From the initial reveal, it’s clear that Games Workshop spared no effort in making this production resonate with the grim grandeur of the 41st Millennium.
The solemn choir, the reverential lyrics, and the oil-paint-inspired animation all converge to transform the humble notion of a “music video” into something that might resonate through the vaulted cathedra of the Adeptus Ministorum itself.
Written in High Gothic — Translated by Adeptus Ars
Perhaps the most exciting development—especially for Warhammer 40,000 lore aficionados—is the coining of what is described as a truly coherent “chunk” of High Gothic.
While we’ve caught glimpses of the Emperor’s sacred tongue etched onto purity seals and relics in the past, this is the first time it’s been fashioned into a complete piece of music, let alone sung by a professional choir.
The Hymn in High Gothic
Druvata Imperator dux noster;
in eman sua firmissimus.
Sacrificium eius illuminare fecit;
Druvata nostrae puritas
Nos kandu electa eius
Egredere facem mahsemo.
Renuntiatio eius helel;
Per tenebras et pólemos.
Nam qui eius ma’or.
Azar mundans iacet.
Hostes Imperium,
Da veniam irae.
Ora Imperator, praebe nobis tuam fortitudinem
Ut simus tui justi khang.
Omnis ut efches,
Nullus furor sanctum eius effugiat.
The Hymn: Translated
Steadfast Emperor, our guide,
In Your hand lies unyielding might.
By Your sacrifice, we are illuminated;
Ours is a purity born of steadfast faith.
We, the chosen of Your divine call,
Go forth bearing the sacred torch.
In Your name, all corruption is renounced;
For we tread through darkness and war.
You alone hold dominion over all,
While Azar, the purifier, remains ever-watchful.
Enemies of the Imperium,
Grant us leave to unleash our righteous wrath.
Hear us, O Emperor; grant us Your strength,
That we may stand as Your just and holy champions.
Thus shall all be fulfilled by Your will,
And no fury shall escape Your sacred judgment.
These stirring words perfectly capture the piety, martial resolve, and unshakeable devotion of the Imperium. Each phrase is woven with references to unwavering loyalty, the Emperor’s sacrifice, and the faithful’s duty to purge darkness wherever it lurks.
Behind the Scenes: A Labor for the Faithful
According to Games Workshop, creating this hymn required a monumental effort. Emmy-nominated composer and Warhammer super-fan Jonathan Hartman crafted the score, wedding the High Gothic text to somber, imposing melodies that echo the unyielding faith of the Adepta Sororitas.
The full composition was then recorded in Sofia, Bulgaria, under the guidance of choir director George Elekov—a testament to the studio’s commitment to authenticity.
Visually, the Warhammer animations team leaned into an oil-paint aesthetic, bringing to life the art that has always fueled fans’ imaginations. Iconic images of lone Sisters of Battle kneeling in fervent prayer or bearing relics amid the ruins of war are transformed into flowing sequences, telling a story of piety, adoration, and (as the hymn crescendos) the sacrifice that defines the Imperium.
You can listen to the hymn below: