Dimmu Borgir is a Norwegian symphonic black metal band from Jessheim, forme… Read Full Bio ↴Dimmu Borgir is a Norwegian symphonic black metal band from Jessheim, formed in 1993. The name is derived from Dimmuborgir, a volcanic formation in Iceland, the name of which means "dark cities" or "dark castles/fortresses" in Icelandic, Faroese and Old Norse. The band has been through numerous lineup changes over the years; vocalist Shagrath and rhythm guitarist Silenoz are the only original members who still remain, with lead guitarist Galder being a longstanding member.

Full Wikipedia article: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dimmu_Borgir

Studio albums
For all tid (1995)
Stormblåst (1996)
Enthrone Darkness Triumphant (1997)
Spiritual Black Dimensions (1999)
Puritanical Euphoric Misanthropia (2001)
Death Cult Armageddon (2003)
Stormblåst MMV (2005)
In Sorte Diaboli (2007)
Abrahadabra (2010)
Eonian (2018)

ÆTheric
Dimmu Borgir Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

The word that has been spoken
Through time and time again
Is the light that inhabits our voice
The light that keeps us aflame

All retrospection is invalid
As we've been fed disdain
Confined to the fence of knowledge

We need to die, die again

To govern thyself
You must know your darkness
To govern thyself
You must know your past

All rise and fall
All is internal
All eternal
All rise and fall

All is internal
All eternal
All rise and fall

Controlling matter with will
We withstand every storm
In and out of exile
Spirit, matter and form

To govern thyself
You must know your darkness

To govern thyself
You must know your past

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Dimmu Borgir's song "Ætheic" convey a message of self-reflection in order to gain self-governance and control. It begins with the recognition that the spoken word holds immense power as it carries the light that keeps us going. However, any retrospective analysis of oneself is pointless because we have been conditioned to feel negativity and be restrained by perceived knowledge. The only way to break free from this cycle of hopelessness is through death and rebirth - a complete overhaul of one's perspective.

The subsequent verse indicates that understanding one's darkness and past is crucial in order to gain self-governance. The repetition of the phrase "all rise and fall" reinforces the cycle of life, death and rebirth which is necessary for growth. The ultimate goal of self-governance is achieved by mastering the control of matter through sheer willpower, and through resilience in times of hardship.

Overall, the song encourages us to get in touch with our inner selves and to recognize the power of our thoughts and emotions. Once we have mastered our inner turmoil and the cycles of life, we can attain complete control over our surroundings, affecting positive change not only in our own lives but in those around us.

Line by Line Meaning

The word that has been spoken
The message that has been delivered

Through time and time again
Repeated over the ages

Is the light that inhabits our voice
A source of illumination that resonates in our speech

The light that keeps us aflame
A flame that keeps us alive

All retrospection is invalid
The past is irrelevant

As we've been fed disdain
We have consumed messages of contempt

Confined to the fence of knowledge
Trapped within the boundaries of what we know

We need to die, die again
We must renounce our old selves and be reborn

To govern thyself
To rule over oneself

You must know your darkness
To succeed, one must be aware of their own darkness

To govern thyself
To rule over oneself