Bloddawn Productions/Century Media Records (2012)

After fellow citizens Watain, Marduk is my favourite live band. The Swedish band's performances are always energetic, forceful and full on black metal. And now, with the 12th platter on the table they have even more songs to choose from. In my book "M.A.M.M.O.N." and the slower "Into Second Death" will be live classics.

If you know Marduk from before there's nothing new under the moon. You have the rapid and furious attacks on your ears, but they also know how to slow down when necessary. In that sense "Serpent Sermon" is not different from the former releases. A couple of times they show some experimentation, such as the strange break/chorus in the said "Into Second Death", where I find the rhythm completely out of order. I get annoyed yet this is my favourite part on the whole album.

I think Mortuus delivers as usual. However, he was more wild, if one can say that, on the former "Wormwood". You have certain vocal effects here and there, he varies his voice quite a lot but still his deliverance of words feels a bit safer this time around. That he still ahead of the rest of the world is still a fact and needs no further mention. The sound of the album is a bit warmer than on the said album. Where "Wormwood" is more clinical and cold, "Serpent Sermon" has more power behind it.

"Serpent Sermon" is more Marduk-quality. Strong songs, black metal true to their roots and identity and one you need in your collection. It may not reach the standard of "Rom 5:12", but then again, not many albums do!

www.marduk.nu
www.centurymedia.de

Rating: 5 / 6

Composed by Roy Kristensen