Maschinenzimmer 412 (currently known as Mz.412) are the inventors of the so called “black industrial”, a dark and haunting music which mixes industrial noise, ritual ambient and black metal atmospheres. The mastermind behind the project is Henrik “Nordvargr” Björkk (often credited as Kremator), aided by different people with each release. Original releases from 1989-1990 came under the name Maschinenzimmer 412, eventually Björkk founded the Swedish EBM band Pouppée Fabrikk. The project came back in 1995 with the shortened moniker Mz.412 and a typical black metal look (painted faces, long hair, black leather), which was later abandoned.
Swedish behemoths MZ. 412 return with their first full-length album in 12 years, once again asserting their dominion as the true Kings of Black Industrial. “Svartmyrkr” is a massive tour de force that reinvents the classic sound of MZ. 412 whilst retaining their trademark malevolent harshness.
This album is dedicated to the true hell of the north – Helheim – and the giant goddess that rules it, Hel. From blackened ritual incantations, to bleak yet beautiful dark ambient arrangements, to harsh bombastic orchestrations, this album exceeds all expectations.
MZ. 412 blur the lines between music, magick and reality. The earth trembles… the mountains quake… all light is vanquished. The Swedish overlords darken the hearts and extinguish the souls of all who bear witness to “Svartmyrkr”.
Credits: Cold Spring