Lineup changes are not uncommon in the
death metal/black metal
world; some
death metal
and
black metal
bands can be revolving doors. Changing personnel has been known to hurt some bands creatively, but
Marduk
-- one of Sweden's finest
outfits -- has a way of emerging unscathed after personnel changes. A case in point is
Plague Angel
, which finds them unveiling yet another lineup. Singer
Legion
and bassist
B. War
are gone; this time, the participants are a returning
Magnus Devo Andersson
on bass,
Mortuus
(also known as
Arioch
of
Funeral Mist
fame) on lead vocals, founder
Morgan Hakansson
on guitar, and
Fredrik Andersson
on drums. Perhaps some
fans will miss
, but
/
certainly shows himself to a be a compelling addition to the band -- and one of the things that makes his performances so compelling is a lack of irony. There have been plenty of
,
, and
grindcore
bands that were full of irony;
Cannibal Corpse
Carcass
, for example, were masters of sick humor. But
and everyone else in this
lineup bring a dead-serious outlook to morbid, disturbing tracks like
"Deathmarch,"
"Holy Blood, Holy Grail,"
"Perish in Flames."
Whether they are blasting listeners at lightning speed or favoring a medium tempo,
never sounds tongue in cheek and never loses its moodiness; this 45-minute CD is as moody and darkly atmospheric as it is loud, heavy, and intense.
are not part of the melodic style known as
symphonic black metal
; the Swedish foursome can be ferocious, and they make no bones about it. But in their own harsh, nasty way,
do have a sense of craftsmanship -- and on
, lineup changes don't prevent them from maintaining their excellence. ~ Alex Henderson