Meaning of "Necromancer" by Judas Priest

The lyrics of "Necromancer" delve into the sinister world of dark magic and the manipulation of life and death. The figure of the necromancer represents a malevolent force that defies the natural order and disturbs the balance between life and death. Born out of hell and associated with Gomorrah, a biblical city associated with sin and debauchery, the necromancer represents the embodiment of evil and depravity.

The necromancer's actions, such as purging new graves and defiling the souls, demonstrate an utter disregard for the sanctity of life and death. By raising the dead from their resting places, the necromancer disrupts the natural cycle and commits sacrilege. This act of defilement is further emphasized through the description of splintering bones and feasting on flesh, painting a gruesome picture of the necromancer reveling in the desecration of the deceased.

The references to the moonlight being expelled from the eyes of the beast suggest a metaphorical loss of innocence and purity. The necromancer dances on the graves of the pure and righteous, signifying a triumph of darkness over light. This imagery reinforces the theme of the necromancer as an agent of evil, defying moral boundaries and gleefully embracing wickedness.

The repetition of the lines "Necromancer - death's his guiding light / Necromancer - stealing afterlife" serves to underscore the central theme of the song. Death becomes a guiding force for the necromancer, who steals the afterlife from those he preys upon. This highlights a perversion of the natural order, as well as the necromancer's desire for power and control over life and death.

Overall, the lyrics of "Necromancer" explore the dark world of a malevolent sorcerer who defies the natural order, revels in death and darkness, and seeks to dominate the afterlife. It serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of tampering with life and death and the potential consequences of embracing evil.