Album Review: Marduk - 'Frontschwein'

Marduk have never been one to shy away from controversy and the tough topics. It's black metal after all, right?! New album ‘Frontschwein’ is no exception as it returns to the band's ‘Panzer Division’ military, World War II themes. With the title translating roughly to ‘Front Pig,’ this full-length explores the blood-soaked battlefield, the frontline soldiers hell and the horrors of war all with fast, raw and aggressive sounds providing the perfect aural backdrop.

Marduk are equally renowned for their sincere brand of black metal and that is definitely what is presented here. The first (and title track) comes out firing and sets the scene of panic and terror with intense drumming and vicious screams.

Before you can even think about the album losing its originality or becoming repetitive we are presented with ‘The Blond Beast’, which slows things down considerably. These, dare we say, catchy grooves mixed with classic black metal and evil undertones offer some interesting experimentation from the Swedes.

If the variation doesn’t tickle your fancy there is no need to worry though as ‘Afrika’ picks things straight back up with hard hitting, aggressive tones, while ‘Wartheland’ takes it to a medium pace but proves a stand out thanks to its hard and powerful riffs and chilling screams.

The entire record is well produced and well constructed, with everything from raging fury to slow, spine-chilling moments. The first half is memorable and consistent, whereas the end picks itself up with ‘503’, which is a more grinding period that showcases new drummer Fredrik Widigs.

Marduk is not a band that will go down quietly and last track, ‘Thousand-Fold Death,’ leaves you with something to remember. Marduk go out loud and proud.

‘Frontschwein’ is an absolute assault of fast, vicious and engaging metal. We see Marduk return to their roots of traditional black metal on some tracks while they still manage to add new and unique elements to keep you hooked. Bold riffs, high speed drumming and chillingly ferocious vocals reveal Marduk at the top of their game.

1. Frontschwein

2. The Blond Beast

3. Afrika

4. Wartheland

5. Rope Of Regret

6. Between The Wolf-Packs

7. Nebelwerfer

8. Falaise: Cauldron Of Blood

9. Doomsday Elite

10. 503

11. Thousand-Fold Death