All right, I want you all to conduct an experiment. Gather at least three friends who listen to and enjoy black metal. Ask them what they think of Marduk.

You will get one of four answers:

"Eh, they're alright, major decline in quality since Heaven Shall Burn... When We Are Gathered, though. Don't really follow 'em. But hey, you get the new Mayhem yet?"

"Marduk is black metal for wusses who can't get into Darkthrone,Leviathan, or Averse Sefira. Don't waste your time."

"They were really, really great until Panzer Division Marduk... then they started fucking up. Now they suck. I mean, how'd they lose it so easily? Oh yeah, I want my Emperor CDs back, you traitorous fuck. It's been three weeks, and I need my Emperor fix."

"Marduk rocks! But now that Legion and B.War are gone... I don't expect much from this new album, Plague Angel. That's what it's called, right? What a lousy name."

Most of these fellows are wrong, or only half-right. While Marduk's greatest album was certainly either the classic Heaven Shall Burn... When We Are Gathered or the balls-to-the-wall Panzer Division Marduk, this new album is certainly nothing to be ashamed of, and while it's not taking any real steps forward, it won't disappoint the Marduk faithful.

Lyrically... it's standard black metal lyrics with less thought and philosophy. Marduk don't seem to care much about the lyrics, seeing as nobody can tell what the hell the vocalist is saying anyway, and so they decided not to include any philosophy or stuff of that sort, instead going for the classic 'Destroy Christianity' theme. Luckily, the production is crystal-clear, and certainly well-done. Kudos, but that'll detract from whatever 'kvlt' credit they still have.

The guitars are the usual chain/buzz saw assault upon the ears. The bass has, unfortunately, declined a tad since B.War's departure. The drums are... you guessed it... like the drums on the last album. Really, this sounds almost exactly the same as the previous release with a variance in the vocals. Rather then copy Legion entirely, Mortuus sounds as though someone is forcibly raping him, which makes a significant difference. It's certainly an acquired taste. The songwriting is... adequate. I do wish Morgan would be just a tad more adventurous... I mean, what's he got to lose? He's one of the few remaining black metal titans in a scene full of idiots like Bazzah and Beasts of Satan. He's practically got god status. An album that tried something new would be PERFECT for him at this point in his career... yeah, so the whole thing is basically an acquired taste, similar to the last.

Then again, if you even know about Marduk, you've already acquired the necessary taste. Recommended for those who liked World Funeral, Marduk fans (no shit), and anyone who hasn't yet tired of fast/heavy as fuck black metal with vocals about raping Christ or whatever. I fit into the above category, and so I can honestly say that I recommend this album, but it won't be in my play list forever, that's to be sure. I wish they'd do something fresh...

Everyone else, get Heaven Shall Burn... When We Are Gathered, okay? Look for a 'CLASSIC' review of that one soon.

Note: If you aren't as bothered by the utter lack of progression in the current black metal scene since Emperor's passing as I am, raise the score by ten to twelve points, depending on how much you liked World Funeral.