"The Ritual And The Reckoning" by Unleash The Archers is a song that tells a story set in a new age, a golden age. The lyrics paint a dark and intense picture of a sacrificial ritual that will bring about a significant change. The protagonist wields a blade, referring to it as obsidian, and it represents their intentions to carry out a holy and significant act. They plan to pluck the heart from someone who is deemed worthy and place it on an altar, invoking a sense of ritualistic sacrifice. The line "Time to die" emphasizes the gravity and seriousness of the act. As the ritual progresses, the peaks rise, and the chalice used in the ceremony fills with rivers of sacrifice. This suggests that the sacrifice is essential for some greater purpose. Once the time is right, the drink from the chalice will spill onto the steps of the sun, symbolizing a transformative event. The lyrics then shift their focus to the protagonist, urging them to become the heart that saves what has been undone. The importance of this task is emphasized, as it is described as being "worth death." They must save something that seems impossible to save, described as "worthless." Fire is lit within the gaping wound, and torches are lit from the resultant flame. The cold hearth in every temple is suspended, indicating a period of emptiness and darkness. The lyrics suggest that the world is entering a time of despair and struggle. In the following lines, the lyrics mention the passing of time, with the hands ticking closer to "the twelve" and "the final five." This creates a sense of urgency and impending doom. The mention of the God falling from the sky if new fire is not brought forth from the ribs adds a layer of mysticism and divine consequence. The song seeks strength, emphasizing that failure is not an option. The light, representing hope and positive change, must come and drive away the darkness. The lyrics mention the destruction of mankind, suggesting a significant transformation or renewal. Harkening in this solar era, the skies will fill with cries of victory, indicating the triumphant outcome of the ritual. The song ends with a reference to the Mayan calendar, mentioning "Thirteen Reed" and "Twenty Ahau," which are dates in the Mayan system. This reference to time and ancient civilizations adds an additional layer of historical and mythological context to the story. Overall, "The Ritual And The Reckoning" portrays a narrative of a sacred ritual that holds the potential to bring about a new age. It explores themes of sacrifice, transformation, and the battle between light and darkness.
