Meaning of "Moscow After Dark" by Powerwolf

The meaning behind the lyrics of "Moscow After Dark" intertwines both the atmospheric elements and political undertones. The repeated phrases "Moscow after dark" create a sense of foreboding and danger, setting the scene for a nightmarish experience. The references to "Nightmare, hell and thunderstorm" and "Damnation, worship and frost" further emphasize the sinister atmosphere. The song then takes a political turn, with lines like "Hammer, Sichel, Sovietstern" and "Perestroika ist so fern" referring to Soviet symbolism and the distance from the concept of Perestroika (restructuring). This portrays a sense of longing for the past when the Soviet Union was at its peak. The mention of the "Rise of the Eastern star" could be interpreted as a reference to the rise of the Soviet Union or the power it held in the Eastern Bloc.

As the song progresses, it becomes more intense, with references to metal music being for everyone ("Metal ist für alle da") and the names Breschnew (Brezhnev) and Glasnost (Glasnost, a policy of openness in the Soviet Union). These references reflect a juxtaposition between power and restriction, as well as the disillusionment that came with the decline of the Soviet Union. The lyrics "Hart und eisig ist der Frost" (the frost is hard and icy) mirror the harshness of the city itself and the struggles faced by its inhabitants.

The chorus of the song carries a message of resistance and defiance. The lines "Resist the sign of evil" and "Alive or dead we're leaving" suggest an unwillingness to succumb to the darkness and a determination to escape. The mention of hallelujas and crosses being ineffective highlights a sense of hopelessness and the need for individual strength and resilience in the face of adversity. The repeated phrase "Moscow, Moscow after dark" recalls the initial imagery and establishes it as a recurring theme throughout the song, emphasizing the enduring darkness and danger that pervade the city.