Marduk: Fuck Me Jesus (1991 / 1995)

Marduk: Fuck Me Jesus (1991 / 1995)

Wrapped in what's surely a strong contender for BM cover art of the Century, the boldly named FMJ was an early demo release from the 'most blasphemous band in the world'.

It's a hell of a lot better than I'd anticipated it would be, given what I'd read in other media. It's an interesting blend of down-tuned Black and Death Metal with a cluster of unexpected tempo changes that keep things fresh. There's even some creeping Doom influences in there.

It was originally released on cassette in '91, but the version you're likely to find if you go shopping — and the one that I've been referring to — is the '95 Osmose reissue. That version had an additional three tracks, two of which are Bathory covers. If you're paying tribute to any artist in the genre that Marduk are best known for, then early Bathory is a logical choice.