Album Review: Morkerod – Enlightenment
New full-length to be released June 22 on SneeuwStorm Produkties
Morkerod is the one-man unblack metal project of a man who calls himself, ironically, Daemon. Daemon was born into a poor family in Moscow, Russia on April 21, 1998. His father suffered from alcoholism and schizophrenia spectrum disorder, so he was raised by his mother, the family caretaker. In 2014, in self defense, Daemon beat his father, after which he and his family lived separately from his father. In early 2018, Daemon was also diagnosed with SSD and was sent to a psychiatric hospital for treatment. After being discharged, Daemon, contrary to the opinion of the family, reestablished contact with his father. But, eight months later, his father died of heart failure. This dealt a major blow to Daemon and forced him to rethink his existence. A former Satanist, he soon converted to the Orthodox faith in 2019. But a dark streak in life led to despair and a crisis of faith. In 2020, Daemon attempted suicide, landing him in the hospital again. In 2022, he created his first DSBM (depressive suicidal black metal) project called That Distant Void. A committed return to faith occurred in 2023, and at the beginning of 2024 he decided to put an end to that project and to create Morkerod.
This brief biographical sketch sets the stage well for what you’re about to hear; and hear you must. The story gives appropriate context to the music, the lyrics and the mood of this album, Morkerod’s Enlightenment, the second EP-length release of Daemon’s new musical project this year.
The first track, “Satanic Decomposition,” opens with a slow, atmospheric build into a crescendo of heavy drumming and crunchy guitar. Almost four minutes in, a tormented voice begins to creak over the music. The ambiance is dark. The setting is gloomy. The lyrics set out with a sense of despair: “Hell swallowing me, Gnawing to the bones, All I can see is fire.” But soon enough, faint glimmers of hope and divine light break through the encompassing shadows and fire. The lyrics take a repentant turn. “Embrace the Christ, There is no power in hell, Satan's just the beast, Crush evil within, Your chains are broken, Just let it go, And inhale freedom.” The whole song gives an air of exhaling death and breathing in new life.
Next up, “Soul Necrosis,” slows the tempo but dials up the ethereal effects, enhanced by resonant bass and subtle guitar intricacies that give the tune a blackgaze feel. There’s something unsettling about it that engulfs the psyche and softly, yet mercilessly, brings you to the edge. The music is accompanied by words that are even more affective and emotive. “Sadness drowning me, I don’t wanna live… Sorrows I breathe… I’m afraid of death, All my cries in vain.” Empaths beware. This is a powerful song that will inject you with spiritual anguish. The artist has done a remarkable job of channeling the darkest innermost thoughts away from the self and into the music.
Track three is a prayer set to music called “Shards of Faith.” The synth work is entrancing. Ambling basslines meander in the background as reverberating guitars carry the song along from moment to moment. The drumbeats transition from simple and pragmatic to pounding and colossal. The resulting sounds are altogether mesmerizing.
A similar inner dialogue with God continues in the penultimate track, “Merciful Lord.” There is a penitential posture in the language used: “Oh, Lord my God, I beg for you to forgive me, I could say a thousand words, Trying to open Heaven's doors.” Many of the same features in instrumentation and effects are employed here as in the previous track. However, late in the song, the guitar goes into a high-pitched fervor of tremolo picking, setting it apart from what’s heard elsewhere on the album. Disturbing vocals exude anguish, even as the lyrical message exhibits hope.
The EP concludes with “One Man’s War,” an unsurprisingly slow and somber way to cap it off. The melody is relatively static throughout in support of lyrics that very personally lament the internal struggle with the flesh. It is likened, rightly, to a war. Interruptions of dissonant guitar strumming emerge from the background. This perhaps signifies the breaking of fetters and the overcoming of passions in the midst of the mortification of sin and vivification in dying to sin and rising to new life daily by the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit. The song could become a soundtrack for the lifelong process of progressive sanctification and the perseverance of the saints.
With that, it is important to point out that there is encouragement, even in the darkest of times. It has been a privilege to review this release. It may not crack a lot of AOTY lists in 2024. But it has a vital message to communicate, and it does so effectively through a depressive musical expression. It’s cathartic, both for the artist and for the listener. In such a way, it could be life saving.
If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts or ideations, please don’t walk through the valley alone. Seek help. Find a counselor, either through your local church or through resources such as CCEF. If you need help and if you’re in the United States, dial 988 to access free and confidential emotional support. They serve people in suicidal crisis and emotional distress, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Internationally, please check here for support services.
Ultimately, there is hope in God the Father, Christ Jesus the King, and the Holy Spirit (the Lord and Giver of life). Cling to the eternal hope that can only be found in the Triune God and the gospel. Satan, sin, death, and hell do not have the last word.
Tracklist
1. Satanic Decomposition (7:48)
2. Soul Necrosis (6:14)
3. Shards of Faith (5:06)
4. Merciful Lord (3:56)
5. One Man’s War (6:29)
Total runtime: 29:33
Enlightenment will be released Saturday, June 22, 2024 on the Dutch SneeuwStorm Produkties label.
Digital and physical versions of the album are available for pre-order on the SneeuwStorm Produkties Bandcamp.
Be sure to follow Morkerod on VK, Yandex, and YouTube.
Be sure to follow SneeuwStorm Produkties on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.
Official Store (SneeuwStorm Produkties)
This band rules!! going to buy some of their music ASAP!!