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Confessions of an Antichrist
A delightfully twisted crime novel with an unreliable narrator, Confessions of an Anti-Christ tells the tale of the rise and fall of a Norwegian band of wannabe-Satanists embarking on a mission to burn the world down with black metal.
Marta Skaði is on a mission to destroy the world. Rebelling against the perfect, picturesque Norwegian fishing town she was born in, she has formed a black metal band of such disturbing depravity she knows they’re the perfect weapon to corrupt the masses.
When a record deal is dangled before the band after a particularly offensive gig, Marta has to hold the young, wannabe Satanists in her midst together as they reach for their destiny. Not easy when they consist of her ox-brained best friend drummer, a Viking-obsessed bass guitarist, a sex-addicted lead guitarist, and a barely human singer who could well be the Anti-Christ.
Yet as the record deal seems within reach, everything falls apart. And so begins the spiralling descent into madness of Marta and her strange, sordid group as they corrupt Christians on crosses and battle fascists with dildos, while coming to realise that one of them may be more evil than they realised…
Set in the grungy heavy metal scene of 2010’s Norway, Marta chronicles her descent into chaos and murder, fuelled by thinly veiled lust described as love. From burning down churches to satanic orgies, Confessions of an Anti-Christ is a fast paced and hair raising story, detailing the gruesome fulfilment of teenage dreams and nightmares.
Marta Skaði is on a mission to destroy the world. Rebelling against the perfect, picturesque Norwegian fishing town she was born in, she has formed a black metal band of such disturbing depravity she knows they’re the perfect weapon to corrupt the masses.
When a record deal is dangled before the band after a particularly offensive gig, Marta has to hold the young, wannabe Satanists in her midst together as they reach for their destiny. Not easy when they consist of her ox-brained best friend drummer, a Viking-obsessed bass guitarist, a sex-addicted lead guitarist, and a barely human singer who could well be the Anti-Christ.
Yet as the record deal seems within reach, everything falls apart. And so begins the spiralling descent into madness of Marta and her strange, sordid group as they corrupt Christians on crosses and battle fascists with dildos, while coming to realise that one of them may be more evil than they realised…
Set in the grungy heavy metal scene of 2010’s Norway, Marta chronicles her descent into chaos and murder, fuelled by thinly veiled lust described as love. From burning down churches to satanic orgies, Confessions of an Anti-Christ is a fast paced and hair raising story, detailing the gruesome fulfilment of teenage dreams and nightmares.
- GenresHorror
304 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 12, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
November 22, 2024
“I’m going to lead them in destroying it all. Want to come with me?
Genre:
Gen adult fiction
Horror
POV -1st person narrative -past tense
-villian protagonist
Hell is Real.
Satan is real.
Black Metal is Satanic.
The Antichrist is a Woman - Marta Skaoi the modern
Confessions of an Antichrist
Blurs the line between reality and fiction by making the author and narrator one and the same.
Settings:
Norway
Black Metal Scene
Characters:
Band Members of baphomet’s agony and their immediate family members
“But I wouldn’t know about that. I loved once. Conventional, wholesome, Hollywood fucking rom-com love. And got nothing in return. My finite resources dwindled. And that’s when I discovered something interesting. Without love there’s nothing to soften the edges of other, more exciting, emotions that most people look down on. Hate. Greed. Revenge.”
“Those of us have suckled at a breast swollen by volume, vice and violence, those of us that have been emancipated by our hatred: we are the truly enlightened.”
Really interesting read. I was actually glued to this book and struggled to put it down. I ended up staying up way too late one night reading and telling myself just one more chapter until it was 4 am and I realized I was literally 90% done.
“What we see is a world that needs to be destroyed and replaced with something new..”
The book is formatted to mimic the style of an autobiographical nonfiction book. Marta is both the author and the narrator of this novel- blurring the boundary between real and fiction.
Written in a similar style to Confessions of a Shopaholic but the narrator is a young Norwegian female black metal band manager of Baphomet’s Agony and self-proclaimed Antichrist. Using everything around her to her maximum capacity to ensure the band makes it.
Genre:
Gen adult fiction
Horror
POV -1st person narrative -past tense
-villian protagonist
Hell is Real.
Satan is real.
Black Metal is Satanic.
The Antichrist is a Woman - Marta Skaoi the modern
Confessions of an Antichrist
Blurs the line between reality and fiction by making the author and narrator one and the same.
Settings:
Norway
Black Metal Scene
Characters:
Band Members of baphomet’s agony and their immediate family members
“But I wouldn’t know about that. I loved once. Conventional, wholesome, Hollywood fucking rom-com love. And got nothing in return. My finite resources dwindled. And that’s when I discovered something interesting. Without love there’s nothing to soften the edges of other, more exciting, emotions that most people look down on. Hate. Greed. Revenge.”
“Those of us have suckled at a breast swollen by volume, vice and violence, those of us that have been emancipated by our hatred: we are the truly enlightened.”
Really interesting read. I was actually glued to this book and struggled to put it down. I ended up staying up way too late one night reading and telling myself just one more chapter until it was 4 am and I realized I was literally 90% done.
