Hail to all my fellow black metal devotees, and welcome back to the Black Metal Archives! I’m Sean, and today I have an incredible album for you, we’re diving into the unholy depths of Mardom, the 2019 full-length assault from Germany’s Darkened Nocturn Slaughtercult. If you’re into relentless, orthodox black metal, then you already know this band’s reputation for delivering some of the rawest, most unfiltered chaos in the scene. Let’s break down their sound, the highlights of Mardom, and how this release cements their status in the pantheon of black metal.
From the very first moments of Mardom, Darkened Nocturn Slaughtercult makes it clear that they adhere to a strict, no-frills approach to black metal. This is an album that thrives on razor-sharp tremolo riffs, blistering blast beats, and a cold, unrelenting atmosphere that feels as if it was conjured from the depths of some long-forgotten abyss. The production strikes a perfect balance—raw and abrasive, yet clear enough to let every demonic riff and icy vocal line cut through with precision
On Mardom, the band maintains the essence of their prior releases: relentless aggression, shrieking vocals, and a commitment to the raw purity of second-wave black metal. The guitar tone is jagged and unyielding, drenched in that classic necrotic frostbite that recalls the likes of early Mayhem and Gorgoroth. The drumming is a constant barrage of artillery, yet never feels monotonous, shifting between relentless blast beats and more ritualistic, mid-tempo passages that add depth to the chaos.
Let’s talk about some of the standout moments on Mardom:
- “Inception of Atemporal Transition” – The opening track wastes no time in establishing the album’s ferocity. The tremolo-picked melodies slice through the mix like icy daggers, while the drumming propels the song forward with merciless speed. The vocal delivery from Onielar is nothing short of otherworldly—her shrieks are tortured, venomous, and command absolute authority.
- “A Sweven Most Devout” – This track introduces a haunting, almost ritualistic atmosphere before exploding into a whirlwind of blistering black metal. The riff work here is particularly hypnotic, weaving a malevolent spell that lingers long after the song ends.
- “T.O.W.D.A.T.H.A.B.T.E.” – A monolithic slab of black metal fury, this track delivers some of the most menacing moments on the album. The interplay between fast and mid-paced sections creates an eerie tension, pulling the listener deeper into the abyss. The drumming here is especially punishing, adding a warlike intensity to the track.
- “Mardom – Echo Zmory” – The title track is a prime example of the band’s ability to balance sheer aggression with unsettling atmosphere. The riffs feel like they’re conjuring a storm, while the vocal performance is downright otherworldly, as if channeling something beyond human comprehension.
One of the key strengths of Mardom is its unwavering dedication to raw black metal aesthetics without sacrificing musicianship. The guitars, handled by Velnias and Onielar, are razor-sharp and drenched in darkness, creating an oppressive yet captivating sonic landscape. The bass work from Adversarius isn’t buried in the mix, adding a sinister low-end presence that enhances the overall depth of the compositions. Lastly, the drums from Horrn, right from the start are immediately pounding you in the face and setting the tone for the record.
But it’s Onielar’s performance that truly elevates this album. Her vocals are nothing short of demonic, ranging from piercing shrieks to guttural invocations that sound like they could summon ancient entities. She also handles rhythm guitar duties with a precision that reinforces the band’s cold, militant approach to black metal.
Darkened Nocturn Slaughtercult has always been a torchbearer for traditional black metal, and Mardom is no exception. While many bands incorporate modern production techniques or symphonic elements, DNS remains steadfast in its commitment to the unholy spirit of the second wave. This album doesn’t attempt to reinvent the wheel—it sharpens it into a weapon.
Their sound sits comfortably alongside acts like Watain, Sargeist, and Taake, yet they carve out their own identity through sheer intensity and a hauntingly authentic approach. Mardom isn’t just another black metal album—it’s a statement, a declaration of unwavering allegiance to the raw and uncompromising roots of the genre.
Mardom is a feral, unrelenting force of nature that solidifies Darkened Nocturn Slaughtercult’s place among the elite of traditional black metal. It’s an album that doesn’t just demand your attention—it seizes it with an iron grip and drags you into the abyss. If you crave black metal that embodies the true spirit of the genre—cold, furious, and ritualistic—then Mardom is an essential listen. Which you can stream, in full over on their bandcamp page!
That’s all for today, black metal fiends. If you’ve heard Mardom, let us know your thoughts in the comments. And if you haven’t, prepare yourself—because this is not an album for the faint of heart.
Until next time, stay true to the black flame. Hails!
