The Gamma Ray song "Angel of Death" tells a story of various disastrous events throughout history. The lyrics mention a fire starting in Frisco (possibly referring to the San Francisco earthquake and subsequent fires in 1906), as well as the devastation of World Wars I and II. The lyrics also mention the rise of Adolf Hitler and the anticipation of a future holocaust. The song references the French philosopher Nostradamus, who supposedly predicted a catastrophic event in the late 20th century caused by an angel of death. The song questions whether this prophecy is true. Towards the end of the song, the lyrics shift to a personal perspective, with the narrator recounting the death of their father. The father is depicted as suffering from a mysterious disease with no cure and begging for mercy from God before ultimately succumbing to madness and death. Overall, "Angel of Death" explores themes of destruction, suffering, and the question of whether divine intervention or mercy exists in times of crisis. The song suggests a sense of impending doom and raises philosophical and existential questions about the nature of humanity and its potential downfall.
