"Torquemada 71" is a song by the band Electric Wizard, known for their dark and heavy musical style. The lyrics in the song depict themes of sadism, torture, and a fascination with the historical figure Tomas de Torquemada. Tomas de Torquemada was a 15th-century Spanish clergyman who served as the first Grand Inquisitor during the Spanish Inquisition. He was known for his brutal methods of extracting confessions from supposed heretics, often through the use of torture. The song's title, "Torquemada 71," refers to this historical figure. The lyrics describe the protagonist as a sadistic individual who enjoys torturing others, particularly women. The references to a "baby writhing on my torture rack" and a "naked flesh bears His mark" suggest the dark and twisted nature of the protagonist's actions. The mention of "countess Bathory" in the lyrics refers to Elizabeth Báthory, a Hungarian noblewoman who was rumored to have killed hundreds of young girls and bathed in their blood to maintain her youth. She is another historical figure associated with sadism and violence. Overall, the song's lyrics paint a dark and macabre picture, focusing on themes of torture, pain, and sadistic pleasure. It is important to note that these lyrics should be interpreted within the context of Electric Wizard's music, which often explores similar dark and occult themes through their heavy and distorted sound.
