The Last Cheek

Pantokrator's song "The Last Cheek" delves into the complex interplay between divine justice, human aggression, and the concept of forgiveness. The lyrics open with a reference to the Christian teaching of turning the other cheek, suggesting an initial stance of non-violence and forgiveness. However, the song quickly shifts to a warning, advising the aggressor to reconsider their actions. This sets the stage for a deeper exploration of the consequences of crossing moral and spiritual boundaries.

The song employs powerful biblical imagery, invoking the stories of Abel and Cain to illustrate the gravity of the situation. Abel's blood, symbolizing innocence and unjust suffering, is said to scream in the veins of the narrator, while the mark of Cain, a symbol of divine punishment and eternal wandering, burns upon their face. This duality underscores the tension between victimhood and the potential for divine retribution. The mention of a door shut on a millennia of holy rage and a mantle drenched in blood further amplifies the sense of impending divine judgment.

As the song progresses, the narrator acknowledges their own sinfulness but emphasizes that their avenger is a holy God. This acknowledgment serves as a reminder of the ultimate authority and justice of the divine. The lyrics caution the aggressor to consider the cost of their actions, warning that divine retribution, once enacted, is final and absolute. The imagery of a lion on a leash and the line in the sand drawn for the aggressor's protection, not the narrator's, reinforces the idea that divine justice is both imminent and inescapable. The closing lines, invoking a plea for forgiveness and protection, add a layer of compassion and hope, suggesting that even in the face of divine wrath, there is room for mercy and redemption.