The hidden meaning in rare Ghost track ‘Zenith’
It only feels right that ‘Zenith’, the mysterious Ghost track, has finally become streamable. This song remained mysterious for years, accessible only on YouTube or through fan recommendations. Despite its elusive nature, this hidden treasure has captured fans’ hearts. True to Ghost’s style, its lyrics carry a poetic allure — but do these cryptic words conceal a deeper meaning?
Ghost has become one of those bands where it’s almost impossible to predict what they’re going to do next. This is the allure — frontman Tobias Forge effectively reinvents the entire band’s image every time there’s a new release, which is the perfect fodder for fan speculation. After the release of Impera in 2022, theories have been circulating about what’s next in store.
Aside from a haunting rendition of Shakespears Sister ‘Stay’ for Insidious: The Red Door and a covers EP, Ghost has yet to reveal what the next chapter will truly look like. However, the band also recently released 13 Commandments, a 13-track compilation album comprising some of their biggest hits. The only exception was the inclusion of ‘Zenith’, a track that fans have been waiting years to be able to stream.
‘Zenith’ was initially released as a bonus track on the Japanese edition of their 2013 album Infestissumam and carries the signature theatrical and occult-themed style that Ghost is known for, featuring ominous yet melodic instrumentation accompanied by enigmatic vocals. The track serves as a prime example of Ghost’s skill in creating ominous atmospheric music intertwined with intricate storytelling, adding an intriguing layer to their discography.
Aside from its long-awaited presence on streaming platforms, the song seems to have arrived at the perfect time in Ghost lore and addresses the natural inquisitiveness that fans have acquired over the years. In essence, the song tackles the problematic nature of pursuing knowledge and the consequences of doing so. However, this is presented under the guise of Ghost’s signature lyrical poeticism.
The song masterfully tackles notions of passing time and the role of discovering logic in human existence. It claims that, as we reach the “zenith” of our existence, we seek to become enlightened to knowledge without considering the darkness behind it. As Forge puts it when he sings: “We conquered a magic, we counted the stars / Deciphered the clockwork, enacted this farce / Devoured by shadows, we cling to the light / Deluded by wisdom, the bringer of night.”
The chorus implies a cautionary message, signalling that time is slipping away and what’s deemed right might soon turn awry. The powerful winds may symbolise a calamitous event or the transformative shifts in life brought by passing years. It asserts that divine intervention won’t mitigate the repercussions, emphasising the need for individual resilience and determination to navigate through these challenges.
The bridge alludes to an enduring sense of certainty transcending mortal existence, referencing the Latin phrase “Saecula Saeculorum”, signifying everlasting eternity. In the second verse, it delves into how these acquired truths lead to a challenging yet rewarding journey, hinting at the pursuit of knowledge as a pathway to enlightenment.
No one knows what Ghost will do next: their tracks are virtually untraceable. However, maybe releasing ‘Zenith’ is a warning against collecting such details. Maybe it’s all just one overarching lesson that says we should go along for the ride because any and all guessing games will inevitably be dispelled anyway.
