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| Artwork Thore Hansen |
20 years these quirky Norwegians have been kicking around the metal scene. After a 7 year wait between prior albums (2009's Eight Ways and 2016's Red in Tooth and Claw) they've taken pity on us with only 2 years between releases. This album is a definite 'grower' as it took a few more spins than usual for it to sink in. But your patience will pay off in the long run. Here is my track by track breakdown.
After a brief intro, the album kicks off with "Liberator". The band doesn't waste any time getting right to the point. This track centers around a big fat juicy riff that weaves its way into your frontal lobe. For long time fans of the band, this would be the "My Name is Silence" of the album.
"Moonlight Over Silver White", one of my favorite songs on the record. There's something about that main guitar riff that tickles me with excitement. Masterfully woven together with smooth jazz and melodic metal, it bounces back and forth between two worlds.
"Until You Return" can be considered the most tender song the band has done to date. I could envision them in suits in a dark smokey lounge noodling away. But in typical Madder fashion, it's punctuated with fits of rage before returning to its casual beauty.
"My Will Be Done" is the most oddball/divisive track on the album. Essentially a groove metal bro dude tune with screamo vocals, interjected with the sonic feelings of present day Gojira/Mastodon on the pre-chorus and interspersed with Agnete's signature voice. I'll be damned if it didn't win me over in the end though. I'm not going to claim it's my favorite track or anything, but for something I initially thought stood out like a sore thumb (or even a down note), I'm totally fine with it. Consider it somewhat of a palate cleanser.
"Far From Home" is heavily reminiscent of "Armour" from Eight Ways. Soft, gentle, ends on a high note with Agnete's soaring vocals.
"Marrow", the title song and my 2nd favorite track. Not only is this a full on metal jazz song (with overtones of "Changeling" from 2006's Desiderata). It's another number I can see them playing in a nightclub lounge. Yet after lulling the audience into a false sense of security with "Until You Return", the utter shock and dismay of the unsuspecting crowd would be a glorious sight to see.
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| Photos by Aline Meyer. |
"White Snow, Red Shadows" is fairly straightforward, at least for a Madder Mortem composition. Punchy and upbeat from start to finish. This is the only time I've heard Agnete vocally trying to keep up with the music.
"Stumble On" really snuck up on me and turned out to be my clear cut favorite. The backbone of song is a slice of Midwest Americana folk (with shades of "Hangman" thrown in for good measure). Featuring some of the finest vocal and lyrical work by Ms. Kirkevaag to date, it elicits that chemical reaction in my brain that moves me emotionally. The galloping drums and the build to the final crescendo is a thing of pure beauty.
Threads of purpose through our life
We will stumble on
Blinding darkness and endless light
We will stumble on
This is the time when shadows grow longer
When sharp blades grow blunt and you need to be stronger
This is the point where you don't run for cover
When everything's urgent and nothing is over
This is the truth and the heart of the matter
If you cannot hold, then everything SHATTERS
"Waiting to Fall" is the closer with a bombastic 9 minute run-time that ties together all the varied textures and emotions of the songs that came before it. Again, as a callback to previous albums, you'll get a distinct "The Eighth Wave" vibe here.
In my review of their prior album, Red in Tooth and Claw I felt the band had essentially let it's hair down and become fully comfortable in their own skin. Now with Marrow they have taken that a few steps further with a seemingly "we don't give a shit, here it is" attitude. Yet with an expertly crafted production (you end up learning a few things over two decades) they do indeed care.