MARDUK – Memento Mori

Memento Mori. “Remember that you must die.” A phrase used by the ancient Romans to remind victorious generals not to let success go to their heads, because death comes for us all. A saying passed down through millennia, leaving no room for interpretation—straight to the point. And it couldn’t be more fitting as the title of Marduk’s 15th album. Never before had the iconic Swedish black metal band waited five years between releases, but various setbacks—both internal and external—kept us waiting longer than expected to finally experience another infernal creation. Yes, because Mortuus and company haven’t changed a bit in 33 years: for them, the word “compassion” doesn’t exist, and they’ve proven it on chapters focused on blasphemy and the afterlife (Dark Endless, Those of the Unlight), as well as on albums that are, in all respects, full-blown war manifestos (Panzer Division Marduk, Frontschwein, Viktoria).

 

Songwriting has always been the band’s greatest strength. That is more central here than ever. Mortuus, also mastermind behind Funeral Mist, channels the spirit of his other project. He highlights the theme of death with his darkest, most malevolent vision. Stylistically, the rest of the band follows. Simon Schilling delivers unprecedented drum brutality. Morgan’s riffs are heavier and more destructive than before. The result is a concentrated wave of rage and viciousness throughout the record.

 

The album opens with Memento Mori and Heart of the Funeral, instantly welcoming listeners in classic Marduk style: razor-sharp riffs, a wall of blast beats, and vicious screams at breakneck speed. Shovel Beats Sceptre slows the pace with mid-tempo menace, immersing us in a darker realm where macabre bells toll beneath melodic, inspired riffs, but the mood stays grim. Charlatan and Coffin Carrol return to the album’s initial ferocity, recalling Plague Angel and World Funeral, while Marching Bones and Year of the Maggot add a modern touch, especially in drum breaks and rhythmic shifts. The final act, As We Are, pulls us back into the infernal realm with relentless pounding, closing the album with precision and power.

 

What can be said about this album? Nothing negative—there’s simply nothing wrong. The raw production is reminiscent of the ‘90s when Marduk first revealed their primal essence. That vibe shines through here, giving the album a deep, captivating atmosphere. Memento Mori is one of 2023’s finest black metal albums. It is crafted by one of the genre’s greatest bands. A true return of fire.