Now upon first listen, one not familiar enough with Marduk’s catalogue would probably say this record sounds like all the rest, and to an extent it does given their sound and purists way of playing Swedish Black Metal. This fact clearly heard in the unrelenting delivery for 'Cold Mouth Prayer' and 'Limbs of Worship' (is that Regan I hear from the Exorcist?) complete with vomit inducing vocals. But the first song 'The Levelling Dust' has a bit more of a groove to it as do several other tracks on "Rom 5:12".

Marduk have taken their style and slowed it down a bit without lacking the teeth heard on past releases like the excellent "Plague Angel", which I think is their best. 'Imago Mortis' inspired by artist Hans Holbein the Younger’s "Dance of Death" wood engravings, is fine at a slower pace and keeps Marduk from being redundant. I like the more pronounced bass sound too, its up in the mix a bit more. 'Imago' drags at times but still a good move creatively. 'Accuser/Opposer' (I like those chants, it makes you feel like you are attending a church service but obviously not a holy one) also hits at a slower pace and includes some clean vocals which you never hear from these guys. Something a little different which is good.

'Through the Belly of Damnation' and 'Vanity of Vanities', are a full on guitar blast beat assault keeping with the tradition of old school Black Metal while including a change up the tempo for both.

Overall, its strong album for Marduk and fans of their music should not be disappointed. More attention to melodic elements and variety in composition is keeping the Marduk catalogue from getting both stale and rehashed, good for them.