Kev Rowland It’s weird to think that Marduk were formed as long ago as 1990, but perhaps what is even more strange is to realise just how relevant and modern-sounding this 2001 release is even now. Their seventh release heralded a change in approach for the Swedish Black Metallers, with a more varied and darker approach than before, and not such a sonic blast beat assault on the senses. This is the 2015 reissue, features remastered sound (by bassist Devo Andersson), detailed liner notes, unpublished photos, new artwork plus additional material in a cover version of “Samhain” and all three songs from the 2000 “Obedience” EP. When the album came out it really did split opinions between fans, as it was such as shift from ‘Panzer Division Marduk’, but it certainly has stood the test of time, as if this was released as a brand-new album now it would be highly acclaimed.

The musicianship is tight, the vocals from Erik "Legion" Hagstedt are full of passion, and remastered production has brought this into the modern era. Sure, they were experimenting and some of the changes in songs such as “Bonds of Unholy Matrimony” may not always work as well as they might, but the result is that there is variety through the album that makes me want to keep listening, as opposed to finding myself switching off. If you haven’t come across this before then this mid-price reissue is worth seeking out.