As alluded to, this album is quite a bit different than Panzer Division Marduk. It is more melodic with some genuine atmospheric parts to it. That is not always the case however, as songs like "From Subterranean Throne Profound" features blast beats and rampaging riffs galore. And it is not the only one. It is just the case that Marduk does occasionally veer away from the intense aggression for short periods of time, giving the album a bit more diversity that yesterday's subject lacked. This is most evident in the slower-paced "Materialized in Stone", which is one of the best tracks on this album and quite possibly one of the best tracks Marduk has ever recorded. And then there is the stunningly beautiful title track which features a scintillating guitar lead and clean vocals. That's right, clean vocals on a Marduk album. Unfortunately that track is more of an interlude than anything.
If I had one complaint, it would be that the production is very thin and weak. There is almost no bottom end. That unfortunately is not unusual for black metal recordings, particularly from this time period so it is tough to hold it against this album here.
This is probably one of the better Marduk albums I have yet heard for the pure reason that there is much more depth and diversity here. It is more than just another punishing aural assault. There is some real impressive musicality happening here. Obviously there are the aggressive moments as well, but this has more of a complete album feel to it. And the album is all the better for it.
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