Marduk - Nightwing (1998) Review

Marduk’s first part of the Blood Fire Death trilogy, a three album tribute to Bathory’s monumental album with the same name released in 1988, had the theme of vampirism and “blood” in general.

While already having fairly amazing albums in their catalog, the band added yet another really solid work to the mix, which I get the feeling is a bit overshadowed by other works. Still, it is essential when thinking of the first era of the band, and has all the characteristic thunderous riffing and landmark vocals from Legion, the harsh atmosphere and the overall fast paced, norsecore body of work. 

Marduk always put one or two slower tracks in every album since and these exist in Nightwing too, for the case of this album they are also highlights (unlike in others). The lyrics are great and the concept fits them a lot, maybe even more than the obsession with warlike topics and machinery. 

Nonetheless, “Bloodtide”, “Slay the Nazarene”, the self-titled and “Kaziklu Bey (The Lord Impaler)” are bangers. On the other side, “Dreams of Blood and Iron” and “Deme Quaden Thyrane” are more atmospheric and add the needed flavor. [3.5 out of 5 - Great]

Norrköping, Sweden | Osmose Productions

Website | Listen

Track listing:

1. Preludium

2. Bloodtide (XXX)

3. Of Hell's Fire

4. Slay the Nazarene

5. Nightwing

6. Dreams of Blood and Iron

7. Dracole Wayda

8. Kaziklu Bay (The Lord Impaler)

9. Deme Quaden Thyrane

10. Anno Domini 1476

Total runtime | 00:47:30

Lockdown Chronicles #5

Art: Arnold Böcklin - Attack by Pirates

"It merely means that we limit ourselves to a reliance upon that which is within our wills, or within the sum of the probabilities which render our action feasible. Whenever one wills anything, there are always these elements of probability. If I am counting upon a visit from a friend, who may be coming by train or by tram, I presuppose that the train will arrive at the appointed time, or that the tram will not be derailed. I remain in the realm of possibilities; but one does not rely upon any possibilities beyond those that are strictly concerned in one’s action. Beyond the point at which the possibilities under consideration cease to affect my action, I ought to disinterest myself. For there is no God and no prevenient design, which can adapt the world and all its possibilities to my will. When Descartes said, “Conquer yourself rather than the world,” what he meant was, at bottom, the same - that we should act without hope."

Playlist:

1. Misþyrming - Hof

2. Kampfar - Fortapelse

3. Ravencult - Hail Revenge

4. Helheim - Altered Through Ages, Constant In Time

5. Den Saakaldte - Audhumla

6. Marduk - Vanity of Vanities

7. Blut aus Nord - A Few Shreds of Thought

8. Grafvitnir - Vessels of Serpent Fire

9. Ad Hominem - The Upper Art

10. Morgul - Author of Pain

Total run time: 00:46:47