Today, I have the pleasure of diving into the split album release by Marrow of Man and Nightmare Effigy. I’ve been following Marrow of Man since hearing Ancient Hymns of Apocalypse, so I’m somewhat of a newer fan. Nightmare Effigy, on the other hand, I admit I hadn't actually listened to until now, so this is my first introduction to the project. I’ve always loved a split album, and I must say, a good percentage of the time, I feel like one band shifts more weight than the other. But this is absolutely not the case with Decimation of the Spirit. I was utterly amazed by what each band brought to the table. Each band has four tracks on this album, listed below:
Tracklist:
1. Empire of Genocide - 2. Beneath the Olive Trees - 3. Black and White - 4. In the Name of Liberty
5. Intro - 6. Misery - 7. Veil of Tears - 8. Ritual of Decay - 9. Finality
While I won’t be going into every single song in detail, I’ll be covering some key highlights that really stood out to me. I feel like if I typed out everything, it would just turn into the ramblings of a madman.
Marrow of Man Highlights
Track 1: Empire of Genocide
The first track instantly gripped me with the static, fuzzy intro that gradually builds into some simple but very effective and interesting chord progressions. These progressions sound dissonant, adding to the overall intensity of the track. This is when the "thick as fuck" guitar comes in, taking the lead role and almost resembling a bassline. This heavy atmosphere is suddenly halted by A|V (vocals) doing a powerful, raspy “EGHH”. After this, you hear a wall of sound that practically punches you in the face with crisp blastbeats, amazing power chord shifts, and the incredible vocals that blend superbly. The main riff in this song has a slightly uplifting feeling for me, despite the overall heavy nature of the track. It made me bang my head instantly, and I couldn’t get enough of the energy this track brings.
Track 2: Beneath the Olive Trees
Although this was the shortest song by Marrow of Man, Beneath the Olive Trees was incredible! I loved the intro, which sounds triumphant, played on just a string or two at first. It gives off a real atmosphere that evokes a sense of longing. It reminded me of the melodic black metal band Dødsrit. The song gradually progresses, feeling like a journey you’re being taken on. The drumming on this track is seriously impressive, especially the cymbal work and short drum fills around the halfway mark. One particular highlight is at 02:51, when the drummer initiates the next section with a few snare hits ("bat bat bat"), which leads into a blistering tremolo-picked melody, complemented by intense and perfectly executed drums. This was a great ending to a song, with everything falling into place flawlessly.
Track 3: Black and White
This track begins with a spoken-word segment that addresses themes of propaganda, imperial conquest, and the moral clarity of conflicts, particularly focusing on Palestine. I am unaware of the specific content or origin of the speech (at least from the information I have). The Flames of Apathy is the longest Marrow of Man track on the album, and to put it simply, I think it’s the best track on their side. This song showcases Marrow of Man at its peak, with intensity and ferocity that’s unparalleled. It shifts easily from unrelenting riffs to unreal fast shredding up and down the neck. The drum work is incredible, with the drummer utilizing every aspect of the kit perfectly. The double bass patterns flow seamlessly, and the use of ride bell hits adds a unique layer to the track. All in all, this track beats the shit out of you, but in the best possible way. I loved every second of it.
Check the video here
Nightmare Effigy Highlights
Track 5: Intro
The first track from Nightmare Effigy, simply titled Intro, is a perfect tone-setter for what’s to come. The dark, brooding atmosphere quickly fills the air with a heavy, ominous sense of foreboding. It's minimalistic yet effective, with atmospheric elements layered over a dissonant, almost eerie guitar tone thats played on an acoustic guitar. This intro in my opinion is great, I love it when bands have a calm introduction to their album, and this one hits amazing. It’s a great way to ease into the raw intensity that follows, ensuring you're properly primed for what comes next.
Track 7: Veil of Tears
Track 7, Veil of Tears, was a standout for me. I loved its steady, deliberate pace and appreciated that it stayed focused without veering off into unnecessary detours. A well-placed slower track, when executed correctly, can have a huge impact on an album’s overall flow—offering a moment of respite amidst the chaos. This is especially true here, as Nightmare Effigy thrives on raw intensity and aggression. The guitar tone is beautifully balanced—clear but not overly polished—and the vocals are delivered with absolute precision.
Track 8: Ritual of Decay
Ritual of Decay was probably my favorite track from Nightmare Effigy’s side of the album. The atmosphere throughout really resonated with me, creating a haunting and immersive experience. I feel like the vocals on this track are by far the best-mixed—or at least the most well-executed—seamlessly blending into the instrumentation. The steady 4/4 drumbeat keeps the song grounded, with occasional thrash/crash combos adding just the right amount of intensity. One of my favorite elements is the subtle four-note melody played on the high string in between the main riffs—it’s a small but brilliant addition that adds an extra layer of depth to the track.
All in all, this split album was nothing short of astonishing. Each band delivered something truly special and distinct, seamlessly incorporating their own signature sound. While many split albums tend to have one band carrying the weight, that’s far from the case here—both Marrow of Man and Nightmare Effigy brought something incredible to the table. It’s with great pleasure that I give Decimation of the Spirit a well-deserved 9/10. I'll be keeping a close eye on both of these bands, and I can't wait for my physical copy to arrive.
Thanks for reading my review.
Bran | Blackened Soundscape
Grading system.
9-10: Exceptional
7-8: Good, Great
5-6: Average, Decent
3-4: Fair, Mediocre
1-2: Poor, Subpar
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