"Heaven Shall Burn's song Extermination Order" is a powerful and emotionally charged piece that speaks about the brutal historical event known as the genocide committed against the Herero and Nama people in Namibia during the German colonial rule in the early 20th century. The lyrics focus on the central figure of Trotha, who was a General in the German army and issued the infamous "Extermination Order." The song is a condemnation of Trotha's actions and a call for justice and remembrance of the victims. The lyrics describe the anger and pain carried in the hearts of those affected by the genocide. They speak of the march towards damnation, symbolizing the oppression and suffering endured by the Herero and Nama people. The mention of fathers' blood running down the Waterberg and mothers' cries fading away in endless deserts reflects the horrors faced by the victims. The song also addresses the survivors who carry the scars for life and the subsequent generations affected by the genocide. The lyrics express a plea for the truth to be acknowledged and for the perpetrators to take responsibility for their actions. It calls out the oppressors, urging them to face the consequences of their crimes. The shadow of the genocide is said to eclipse the narrator's haunted soul forever, emphasizing the lasting impact and trauma caused by such atrocities. The song also criticizes the empty words of remorse and disrespect shown towards the dead. Overall, "Extermination Order" serves as a protest against the historical injustice and the need for acknowledgment, remembrance, and accountability for the genocide committed against the Herero and Nama people.
