Review by Jeger on December 6, 2024.

From out of the land of tulips, clogs and weed emerges Marrow Of Man - a fresh new enterprise on the Netherlands black metal scene. Formerly known as Forlorn Hope, now a different musical beast altogether, but still helmed by multi-instrumentalist Sahand Mozbar who has, through the release of two EPs and now a debut full-length LP, proven to be an astute black metal artist with a visions of classicism and brutality for the finest dark art. "Storm of the Light's Bane" era Dissection ring a bell? Well, take some of the finer facets of that record and infuse a double-shot of aggression into the mix and you'll get Marrow Of Man's debut, Ancient Hymns Of Apocalypse, released on September 7 independently.

Like storm wind's gale o'er ashen battlefields of Armageddon is "Hymns", and this relentless scourge of end of days-heralding mayhem unfolds to Watain - "Rabid Death's Curse"-level intensity, but reined in by sweeping and raveled melodic passages that draw to mind the Land of the Midnight Sun's Taake or Kampfar in "Blazing Trumpets of Cessation" and "He Who Rides the Pale Horse". The former ignites the wick with a quasi-symphonic "In the Nightside Eclipse"-esque blitzkrieg before the latter divulges into a baser level of riffing set to soldierly rhythms and the sound of galloping hooves tearing through battle-worn earth. There's a palpable level of unrelenting guitar-dominated intensity to this album that places it on its own creative plateau when situated aside typical melodic black metal records; like tremolo shredding if there is such a thing and oft compounded by brut death metal-inspired gutturals that provide a most primal experience, despite the record's many elegances.

'Upon Mighty Planes Of Ash' - incomparable to any artist or school of BM - an idiosyncratic track that overcasts an ethereal yet commanding canopy of fierce riffs that are founded by rapid double-bass currents. the following track, 'Beyond The Frozen Meadows', hits with dismal DM repulsion before all proper epic and anthemic moments unfold. Victorious! A no life left to linger onslaught alive with striking leads that blast you onward into the killing fields toward glory and immortality. True black metal anthem upon anthem and even traces of balladry to deepen an already profound taking in.

Mozbar is destined to make a lasting impact with Ancient Hymns Of Apocalypse. He went for the carotid and nailed it. As exquisite as debuts come and a foreshadowing of future splendor. Not one weak track here, but a little more texture in product would've served the record well. Everything is glaring at the surface here in crashing tones. A small hiccup when considering the overall level of adeptness that Mozbar displays on all phases. What a talent and record labels will soon be making their calls. It will be well deserved. Marrow Of Man - one of many black metal solo projects, but a standout one indeed. A fine addition to the Netherlands' proud yet oft overlooked black metal scene.

Rating: 8 out of 10