The Meads of Asphodel, ‘From Eagle to Cross’ — Killer Song Lyrics

Killer Lyrics: Addicted to God / Awaiting the end of days / With martyred flesh / Strewn across death beds of clay

The UK-based, medieval-flavored Meads of Asphodel have a lofty concept for their fifth studio album, 'Murder of Jesus the Jew.' It's an historical look of Yeshua bar Yoseph -- more famously known as Jesus Christ -- and the presence of the Christian church. Jesus and Christianity are surely not subjects untouched by black metal bands, but the Meads of Asphodel wanted to take a more scholarly approach to the controversial issues.

"This track sums up a lot of what the 'Murder of Jesus the Jew' album is all about," vocalist Metatron told Noisecreep, about the song 'From Eagle to Cross.' Metatron mentioned it was about "the countless martyrs who have died for their faith, all addicted to God." The band has extensive background notes and explanations of all the album's lyrics, but Metatron provided an encapsulation of 'From Eagle to Cross.'

"The song is about the old Roman Empire morphing into the Holy Roman Empire," Metatron explained. "The legion's eagle standards being replaced by the cross. Lines like 'from Caesar to pope, on bended knees repent' states the Pope's role as Caesar, both demanding obedience. Or take the lines 'I'm the offspring of chaos, the croaking face of grim, from eagle to cross, to absolve all from sin.' Here the birth of the Christian church from the chaos of the crumbing Roman Empire is revealed."

In late 2010, a video documentary of the band was released.