Dimmu Borgir’s “Gateways” featuring Agnete Kjølsrud is an empowerment and spiritual transformation anthem. The song explores themes of personal freedom, the power to control one’s destiny, and the idea of spiritual rebirth. It’s about breaking free from societal norms and embracing your true self. Here, “Gateways” refers to transitional points in life that allow you to move from one phase to another, breaking internal and external barriers. The message is clear: You are your own master, with the power to unlock any door in your life.
Craving a deeper look at the mystical journey that “Gateways” takes you on? Stick around for a lyrical breakdown that’ll get you pondering your own “master plan.”
“Gateways” Lyrics Meaning
The song kicks off with the line “The core principle of freedom is the only notion to obey.” Freedom is not just a concept; it’s a fundamental principle to live by. This echoes the idea that personal freedom is one’s highest calling. The “formula of evolution and sin” follows as the path that leads the way, suggesting that growth often comes from grappling with our darker aspects or defying societal norms.
The “rebirth” mentioned is a transformative process, a “slow awakening from slumber.” You’re not just waking up physically; you’re waking up to new truths, to new freedoms, to a new you. This transformation is not easy but is necessary for claiming the “gift” in this case, personal empowerment.
The chorus sung by Agnete & Shagrath hits hard: “The malpractice of the spirit ends.” This is where past mistakes or sins are let go. You attain the “gift,” unlocking the “Gateways” to a new phase of life. The lines “No rules or restraints are longer valid” reinforce the idea of ultimate freedom. You’re not bound by the past, by society, or by any limitations.
The bridge, “It’s all there for the eyes that can see,” speaks volumes. Enlightenment is available to those willing to open their eyes, but “The blind ones will always suffer in secrecy.” Ignorance is not bliss; it’s a self-imposed prison.
The outro culminates with a choice presented in binaries—be the broken or the breaker, the giver or the undertaker. The power to shape your own life is in your hands, symbolized by “the keys.” You are the “sole creator of your own master plan.”
The Story Behind “Gateways”
When Dimmu Borgir and Agnete Kjølsrud collaborated on this track, they navigated significant changes in their careers. The band had undergone multiple lineup changes, and this song came as a part of their ninth studio album, “Abrahadabra,” a title borrowed from an occult phrase meaning “I create as I speak.”
The album’s themes primarily focus on personal transformation, making “Gateways” a cornerstone. It explores the philosophical underpinnings of freedom and the notion that personal evolution comes from a place of both light and dark. For Agnete Kjølsrud, known for her eclectic style and avant-garde approach to music, the song was an opportunity to bring a unique flavor to the band’s heavy symphonic sound.
The lyrics reflect a mood of existential contemplation, the kind that comes when you’re at a significant crossroad in life. In this state, both Dimmu Borgir and Kjølsrud manage to vocalize the universal struggle with external limitations and inner barriers. It’s about the tumultuous path to self-empowerment and the choices that pave the way.
So, when you listen to “Gateways,” consider it a sonic mirror. It’s asking you to see your potential, make choices, and awaken to your power. Whether you’re in a phase of questioning or transformation, this song serves as a reminder that you have the keys to your own gateways.