“What we see is a world that needs to be destroyed and replaced with something new..”
The book is formatted to mimic the style of an autobiographical nonfiction book. Marta is both the author and the narrator of this novel- blurring the boundary between real and fiction.
Written in a similar style to Confessions of a Shopaholic but the narrator is a young Norwegian female black metal band manager of Baphomet’s Agony and self-proclaimed Antichrist. Using everything around her to her maximum capacity to ensure the band makes it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 14, 2024
Review originally on
JamReads
Confessions of an Antichrist is a thrilling and messed up novel inspired by the Norwegian Black Metal scene, written by Marta Skaði, and published by Datura Books. From the start, we know we are for a riot of a story, with all the elements one could expect from the inspiration, slowly descending into madness and told from the perspective of Marta, manager of a young Black Metal band.
A fast-moving story that mixes the ascend of the band with the own Marta's memories about them and how their personal pasts have ended creating the characters each of the band's members; except for Suffer, the mad vocalist that takes much of the lead of the spectacle, also obsessed with murdering an innocent because of his own beliefs, the rest of the members are Marta's friends (and occasionally lovers).
Choosing Marta as the voice to narrate all is an interesting election, partly creating the parallel line with the own author, but also because despite she might be unlikeable, it is clearly shown she has the control over the band; all movements are just a result of her actions or her influence over the other members, going against all the traditional sexism that is tied together with the scene.
Plot advances in some unexpected directions, trying to create shock in the reader, exploring more the horror elements that are naturally tied to the story. Skaði uses a relatively low amount of settings, putting instead the focus on the self-destructive race started by the band and which ends with an apotheosic climax, really fitting for the direction the story was headed.
If you are in the search for a chaotic, intense and hard-going horror story, which could happen IRL, don't look more, Confessions of an Antichrist is exactly the perfect fit; bonus points if you know Black Metal's history, as you will recognize many hidden references. A book to devour!
Confessions of an Antichrist is a thrilling and messed up novel inspired by the Norwegian Black Metal scene, written by Marta Skaði, and published by Datura Books. From the start, we know we are for a riot of a story, with all the elements one could expect from the inspiration, slowly descending into madness and told from the perspective of Marta, manager of a young Black Metal band.
A fast-moving story that mixes the ascend of the band with the own Marta's memories about them and how their personal pasts have ended creating the characters each of the band's members; except for Suffer, the mad vocalist that takes much of the lead of the spectacle, also obsessed with murdering an innocent because of his own beliefs, the rest of the members are Marta's friends (and occasionally lovers).
Choosing Marta as the voice to narrate all is an interesting election, partly creating the parallel line with the own author, but also because despite she might be unlikeable, it is clearly shown she has the control over the band; all movements are just a result of her actions or her influence over the other members, going against all the traditional sexism that is tied together with the scene.
Plot advances in some unexpected directions, trying to create shock in the reader, exploring more the horror elements that are naturally tied to the story. Skaði uses a relatively low amount of settings, putting instead the focus on the self-destructive race started by the band and which ends with an apotheosic climax, really fitting for the direction the story was headed.
If you are in the search for a chaotic, intense and hard-going horror story, which could happen IRL, don't look more, Confessions of an Antichrist is exactly the perfect fit; bonus points if you know Black Metal's history, as you will recognize many hidden references. A book to devour!
April 7, 2024
"Confessions of an Anti-Christ" by Marta Skadi is an insanely electrifying dark comedy and horror story set in the world of Norwegian Black Metal, where chaos reigns supreme and madness lurks around every corner.
Set in a picturesque fishing town in Norway, the story follows Marta Skadi, the manager of a Black Metal band comprised of her closest friends and the eccentrically insane lead vocalist, Suffer, whose presence adds an aura of mystique to the narrative. As the band navigates the treacherous waters of the music industry, their journey takes unexpected turns, delving into themes of love, loss, and the destructive power of obsession.
Skadi's writing is a masterclass in storytelling, seamlessly weaving together elements of horror, comedy, and surrealism to create a narrative that is as captivating as it is unpredictable. From the opening gig that descends into madness to the shocking revelations that unfold throughout the story, "Confessions of an Anti-Christ" keeps readers on the edge of their seats from start to finish.
What makes this story so unique is its cast of deeply flawed yet utterly compelling characters. Marta Skadi, the protagonist and narrator, may be unlikeable at times, but her unapologetic demeanor and ruthless determination make her a force to be reckoned with. The supporting cast, from the band members touched by madness to the roving bands of Christian Metalheads and Traditional Black Metal aficionados, add layers of complexity to the story, ensuring that there is never a dull moment.
While "Confessions of an Anti-Christ" explores dark and disturbing themes, it does so with a sense of dark humor and wit that keeps the story from becoming too overwhelming. Skadi's ability to balance moments of tension with moments of levity is truly remarkable, making for a reading experience as entertaining as it is thought-provoking.
In conclusion, "Confessions of an Anti-Christ" is a must-read for fans of horror, comedy, and everything in between. Marta Skadi has crafted a truly unforgettable tale that will leave readers questioning the nature of reality long after they've turned the final page.
