Review by Alex on May 9, 2022.

From thin air and deep within the whiff of rawest decomposition, spawned into existence is a most strange split LP between a now growing faction and an underground titan. Out through Selfmadegod Records is one of the most unexpected relationships, Encoffination and Rotting Kingdom split LP. A 4 track journey through rough, melancholic and accursed territory with Rotting Kingdom who only a while ago released one of the best melodic death/doom records and the monstrous Encoffination who unleashed upon the earth a most destructive burial chant, have come to usher in Wretched Enigma Of Salvation.

To start things off we have Rotting Kingdom gracefully offering their sacrifice in the form of the melancholic 'Misery Eternal' and the more agonizing, 'The Road Of Grief Ashes'. At first encounter it is easily noticeable that the songwriting has improved tremendously for Rotting Kingdom, not as if their prior efforts had been sub par, but the melodies and their seamless incorporation intertwined with the atmosphere is so soothing yet keeping with the expectation of what melodic death doom is, this rhythmic carnival sets the tempo excellently only for Encoffination to come along and pour a pile of bones and burnt flesh unto the tear soaked landscape.

Justin Stubbs continues to leave unbelievers speechless with his funeral movements and timings when it comes to applying the trance of exhalation within death metal. Anyone familiar with the desecration he has been involved in with the likes of Grave Upheaval would expect nothing less from one of death metal's most advanced and adept demigods. The scope and outlook of the record changes drastically from progressively bleak and bitter to a downright ugly formation via the howling gasps Justin greets the listener with. Totnally changing grey skies to a black fucking overcast of nothing. 'Glorious Decomposition' and 'Agonal Soul' overwrite easily the grief smeared by Rotting Kingdom due to the atmospheric tonality and sonic weight these tracks carry. Rotting Kingdom's work is great here but the godhand of Encoffination is too prolific to test. Thus, what was created here cannot be overlooked at any point in time. The highest degree and proficiency in death metal take stage for the listeners pleasure.

Rating: 9 out of 10

Review by Allan on May 28, 2002.

“Mardraum: Beyond the Within” is quite a step to make in one album. As the band claims, it’s a new era for them. I’d have to agree. “Blodhemn” showed the band playing in a rage, while “Mardraum” encompasses the elements that the band has shown before. Emotion, depth, epicness... it’s all here, and there is more. “Mardraum” is a textured and accomplishing album for the band and it is a perfect way for the band to state their new direction.

The album opens up with 'Større Enn Tid- Tyngre Enn Natt'. What better piece to open the album that this – one of the best songs Enslaved have ever written. It holds all the elements of this album in one song, but that’s not to say that just one track does the album justice. Every note on this album was written with a purpose, and it serves that purpose. The psychedelic influences really start to come out here in each song. While the band slightly hinted at them in the past, it is here that they actually come to life. Atmosphere is of the utmost importance in this record, and I can safely say it’s continuous and precise. It’s got a dark, epic feel to it the entire way throughout. The emotion on this record just bleeds through the music, and not just sections, but the entire album. All ideas on this album are unique and creative. From the production to the musicianship to the songs themselves, it’s completely unscathed.

The performance of each individual is above and beyond. Singer and bass player Grutle Kjellson does an excellent job. His vocal styles range from black rasp to death metal growl to epic clean vocals. He performs these all most excellently, and my favorite would be the clean ones. To date, these vocals are the best ever. They are so full of life and feeling. Guitarists Ivar Bjørnson and R. Kronheim are most excellent. Their work together is on a whole new level. They’re definitely one of the best guitar duos ever. Their abstract ideas work on a variety of different levels. Lastly, drummer Dirge Rep is no exception. He’s a truly underrated drummer full of great ideas and the talent to back it up. Enslaved act as a functioning whole when it comes to themselves as musicians, and this album shows it the best so far.

What makes Enslaved great is that they aren’t here to play typical music. It’s about exploration and pushing the boundaries, for themselves. At this point in time, “Mardraum” has to be the highest achievement for the band. Their atypical approach to song structure, composition, and sound is something that should be appreciated in today’s scene.

Bottom Line: It’s a safe gamble that fans of the bands previous work will find something to enjoy in this album, but if they don’t I can’t say I’m surprised. It’s a new direction for the band, and some people just won’t be up for the journey.

Categorical Rating Breakdown

Originality: 10
Musicianship: 10
Atmosphere: 10
Production: 10
Overall: 10

Rating: 10 out of 10