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artist: Marduk
title: Serpent Sermon
year: 2012
genre: Black Metal
type: Album
label: Century Media Records
language: English
rel. date: 2012-06-05
source: WEB/MP3
quality: CBR 320kbps / 44.1 kHz / Full Stereo
runtime: 00:46:19
size: 111.39MB
rip date: 2025-04-26
source url: http://deezer.com/album/11317854
tracklist:
1. Serpent Sermon 4:38
2. Messianic Pestilence 2:50
3. Souls for Belial 4:45
4. Into Second Death 5:11
5. Temple of Decay 5:25
6. Damnation's Gold 6:48
7. Hail Mary (Piss Soaked Genefluxion) 3:27
8. M.A.M.M.O.N 3:29
9. Gospel of the Worm 2:37
10. World of Blades 7:09
release notes:
Hailed as being one of the premier groups when it comes to
anti-Christian black metal, Marduk are back at the helm of their
Panzerkampfwagen and ready to decimate all who lay in their path. The
band has gone through some variable sound changes throughout their 22
year career, but have always been able to keep a foothold in the
barbarity of it all. While I know that the last few Mortuus-era albums
have been received with split impressions, I have always been a fan of
Marduk throughout their illustrious career, and I was eagerly awaiting
their brand new offering, ôSerpent Sermonô. A few weeks ago they
decided to be giant cockteases and released a music video for æSouls
For BelialÆ, and while it did take a few listens to grow on me, my
anticipation was growing by the minute.
If there is one immediate difference I have seen in ôSerpent Sermonö
than from the bands other output, it is that this album isnÆt as
straight forward as one may think. Marduk has created a sound that is
much more atmospheric and progressive, mainly relying on Mortuus to
draw in the listenerà at least thatÆs what they want you to believe.
ÆMessianic PestilenceÆ comes forth with a fury that only black metal
can provide and grants the wish to those who crave a more traditional
sound. Even when moving onto æSouls For BelialÆ for the 800th time I
am very happy to see the variation that Marduk is incorporating into
their music.
I already mentioned that some may be thrown off by the direction
Marduk has taken with ôSerpent Sermonô, but this is what makes it
exciting, for you are not given just another black metal album. Of
course there are going to be the usual mainstays of black metal
throughout the album, but the creative liberty the group has taken
just works. Mortuus does not just screech in a hail of cacophonous
lyrics, but instead uses different shrill approaches while you are
pummeled by the rest of the group. For instance, æInto Second DeathÆ,
æTemple of DecayÆ, æM.A.M.M.O.NÆ, and æWorld of BladesÆ take a turn
towards more controlled and melodically ôepicö territories, and
Mortuus takes advantage of the atmosphere and gives a chilling
performance, even if he does sound like Shagrath (Dimmu Borgir) at
times.
Now, just because I am focusing a lot on elements that we might not
have expected from Marduk does not mean you wonÆt get a healthy dose
of blastbeats and razor sharp riffing. ÆMessianic PestilenceÆ,
æDamnationÆs GoldÆ, æHail Mary (Piss-soaked Genuflexion)Æ and æGospel
of the WormÆ are crafted with nothing more than blazing hatred. In
fact, æDamnationÆs GoldÆ may be my favorite track on this album
because not only does it do an excellent job of keeping with Mardukæs
older style, but they also do an amazing job putting in their newer
ideas, too. No matter which style one may prefer, there is going to be
something that is tailored for everyone on ôSerpent Sermonô.
When it comes to negatives on this album I am extremely hard-pressed
to locate them. I think Mortuus is turned pretty high in the mix
throughout the album and sometimes it seems like he is drowning out
everything else so he can get his diverse vocal style out there. On
the flip side I think the snare is too low in the mix, especially
during the faster sections because it gets buried underneath
everything else. Normally I would label the bass as being a problem,
but DevoÆs bass lines are surprisingly audible and work very well
within the rest of the band, particularly during æDamnationÆs GoldÆ
and æWorld of BladesÆ.
When everything is said and done, Marduk took a chance with ôSerpent
Sermonö and I commend them on wanting to do something different. Not
only that, but everything on here is crafted and put together so well
that I really had to nitpick in order to find faults with it. The
diverse approach that the band took in their writing was nothing short
of spectacular and executed near flawlessly. I believe this is
Mardukæs best work since ôPanzer Division Mardukö and is definitely my
favorite black metal release of 2012 thus far.