Alt Lys Svunnet Hen

Dimmu Borgir's 'Alt Lys Svunnet Hen' is a haunting and atmospheric piece that delves deep into themes of darkness, loss, and the supernatural. The title itself, which translates to 'All Light Has Faded,' sets the tone for a journey through a desolate and eerie landscape. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a moonlit night where frost-covered paths guide the way for black souls traversing the night, entering a foggy realm. This imagery evokes a sense of otherworldliness and foreboding, as if the travelers are moving through a liminal space between life and death.

The song's narrative suggests a transition into a dark kingdom, where all light has vanished, and the travelers are acutely aware that their steps are being followed. This could symbolize a journey into the afterlife or a descent into a metaphorical underworld, where the past actions and memories of the travelers are inescapable. The mention of being surrounded by 'sorgens dis' (the mist of sorrow) and moving forward like a host of shrouded specters adds to the ghostly and mournful atmosphere of the song.

As the journey progresses, the travelers are carried by the breeze over Norwegian marshes, passing through foggy villages with hatred and anger in their hearts, never to return. This final stanza emphasizes a sense of irrevocable departure and a deep-seated resentment, possibly hinting at a quest for vengeance or a rejection of the world they leave behind. Dimmu Borgir's use of rich, evocative language and dark, brooding themes is characteristic of their style, blending black metal with symphonic elements to create a powerful and immersive experience for the listener.