Darkened Nocturn Slaughtercult: Mardom (2019)

First of all, what a name.  That is a mouthful.  Darkened Nocturn Slaughtercult (or DNS as they will be henceforth known as) is a German black metal band.  Just a few weeks ago I recall talking about how black metal is not as prevalent in Germany as in other countries.  Since that time, I think I have reviewed three German black metal bands.  Still, it is not as popular as thrash or speed metal.  I am sticking by that.

DNS stands out a little bit in one respect from other black metal bands.  That reason is that the vocalist Onielar is a woman.  It is not exactly easy to tell with her howling, shrieking vocal style that sounds like Dimmu Borgir's Shagrath and Cradle of Filth's Dani Filth combined.  I cannot think of too many other black metal bands with a female singer that are not borderline folk metal bands (Arkona) or that are not a one-woman band (Myrkur).  So, there is that.

Otherwise, DNS is a fairly typical, hyper-blasting black metal band with some atmospheric moments, but by and large built on blackened thrash metal riffs and pounding drums.  The band does lock into a rumbling groove at times and some melody does rear its head at others.  This is most prevalent in "T.O.W.D.A.T.H.A.B.T.E.", which is easily the best song on the album.  The title stands for "The One Who Dwells Above the Heavens and Below the Earth".

The most impressive aspect of this album is the overwhelming dark and evil atmosphere seeping through every riff and shriek.  This is on display throughout the album, and is most present at the beginning of "Exaudi Domine" and during the introduction to "Imperishable Soulless Gown".

This is an incredibly impressive black metal album, and probably one of the best traditional black metal albums of the year.  I guess I am going to stop talking about a lack of black metal from Germany.  This one should not be missed.