The song "Master of Death" intricately aligns with Dr. Zaraki’s introspection, emotions, and complex role as both protector and wielder of cosmic power in the epilogue. As the narrative delves into his defiance of fate, his millennia-long burden, and the depth of his love for his daughter, the lyrics reflect his duality—being the arbiter of life and death while battling the cost of that responsibility. His fear of losing Star, his fury at the stars, and his resolve to rewrite destiny are all encapsulated in the song’s haunting and powerful themes.
Lyrics with Correlation
[Intro]
"In the stillness, shadows creep,
I hold the souls that never sleep,
Between the stars, the void, the breath,
I am the one they call… the Master of Death."
Connection:
The intro reflects Zaraki’s role as the cosmic arbiter of life and death, tasked with maintaining balance. His existence in the shadow of the stars’ prophecy underscores his unique power and isolation. The “souls that never sleep” evoke the weight of his millennia-long duty to collect and manage souls, as he reflects on his eternal role and the prophecy that now threatens his daughter .
[Verse 1]
"In the lab, I weave and bind,
Flesh and bone, the soul entwined,
Science sharp, and heart so cold,
I play with life, with power untold."
"I reshape fate with steady hand,
DNA, I twist, command,
But every life I tear from fate,
Is weighed with shadows, far too late."
Connection:
This verse captures Zaraki’s dual reliance on science and cosmic power, epitomized by his manipulation of life itself. His actions to save Star—twisting fate and defying the natural cycle—highlight his resolve and the unintended consequences of his choices. The regret woven into the lyrics mirrors his introspection about the cost of safeguarding Star and the lives altered by his intervention .
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[Chorus]
"I walk the line where shadows meet,
Between the stars and souls I keep,
Master of Death, I hold the gate,
The balance tips, too late, too late."
"Through ancient skies, where silence sings,
I pull the strings of mortal things,
Master of Death, but bound by fate,
I wait, I wait, the stars dictate."
Connection:
The chorus reflects Zaraki’s precarious position as both the wielder and subject of the stars’ power. His defiance in the epilogue—declaring that he will destroy the world if his daughter is taken—reveals the tension between his role as protector and his anger at being bound by cosmic design. The “balance tipping” captures his acknowledgment that his actions have consequences beyond his control .
[Verse 2]
"In my daughter’s eyes, I see,
The price of immortality,
Saved her soul, but broke her mind,
A love like mine, cruel and blind."
"Her life restored, but what’s the cost?
In saving her, what have I lost?
I am her father, savior, foe,
In my hands, her heart beats slow."
Connection:
This verse captures Zaraki’s anguish as he reflects on his choices to save Star at any cost. His recognition of the toll his actions have taken on her mental and emotional well-being resonates with his deep love and guilt. The conflicting roles of “father, savior, foe” align with his internal struggle to justify the price of protecting her while questioning if he’s truly helped her .
[Bridge]
"Prophecies burn, and time collapses,
In the chaos, fate amasses,
Sinews break, the stars collide,
I stand alone, the end implied."
"Science cracks, the ancient roar,
The worlds collide in cosmic war,
Master of Death, I fight the tide,
But cannot stop what lives inside."
Connection:
The bridge reflects Zaraki’s defiance as he stands against the overwhelming force of prophecy and cosmic power. His declaration to the stars that he will turn their plans against them mirrors the song’s defiant tone. The imagery of “time collapsing” and “cosmic war” underscores the scale of the battle he faces, both externally and internally .
[Final Chorus]
"I walk the line where shadows meet,
Between the stars and souls I keep,
Master of Death, I hold the gate,
The balance tips, too late, too late."
"I pull the strings of life and death,
But I can’t stop the fading breath,
Master of Death, bound by the stars,
Their light fades slowly from afar."
Connection:
The final chorus echoes Zaraki’s resignation to his role and the enormity of his task. While he vows to protect Star and Cayro, the acknowledgment of the “fading breath” signifies his understanding that even his power has limits. The fading light of the stars reflects his wavering faith in their plan, his defiance coupled with the crushing weight of responsibility .
[Outro]
"In the silence, shadows fall,
I answer every distant call,
Master of Death, I stand alone,
In the void, I make my throne."
Connection:
The outro captures Zaraki’s isolation, his existence defined by his cosmic role and the solitude it demands. As he stares into the vastness of the stars, their whispers fading, he is left to grapple with his vow and the weight of his choices. His loneliness is both a consequence of his power and the source of his strength, defining him as the Master of Death .
Conclusion:
"Master of Death" is the perfect thematic accompaniment to Dr. Zaraki’s introspection in the epilogue. The song encapsulates his internal battle, his defiance of fate, and his deep-seated love for Star. The powerful, haunting symphonic metal style mirrors his isolation and cosmic burden, making it an anthem for a character grappling with the weight of his existence and the lives bound to it.