Dutch band Marrow of Man has crafted an impressive body of work in a remarkably short span of time. In just a year and a half, they’ve released two EPs, a split, and a full-length album—an achievement in itself, especially in an underground scene where quality often outweighs quantity. But how about that quality? Well, in my opinion, Ancient Hymns of Apocalypse is certainly a compelling testament to it.
Although the album originally dropped last year via the American label Fiadh Productions, a re-release on cassette is already on the horizon—this time through the Italian Canti Eretici Records. And it’s more than just a repackaging: a bonus track is being added, making this tape edition particularly appealing to both newcomers and seasoned fans. A great excuse, then, to take a closer look at the album once more.
In terms of production, the band deliberately leans into a lo-fi, gritty sound, which only enhances the rawness. The vocals scream out as if from another world—distant yet piercing. The drums are primitive and relentless, the guitars dragging and repetitive in a way that borders on the hypnotic. Beneath it all lies an atmosphere reminiscent of abandoned churches, rain-soaked forests, and smoldering revolutions.
The influences of bands like Dissection, Bathory, and Darkthrone are unmistakably present on Ancient Hymns of Apocalypse—thankfully without ever feeling derivative. On the contrary, Marrow of Man manages to carve out a voice of their own while paying honest tribute to the past. There’s a definite leaning toward the mid-‘90s Scandinavian scene, with the occasional nod to the first wave of black metal, all filtered through a modern, almost anarchic intensity.
The track “He Who Rites the Pale Horse” particularly lays bare those Scandinavian roots. Think of the epic grandeur of Bathory’s Blood Fire Death, with galloping riffs and that characteristic, almost incantatory build-up. It’s a track that doesn’t merely reflect its influences, but truly embodies them—in a way that feels sincere, powerful, and deeply intense.
“Upon Mighty Planes of Ash” also deserves special mention. Here, Dissection comes to the forefront with icy melodies and razor-sharp tremolos straight out of The Somberlain. But there’s also a hint of Immortal in the air—that cold, distant, yet majestic aura that the Norwegian legends made their own. Glorious, indeed.
What Marrow of Man achieves here goes beyond mere style homage. They dig deep into the genre’s roots while injecting it with enough urgency and conviction to keep it relevant. Ancient Hymns of Apocalypse isn’t just for nostalgics—it’s for anyone looking for black metal with heart, soul, and backbone.
In short, Marrow of Man shows with this record that they’re not just prolific—they also have something meaningful to say. Ancient Hymns of Apocalypse is not background music. It’s a statement, a cry from the gut of a world in decay. And that makes the upcoming tape release all the more intriguing—whether you missed it the first time around, or you’re ready to be fully submerged once again.
90/100
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Amazing Musick , Grand Declaration of Review !!!