Blackened U.S.A. — The First Marduk Show in Eight Years

A little more than eight years ago, Marduk stomped onto U.S. stages with Deicide and Gorguts. While there is no denying that the latter two bands are brutal, it's pretty telling of how eight years ago there was no sight of an American black/blackened metal scene. Marduk's heavily awaited return -- considering vocalist Mortuus' (Daniel Rosten) visa issues that prevented them from joining Blackened Fest -- prompted three special shows along the East Coast with Withered and Black Anvil. So Noisecreep decided to give the full report on the momentous event, and here is the first installment.

Day One: Baltimore, Md.

Most people are immediately intimidated by black metal musicians, expecting them to be the harsh personalities they are on stage. After meeting so many of them, I'm pretty aware of how untrue that stereotype can be. So when I say that Marduk were especially polite and considerate guys, I mean it. Upon their arrival at Sonar on Wednesday afternoon, the band talked to several fans who were eagerly waiting to meet them. After a long discussion, they went out with the group to a bar for a couple beers.

For a first show, the day had moved along pretty smoothly. Production-wise, there weren't too many issues -- besides figuring out how Marduk would completely change around Withered's drum kit before they used it each night (the Swedes were using all of Withered's backline since it was a three-show tour). Even though the bands were still learning each other's names and barely knew each other, there was no compromise of talent on stage. And because there were no rookies on stage, each band's set became as fluid as the next, making the show a very fun one.

Inside the smaller, intimate Sonar room, where merch was sold during Maryland Death Fest, local openers Nightfire and Deathammer kicked off the night. Then, New York's Black Anvil got on stage. These three former Kill Your Idols members love hardcore as much as they do metal. What they brew on stage is a heavy, evil mix of anger and speed. It's blackened thrash with a whole lot of attitude.

Withered has a more visual set. No house lights dress the tops of these long-haireds. Instead, red lights stream upward from beneath their mic stands, while fog permeates the room. Of course, it is absolute hell to a photographer, but it's perfectly fitting to Withered's blackened doom and hellraising stage play. And while their set was well-taken, when they finished, the room emptied then filled up even more than before. It was pure evidence that people were very anxious to see Marduk for what would be their first time (since most of the people in the crowd were probably 12 last time Marduk was in the U.S.).

The tiny stage was dark and empty. A sample reigned in the air and cheers swallowed the room before guitarist Morgan and bassist Devo were in their places. When Mortuus joined the rest on stage, he raised his fist and the crowd followed him in awe. They went through a lengthy set but did't play anything off of 'Wormwood,' the album they just finished recording. A circle pit whirled here and there. There was a healthy amount of stage diving, too.

The night ended well, despite the heavy downpour that went on for 20 minutes. It was Withered frontman Dylan's birthday. So it ended especially well for most. But I promise the next morning was not as fun-filled.