 This is another early Sabbat song which was first recorded for the demo tape "Fragments of a Faith Forgotten" in May 1986.Speaking to "Metal Hammer" magazine after the recording of the album, lyricist Martin Walkyier explained that "Hosanna in Excelsis" describes "the last fight between Heaven and Hell and is based on the bible", referring to the subject matter of the Book of Revelation.The title of the song is a reference to part of the Sanctus hymn which traditionally forms the fourth part of a mass in classical music.