Alcatraz Line up: 2021, 2024

Founding the most blasphemous and satanic band ever: that was the ambition Morgan ‘Evil’ Håkansson wanted to realise when he created Swedish black metal regiment Marduk in 1990 – and he passed with flying colours. Named after the ancient Babylonian deity Marduk, the black metal legends from Norrköping keep putting out new albums like clockwork and contrary to many of their contemporaries they haven’t mellowed over the years, neither musically nor lyrically. Back in the day, they were mainly inspired by satanic and anti-Christian themes; in recent years, though, their favourite subjects have included WWII and the Third Reich. The backlash from certain quarters and the accusations of right-wing sympathies were predictable but Marduk have always distanced themselves from those circles. The Swedish band’s 13th studio album ‘Frontschwein’ highlights their non-stop black metal pummelling side. The frantic pace of the album also marks their live performances, although their curriculum also includes a smattering of slow and ominous tracks. Other highlights in their discography include ‘Panzer Division Marduk’ (1999) and their latest slab ‘Memento Mori’ (2023). Attending a Marduk gig feels like being subjected to a heavy artillery barrage so if you can’t take the heat then get out of the field of fire.