Marks Of The Evil One
Ghost
Riders of the Apocalypse: A Dark Omen
Ghost's song "Marks Of The Evil One" delves into apocalyptic imagery, drawing heavily from the biblical Book of Revelation. The lyrics describe the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse, each representing different aspects of the end times. The first rider, on a white horse, symbolizes conquest, while the second, on a red horse, represents war. The third rider, on a black horse, carries scales, signifying famine, and the fourth, on a pale horse, embodies death, with Hades following closely behind. This vivid imagery sets a dark and foreboding tone, suggesting an inevitable and catastrophic end.
The repeated plea to "fall on us, and hide us from the tyrant who is Satanically enthroned" underscores a sense of helplessness and fear in the face of overwhelming evil. The "marks of the evil one" spreading everywhere suggest a pervasive and inescapable influence of malevolence, possibly alluding to the Antichrist or Satan's dominion over the world. The song's lyrics evoke a sense of dread and urgency, as if the end is not just near but already unfolding.
Ghost, known for their theatrical and often satanic themes, uses this song to explore the concept of evil's omnipresence and the futility of resisting it. The imagery of the "serpent's lair" and the "falling sky" further enhances the apocalyptic theme, painting a picture of a world succumbing to darkness. The song's haunting refrain and relentless rhythm mirror the unstoppable march of the horsemen, leaving listeners with a chilling reminder of the potential for chaos and destruction inherent in human nature and the world at large.