Gorham’s Cave is on the island of Gibraltar off the coast of Spain. For a time at least, this was the place on the planet where you could find the oldest known remains of the Neanderthals, that other species of human that co-existed with us for tens of thousands of years. This story imagines the last band of Neanderthals, assailed by an Ice Age and the incursions of Cro-Magnon Man, as they prepare to meet extinction. Interestingly, recent genetic studies have shown that most Europeans carry within them a small percentage of Neanderthal DNA, so perhaps things didn’t end up quite as bleakly as the song title suggests.
lyrics
"Last Stand on Gibraltar"
In Gorham’s Cave, out of the cold, we huddle round
The Fire of Nerfil we have burned for generations,
Weary and worn down, the coughing claims the Ancient One.
Fear dances in the flames for we are abandoned:
Our Gods have fled; the winter is without end
And the Southern Devils hunt us down…
On the brink, last in line
Pushed into the corner,
Out of hope, out of time
Facing extinction…
Last stand on Gibraltar!
Last stand on Gibraltar!
The seasons stand encased in ice, a frost wind blows
Across the marsh it bears the sounds of chanting,
They come for us; black faces mad against the snow.
Rage courses in our veins for we are too few:
They come for blood and blood is what we’ll give them
And with violence curse the Whore of Fate…
On the brink, last in line
Pushed into the corner,
Out of hope, out of time
Facing extinction…
Last stand on Gibraltar!
Last stand on Gibraltar!
With club and spear we smash into their scrawny forms
One last dance with The Bear God in our hearts
Crushing bone, tearing flesh, roaring out defiance!
Hate shines in our eyes for this is our end-time:
Despair and anguish; the Devils kill the children
And beneath the insect swarm we fall…
On the brink, last in line
Pushed into the corner,
Out of hope, out of time
Facing extinction…
Last stand on Gibraltar!
Last stand on Gibraltar!
credits
from A Demon Rising (EP),
released July 10, 2012
Rick Cardellini – Lead Guitar/Bass
Vinnie Cardellini – Drums
Curtis Beardy – Guitar/Backing Vocals
Graham Harris - Vocals
Since 2010, Hammerdone has been honing a distinct sound that mixes intense aggression, dark atmosphere and elegant melodies to deliver death metal that is both epic and catchy. No clean singing, no symphonics.
supported by 7 fans who also own “Last Stand On Gibraltar”
This album is, without a shadow of a doubt, my favourite album of all time. Lyrically magnificent, musically phenomenal, and the plot is one of the most well constructed things I've ever seen, being both coherent and deep. Don't miss up on the chance to listen to this beast, it is truly incredible. iamtherevenant
supported by 7 fans who also own “Last Stand On Gibraltar”
Not gonna lie, I don't usually go in for the super composed, melodic flavor of black metal. That said, I'm thoroughly enjoying this release. Gives kinda an Old Man's Child type vibe. Ghuughra