German Maurda were formed around 2019 in Braunschweig, Niedersachsen, when Atypus and KHL. got together to make some noise. Early information about the band’s formation is characteristically minimal, reflecting their preference for anonymity and mystique. Statements from their label and media echo this: “Maurda surfaced with a decidedly “cryptic formula,” – eschewing social media saturation for artistic control and underground authenticity.” A limited demo, entitled ‘Errega’ came swiftly in 2019. But things really started rocking when they released the ‘Cultus Brachypter’ demo in 2022, venturing in the realm of Industrial-laced Grindcore infused Black Metal, or War Metal, if you like.
Maurda’s catastrophic second short player ‘Cultus Brachypter’ went largely ignored upon its original 2022 self-release, but its obscurity can be solely attributed to the hermetic extremism that defines it. In reality, an entire world is contained within these sixteen minutes and six movements of absolute eschaton. ‘Cultus Brachypter’ initially evokes the war-torn bestial insanity of bands like Pseudogod or Teitanblood, but as the onslaught progresses the listener soon realizes they are being drawn into a desolate, void-like inner world of dehumanized alienation and utter chaos. Sentient Ruin Laboratories deemed it good (or bad) enough for a (remastered) re-release on vinyl in 2024. A bestial release.
Their last effort is the ‘Status Minus’ demo (2024), and marks an intriguing point in the evolution of this German duo, who have ventured back into a stripped-down blend of Black and Death Metal.
As usual the nefarious slimy vocals are omnipresent. While previous releases were marked by a relentless density, here we see them scaling back without sacrificing intensity. The noise is still very-bass-driven. But throughout this demo, Maurda introduces unexpected stylistic elements that push at the edges of Black/Death Metal.
Most notably, the final track opens with a creepy electronic hardcore/gabber intro (?) that cuts through the otherwise bleak atmosphere, adding a rhythmic texture uncommon in Maurda’s usual soundscape.
This brief but intense electronic interlude lays a stark foundation before plunging into a more familiar territory of Black/Death Metal insanity, layered and heavy and finishing in dark ambient melody, creating an eerie, almost cinematic quality that lingers. Across the demo, Maurda experiments with tempos, and textures that hint at much broader influences while staying grounded in Black and Death Metal.
These stylistic shifts are subtle but impactful, offering a glimpse into the band’s evolving musical ethos without veering entirely away from the established framework.
Biggest drawback are there are only 3 songs and the mere 12 minutes in playing time. Within the ever-expanding and mutating world of extreme music, few bands have managed to retain genuine secrecy and mystique in the digital era.
German Black/Death Metal act Maurda is a striking exception: a band whose aesthetic, sound, and methodology denounce overt publicity in favor of an underground, isolationist ethos.
Maurda has rapidly become a subject of intrigue among Metal aficionados, particularly within experimental and War Metal circles.
In short: this is a very unique War Metal band that started injecting other influences in their sound, yet retain the same level of brutality. May more music come from this act asap.
People who are into Black/Death or War Metal really need to check out Maurda!
