Review: Satanic Warmaster – Drachenkreuz

Review by Jeger

Satanic Warmaster – Drachenkreuz

Record Label: Werewolf Records

Year: 2026

Rating: 10/10

In days of old, when Black Metal was but a whisper, there was no vision for a viable future for the Genre, no real ambition or drive, only the purest passion for not only the music but for the spreading of evil and the waging of an unholy war. But alas, if there were a crystal ball vision into what the Genre is today, well, let’s just say that today’s Black Metal Scene would not be Euronymous-approved. Varg Vikernes removed himself from it completely, stating that it is nothing more than a low-brow parody of Norwegian BM circa 1992. In other words, there are a lot of Black Metal bands, duos and soloists out there who believe that the only way to create BM in its truest form is to carbon copy “A Blaze in the Northern Sky”. But what of that aforementioned passion? The key to unlocking true BM, whether it be passion for the Left Hand Path, war, storytelling, Heathenism, Vampirism, or perhaps you’re one of the lonely Misanthropes/Nihilists. Since 1998, Finland’s Satanic Warmaster has been a voice for true BM and, as of late, the project has been pumping out records every couple of years and the demand remains high.

The Satanic Warmaster experience is either going to be a stripped-down product affair like 2024’s “Exultation of Cruelty” or a regally produced LP like 2022’s “Aamongandr”. Either way, you’re always in good hands. Now, as the depth of nightshade engulfs the land and as great Daemons stir restlessly within the pit, we anticipate the next campaign. On November 13, Satanic Warmaster will release its eighth LP, “Drachenkreuz”, as always under the banner of Werewolf Records.

Satanic Warmaster

“Drachenkreuz” sees SW in the form of an actual band, as opposed to the usual solo approach and that is always a plus. It’s more of a challenge to collaborate with other Artists; Artists who may have contrasting ideas for the album. There are a number of other snares and pitfalls that go along with creating as a unit, and it sounds like Satanic Warmaster has successfully avoided all of them. Drawn together under the Sign of the Black Mark and charged with the creation of one weapon of a record. And a little Slayer worship never killed anyone. The intro, “Rex Typhonis” – a thrashed-out piece of “Angel of Death” type riffing to carry you oh so willingly – now that you’ve gotten your first taste – into the following track, “Nosferatu’s Land”. Is that a harpsichord or something? Hmm, it’s one of those instruments you’ve heard a hundred times and its accents here are a remarkable accent to a foundation of martial rhythms and fluid riffs.

This one’s got me chubbed a bit… Ever so sweet is every moment of glorious runtime. And as the time signatures shift, as the rhythms alternate and as the atmosphere becomes more and more electric, it’s all still accomplished well within the scope of what constitutes the true BM experience. A welcome follow-up to “Exultation of Cruelty”, which left me in a state of wishing for more “Aamongandr”. I do enjoy the raw stuff, but when the balance between what is clear and what is raw is achieved? This is the result – a perfectly produced specimen of a Black Metal album. Poor Jesus… He really got his ass beat, didn’t he? Welcome to “Christrape” – an exercise in blasphemy and a fine representation of what real anti-religious BM should sound and feel like. It should feel like you are sinning! And indeed you are…

Just like Satanic Warmaster’s debut, “Strength and Honour”, “Drachenkreuz” is one of those albums that you would play for someone who wants to experience BM for the first time. A definitive volume of memorable connotations and a celebration of true Suomi Black Metal. And so the above-mentioned unholy war still rages! Mostly on virtual fronts and SW is and always has been right there on the front lines. Dragons, war, vampires, and blasphemy? Don’t threaten me with a good time… You’re gonna love this one.