Where myth and atmosphere converge: review of Schreigam’s second chapter “Mara Comes and Darkness Shall Reign”

When you think about atmospheric black metal, there are so many bands that have really shaped the genre and crafted a distinct sound. Schreigam isn’t just copying or altering the course of it; they’re definitely diving into what an atmospheric sound might look like in 2025.

The band got its start in February 2020 in Neuss, Germany, but interestingly, both members, Styrr and Ingvarr, are actually Ukrainian musicians. They’ve been around for a bit, and “Mara Comes and Darkness Shall Reign” is their second album, following “The Mysteries of Fate” that came out in 2023. I’ve been checking out a few band interviews to better understand what they are focusing on, and people really loved that album for its deep atmosphere and fresh take on the genre, telling a story in a unique way. There are some intriguing influences at play here, like Slavic and Northern mythologies, along with pagan worldviews and those fascinating cycles of rebirth. The environment, with its mix of European nature, Ukrainian heritage, and German surroundings, really influences their themes and overall vibe.

So September 12, 2025, is when their second album, “Mara Comes and Darkness Shall Reign”, is dropping through Purity Through Fire.

If their first album was all about diving into darkness in various ways and its effects, this new one is no different. As the intro takes us away, it sets the stage for some of the sounds we got to know in their first album. “Winds of the Ancient” is a powerful artefact that’s rich in darkness and dynamics. It kicks off with a strong introduction, setting the stage for a deep and intense exploration of sound in music. The more you listen, the more you learn about the production and creativity behind it.

The first single from this album, “Whispers of the Blackened Woods”, also follows the same trend. It greets listeners with a surprisingly unique second voice for the genre. The guitar, paired with what feels like a heavy song, gives it a lighter vibe at times. There’s quite a bit going on in the production, even with the synth, which might throw off someone who’s looking for a more traditional atmospheric album.

When I first heard the song “When The Ravens Flow Through My Veins”, I felt a bit trapped and confused by the intro. It reminded me of a classic Rotting Christ track, but I quickly realised I was totally mistaken, as the song unfolded into something completely unexpected. The vibe of the song was so intriguing that I found myself listening to it a few times just to soak it all in.

As we get to the middle of the album, the slow sounds of “Nine Days on the Gallows Tree” bring in some really intriguing music, hinting that there’s still plenty more to enjoy before we start to wrap things up with the thin, broken voice that leads us to a place filled with pure pain and despair.

The blend of voices and the guitars in “Through Time, Death and the Beast Within” really hit hard, like a sharp knife. The composition of this song is thoughtfully crafted, featuring guitar solos and a slow dynamic range that leans more towards the classic side of melodic atmosphere.

“Mara comes” – drums invite the listener to a sort of ritual anticipating the closing of the album with suspense for an epic finale. The strong ending of “Born from the Ashes of War” brings together some of the sound influences we’ve heard throughout the album, giving us hints of new sound discoveries ahead.

This album, just like the last one, is nicely put together, featuring bits of inspiration from similar artists along with some surprising touches for the atmospheric genre. The attention to detail in each song is really impressive, showcasing a quest for perfection and a modern sound in a genre that has evolved. Fascinatingly, it retains its roots in folklore and traditions while drawing inspiration from a wide range of influences.

Tracklist:

1. 1. Darkness Shall Reign
2. Winds of the Ancient Pantheons
3. Whispers of the Blackened Woods
4. When The Ravens Flow Through My Veins
5. Through Time, Death and the Beast Within
6. Nine Days on the Gallows Tree
7. Mara Comes
8. Born from the Ashes of War