Description
“I hadn?t heard a note of Germany?s black metal quartet Darkened Nocturn Slaughtercult until guitarist/frontwoman Onielar took over the coveted mic for fellow German legends Bethlehem in 2016 on their self-titled album. Impressed by her manic delivery, I awaited word on when Mardom, their sixth album and their first release in six years, would drop into my willing paws, and see if that craziness would continue into her main band.
The only craziness found on Mardom lies in how frigid, traditional, and outright fucking good this is. ?Mardom ? Echo Zmory? wastes no time in leveling you with militaristic blasts, razor-sharp riffing, and Onielar cackling and shrieking like a wraith brought back for vengeance. The intensity only lets up just enough for some of the more atmospheric chords used by Onielar and fellow guitarist Velnias to breathe and build up tension before returning to realms of blastbeats and tremolo madness. Also, kudos to Horrn for using the ?BOOTS-AND-PANTS? drum pattern that actually fits within the context of the song without it sounding hokey and laugh-inducing!
Mardom hooks, slices, and riffs like six years of time didn?t happen between albums. ?T.O.W.D.A.T.H.A.B.T.E.? scratches that Immortal itch nicely with chilly riffs, thick bass, and some really cool fills by Horrn. Album highlight ?Imperishable Soulless Gown? doubles down on the ferocity and hooks, with Horrn?s most thundering drumming and Onielar?s maniacal howls and shrieks elevating above an already impressive ?we?re back and oh, by the way, fuck you? arrival party. Rarely does the album feel like a chore to listen to, as very little of the album?s 44 minutes is wasted.” – Angry Metal Guy