Heart stopping madness

Swedish black metal band Marduk has been wreaking havoc since 1990 and last month they released their album Memento Mori. Those who enjoy hearing heavy and chaotic music are in for a treat as each track features soul shaking instrumentation that sizzles the air with incredible noise, while the powerful vocal performance serenades the ears with pure rage. Memento Mori proves how much Marduk has musically grown as a band.

Kicking things off is the title track “Memento Mori.” As a whole, the instrumentation from Morgan Håkansson, Daniel Rostén and Simon Schilling spices things up with insane guitar riffs and drum beats that continue on in endless insanity. “Memento Mori” is a true head banger thanks to the dynamic guitar and drum playing.

One of the creepiest tunes on Memento Mori is “Blood of The Funeral.” Right at the beginning, the sound of a shovel dumping dirt on a casket or digging a hole can be heard before Rostén shakes the background with his thrilling and sinister voice. Rostén’s vocal style strategically blends in with the horrific theme on this track.

“Coffin Carol” is a fast paced tune that features Schilling’s thunderous drum playing. While listening, the sound of soul shaking blast beats can be heard emerging from the background with great authority. The best part is how each drum beat brings with it a feeling of high strung fear that lingers.

“As We Are” ends things on a high note, Marduk effortlessly mixing in rock with the heavy metal. Throughout the whole track, a musical thread of Iron Maiden and Megadeth vibes can be heard weaving into the harmonic guitar and drum playing. Other than instrumentation, the vocal performance brings elements of heavy metal, the vocalist shrieking out the lyrics. “As We Are” is filled with musical creativity.

Marduk shows their musicianship on Memento Mori with spectacular instrumentations and vocal performances. There’s no doubt the band will be dazzling people’s minds with their latest work.