After an incredible debut album in Ancient Hymns of Apocalypse last year, nearing the top of my list of most anticipated music for 2025 was more glorious melodic black metal fury from Marrow of Man. Just six months after that album’s release the one man black metal act is back in the form of a split with fellow newcomer Nightmare Effigy; Decimation of the Spirit proves both to be a marked progression in the Marrow of Man sound (and an even greater thematic evolution) and a great introduction to Nightmare Effigy.

Portland-based solo act Nightmare Effigy’s side of Decimation of the Spirit will no doubt appeal to lovers of old, cold black metal. No frills or flashiness is to be found here, these are massive chords of pure darkness straight out of the frosty heart of the second wave Norwegian scene, most notably DMDS Mayhem and early Darkthrone. Some clean guitar interludes and the slightest hint of melody in the chords make for a melancholic atmosphere, aided greatly in part by Arioch’s tortured vocals and the slower tempos found throughout his tracks (save for some blasts in “Misery”). Nightmare Effigy certainly isn’t reinventing the black metal wheel here, but there’s nothing wrong with giving some classic traits yet another spin.

If you’ve been following Nine Circles since last September you’ll already know how much I love the music of Sahand Mozdbar’s Marrow of Man; as if I could admire the project even more, Decimation of the Spirit marks the Dutch project’s entry into the RABM scene with lyrical themes focusing on genocide, imperialism, and resistance (no doubt radicalized like many of us by the ongoing horrors in Palestine). “Empire of Genocide” kicks off the Marrow of Man half of the split with riffs both devastating and appropriately discordant; just when you think the song has concluded, the triumphant melody that made me take notice of the project in the first place makes a glorious return, like an unbroken people arising from the rubble of their land. The musical advancements made on Decimation of the Spirit are slight but noticeable; tighter songwriting and more twin guitar melodies, but most importantly a great improvement in guitar soloing chops — heard most noticeably in the explosive solo that concludes “Beneath the Olive Trees”. Another tremendous effort that hits upon important (and timely) topics, and proves Ancient Hymns of Apocalypse was no mere fluke.

If Decimation of the Spirit is your first introduction to either Nightmare Effigy or Marrow of Man it’s the perfect place to start. Nightmare Effigy holds tight the original spirit of black metal and Marrow of Man charges forth into the world’s increasingly cruel and uncertain future with a righteous spirit that’s so refreshing to see at this moment in time. Do yourself a favor and keep an eye out for what these bands have coming next.

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Decimation of the Spirit will be available March 8 on Fiadh Productions. For more information on Nightmare Effigy and Marrow of Man, check out their respective Instagram pages [Nightmare Effigy] [Marrow of Man].