Review: Darkened Nocturn Slaughtercult – Mardom

Review by Kelly Tee

Darkened Nocturn Slaughtercult – Mardom

Record Label: War Anthem Records

Year: 2019

Rating: 8/10

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It’s been 20 years since Darkened Nocturn Slaughtercult damaged our ears so ferociously with their debut EP; The Pest Called Humanity.  Since that grand time in Black Metal history, the band delivered 5 albums of brutality. 

Six years after the release of the sacrilegious and intense 2013 album; Necrovision, Darkened Nocturn Slaughtercult’s sound feels as if they are completely on top of their menacing and darkest Black Metal game, pushing forward with taking the Black Metal genre by storm, with their latest 2019 release Mardom.

Mardom is 10 tracks of Black Metal distinction and while this might not be the heaviest album they have produced so far, it is most certainly one of their most powerful, full throttle, frightening and obscure at times, releases. The beauty within, by way of the ungodly, ugly and fast-paced rawness of Mardom is prominent and one that maybe not all of us understand, however for those that do, you are in for a treat.

 

Hailing from Germany, this German/Polish trio produce sounds full of respect to second wave Scandinavian Black Metal while showcasing subtle influences of early Mayhem. There are countless lashes of Thrash and Punk beats to break away from the unrelenting and heavy blast beats from time to time, as well as pleasing and groovy melodic moments which might insinuate that, just maybe the band is progressing and experimenting with their otherwise kvlt sound.

Onielar does what she does best and smashes the listener with overwhelmingly concentrated vocals, delivered notoriously with an impressive level of conviction. Onielar’s vocal style is unique with Black Metal shrieks which are second to none with an exclusive style of preaching, that demands attention through the harsh and abrupt lyric delivery. This is always commendable and a is a charm she deserves recognition for as being her own. 

 

From the opening track “Inception Of Atemporal Transition“, you will immediately feel  guaranteed of an unholy and vile experience into the pits of hate and hell. The tracks to follow do not disappoint, all showcasing serious disdain and power so much so that the aggression seems to strengthen as each track progresses you through a secular and unrelenting satanic and vicious metal journey. 

I have my favourite picks off this album. These favourite tracks suckered me into the inexorable Blackness and mystic of the profane entirety of this album (Windma and Imperishable Soulless Gown to name two). However, for fans of this “not so nice” style of Black Metal, and those addicted to a stirring and evil riff, riffs that for the past 20 years have been so well executed by Darkened Nocturn Slaughtercult, you too will struggle to choose your favourites from this album.

My advice is; listen and indulge in the dusk and callousness of Mardom and feel it for yourself.

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