It was clear not only by the chill in the air, but the arrival of the mighty Marduk in Copenhagen that the summer festival season was coming to an end and fall was on its way. Crowds gathered early outside The Rock, a mid-sized club in the town center, on September 8 to catch Valkyrja (SE), Ragnarok (NE) and Marduk (SE).

Valkyrja was up first and delivered a more than respectable set. The band, now new-ishly signed to Metal Blade Records, hit the stage running with some of their material from the recent Invocation of Demise album. While some bands may excel at either being a live or studio band, Valkyrja are comfortable in both arenas it seems. One can see why they were a good bet for Metal Blade to add to their roster. Though perhaps not as powerful live as Marduk per say, they rely on the strength of the music to keep your interest. Mid-way through the set it was clear they would be my new favorite "local" band to see again and again and definitely a tough act to follow.

Nearly midnight, all questions were answered when Marduk took the stage. Playing a little over an hour including an encore, the band covered a wide variety of their arsenal. Compared to the previous two bands who were more than respectable, it was clear who was in charge. The energy and prominence of not only Morgan's musicianship and legacy, but Mortuus' incredibly powerful stage presence and intense vocals took the band to the next level. About three quarters of the way through the set the band dove into their Panzer Division material and unleashed a wave of madness through the crowd. It was clear all attention was on them. Even without the use of animal parts as props on stage, Marduk clearly summons a noise not known of this world and delivers on the self-proclamed most blasphemous metal act ever.