Regain, 2009
5/10
Long-running Swedish black metal band Marduk has long been the source of controversy, and their output in recent years has been becoming more prolific. Their latest album, Wormwood, is a split affair. A bare majority of the ten tracks are simple, dready melodies draped over blinding-fast drumming and buzzsaw guitars. A short interlude is thrown in, and the remaining songs are somber, slow dirges. Unquestionably, the highlight of Wormwood is “Phosphorous Redeemer”, a fast, technical blitzkrieg whose ominous bell tolls evoke dark forebodings. The remainder of the album doesn’t hold up as well, as the slow songs bored me and others simply didn’t grab my attention. What I find interesting is the loose, punk-like feel of many of the songs. By punk I mean the chaotic, discordant songs of older bands like Dead Kennedys and Black Flag. The production of the album is fantastic, and seems to capture the raw heaviness of Marduk well. There’s many positive attributes to Wormwood, and I have a gut feeling that long-time fans of Marduk won’t be left feeling disappointed like I am.
Marduk will be appearing at Station 4 in St. Paul on Sunday, December 13. Support will come from Nachtmystium, Merrimack, and Mantic Ritual, Mashu, and Wraithian.
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