only by winds and time. How invulnerable, lifeless.
Ahh... I have longed to be at one with this Yet, the waters call my name
For once I wish to see the entity behind the voice. The face of this seduction, the beauty of my pain.
Am I blessed or am I cursed by thy presence? What is my crime, what is my deed? Is this life my redemption? Shall I repent or proceed?
I hate my flesh. Its dimension poisoned my soul with doubt. It made me question the essence of the "I". Slaves are those of this world given freedom to lay chains upon The Master. Master, master.
The wolf is no longer free. Release the chains and come for me.
[The Elder:] "Suddenly, his mournful cries were stunned. Out of the cold mist came three enthralling ships. Sails torn by many a storm, and the bows adorned by the most fierce gargoyles he'd ever laid eyes upon. Yet, the crew they bore... Three times twelve in numbers. They stood motionless, wrapped in grey, worn gowns. And from behind their shadowed faces came the seductive chanting. Bidding him on board. Without hesitation, he accepted. And away they sailed..."
Upon these seas, wherein I drowned so many times, I scatter the ashes of destiny. Still my flames are in hunger. With fire in my heart shall I greet the shores ahead. Though, I know not what will burn.
Desire... Ahh... In the distance I hear the waves wash over solid ground. And in this moment I am struck blind.
Grant me sight so I can see that which lies ahead of me. Cursed be my mortal eyes for dying in the realm of Death.
Hear my call...
I return to the soaring cliffs. They truly shine of strength. Even though, I nothing learned. With strength I burn...
[Guitar lead.]
8. The Wanderer
[Music & arrangements: Samoth.] [2:54]
[Instrumental]
9. In Longing Spirit
[Re-release bonustrack.] [Originally released in 1997 on the EP "Reverence".]
[... go on with Anthems: "The Loss and Curse of Reverence"!]
Memories of torment strikes me. Attemps were made to suffocate me at birth. Fools, I was already ancient. Thou can not kill what breeds within Thee.
Alas, this agony, the emptiness of earthborn pride hath stirred my faithful heart which guided me to darker paths. Far away from their pestilent ways cleansed was I from deceitful grace.
Yet, put to scorn was I by those unclean. Enslaved by ignorance they blindly spat upon the deity of hate. Awake is the darkest fiend.
By the fallen one I shall arise.
Upon bewildered masses, to whom the indulgence of my soul portray as sin made god, I shall revile and quell the source whence mockery of my kind derive.
This I know: Facile shalt my quest not come to pass. Deathwish be my gift to all at last.
Honour. Commended no longer as virtue. Yet, shalt be extolled by light's demise.
By the fallen one I shall arise.
Arise.
[Guitar lead.]
Believer, speak not to me of justice, for none have I ever seen. By God, I shall give as I receive. Betrayer, speak not to me at all. You and this world ripped my fucking heart out.
Again... again... and again... Again... and again...
