The Hordes Of Nebulah
Darkthrone
Cosmic Desolation and Eternal Wanderers: The Hordes Of Nebulah
Darkthrone's song "The Hordes Of Nebulah" delves into themes of cosmic desolation, existential dread, and the insignificance of humanity in the vastness of the universe. The lyrics paint a picture of a journey through the cosmos, where the travelers, referred to as the 'hordes of nebula,' are confronted with the overwhelming emptiness and the passage of time. The imagery of 'flying shadows' and 'the eyes of the vast uranus' suggests a celestial perspective, observing the decay and fading of the universe's wonders.
The song invokes a sense of ancient wisdom and curses, with references to 'the elders' and 'the solstice of the sun.' These elements contribute to a feeling of timelessness and the cyclical nature of existence. The 'walls of eternity' and the 'fog of nebula' symbolize barriers and obscurities that the travelers have escaped, only to find themselves in a state of perpetual wandering and searching. The mention of 'millenniums ago' and the idea that what lies beyond the gate is in the past further emphasize the theme of time's relentless march and the futility of their quest.
As the hordes traverse the 'eternal sea of void,' they encounter a distant light, a 'mighty sun,' which represents a glimmer of hope or a destination. However, the uncertainty of whether they will reach it before it dies, and the 'swords of time' pointing at their hearts, underscore the inevitability of decay and the transient nature of existence. The final lines, describing the 'raped' grass and 'eternal misery,' evoke a sense of desolation and the harsh reality of their journey. Darkthrone's use of vivid, cosmic imagery and existential themes creates a haunting and thought-provoking narrative that resonates with the listener's own contemplation of life's impermanence and the vast unknown.