Set in a picturesque fishing town in Norway, the story follows Marta Skadi, the manager of a Black Metal band comprised of her closest friends and the eccentrically insane lead vocalist, Suffer, whose presence adds an aura of mystique to the narrative. As the band navigates the treacherous waters of the music industry, their journey takes unexpected turns, delving into themes of love, loss, and the destructive power of obsession.
Skadi's writing is a masterclass in storytelling, seamlessly weaving together elements of horror, comedy, and surrealism to create a narrative that is as captivating as it is unpredictable. From the opening gig that descends into madness to the shocking revelations that unfold throughout the story, "Confessions of an Anti-Christ" keeps readers on the edge of their seats from start to finish.
What makes this story so unique is its cast of deeply flawed yet utterly compelling characters. Marta Skadi, the protagonist and narrator, may be unlikeable at times, but her unapologetic demeanor and ruthless determination make her a force to be reckoned with. The supporting cast, from the band members touched by madness to the roving bands of Christian Metalheads and Traditional Black Metal aficionados, add layers of complexity to the story, ensuring that there is never a dull moment.
While "Confessions of an Anti-Christ" explores dark and disturbing themes, it does so with a sense of dark humor and wit that keeps the story from becoming too overwhelming. Skadi's ability to balance moments of tension with moments of levity is truly remarkable, making for a reading experience as entertaining as it is thought-provoking.
In conclusion, "Confessions of an Anti-Christ" is a must-read for fans of horror, comedy, and everything in between. Marta Skadi has crafted a truly unforgettable tale that will leave readers questioning the nature of reality long after they've turned the final page.
March 13, 2024
Confessions of an Antichrist is just what it says on the tin: a fast-moving plunge into a kind of mythical Norwegian Black Metal scene complete with murder, church burning, and complex love triangles. What I wasn’t prepared for was the degree to which it read like a kind of Crying of Lot 49-style surreal freak out. That is to say, it’s deeply funny as long as you like your humor as black as, well, as Norwegian Black Metal.
Marta (yes, the protagonist shares the author’s name, adding to the meta-tinged strangeness of the text) manages a Black Metal band in a small coastal town. The band consists of her oldest friends (and sometime lovers) and also Suffer, the feral Id who fronts the band when not beating up the audience or searching for an innocent to murder.
We follow the band’s ascent, such as it is, intertwined with the narrative of Marta’s machinations to transform the members of the band into characters in her own drama. You know, kind of like the writer. Writing a book. Okay, meta-fiction boxes checked.
That this is all playacting for most of these characters (with the exception of Suffer, who is simply insane) is a great source of humor, and Marta continually attempts to school The Exorcist in the basic tenants of Satanism. The trouble is that The Exorcist is just a big Christian softy who loves his mother.
There are also roving bands of Christian Metalheads and a gang of “Traditional” Black Metal aficionados who have targeted the band. These competing forces sometimes explode into wild and comic violence, but it all feels very distant, almost cartoonish.
So, is this a horror novel? Finally, I think not, though it does tread much of the traditional ground of psychological horror: an unreliable narrator, a focus on guilt and shame (or their supposed absence), and a fascination with self-destruction. But these themes never really connect beyond comic effect, however effective that comedy may be.
In the end, the absolute satanic nihilism proposed is a bit tedious, and the conclusion, which packs several soap opera reveals into the last fifty pages, are mostly confusing. Am I now supposed to take these things seriously? Am I being asked to see Marta as a full character with genuine emotional depth? It’s a conclusion that asks quite a lot of its readers, and that the novel hasn’t necessarily prepared them for.
Rather than revealing that the desires that drove this outlandish plot were actually the same desires that drive every plot, I wish the story had doubled down on its quirky bleakness. Had the plot actually summoned up Ragnarok, I’d have been well prepared for it by all that came before, and I’d have welcomed it, even as a portrait of a dissolving psyche.
Instead, we get a portrait of a choreographed disaster designed solely to shift units, and in the meta-fictional milieu of the novel, that almost feels like an accusation against the reader, as if we were silly enough to fall for the whole goofy ruse.
And maybe we were.
Marta (yes, the protagonist shares the author’s name, adding to the meta-tinged strangeness of the text) manages a Black Metal band in a small coastal town. The band consists of her oldest friends (and sometime lovers) and also Suffer, the feral Id who fronts the band when not beating up the audience or searching for an innocent to murder.
We follow the band’s ascent, such as it is, intertwined with the narrative of Marta’s machinations to transform the members of the band into characters in her own drama. You know, kind of like the writer. Writing a book. Okay, meta-fiction boxes checked.
That this is all playacting for most of these characters (with the exception of Suffer, who is simply insane) is a great source of humor, and Marta continually attempts to school The Exorcist in the basic tenants of Satanism. The trouble is that The Exorcist is just a big Christian softy who loves his mother.
There are also roving bands of Christian Metalheads and a gang of “Traditional” Black Metal aficionados who have targeted the band. These competing forces sometimes explode into wild and comic violence, but it all feels very distant, almost cartoonish.
So, is this a horror novel? Finally, I think not, though it does tread much of the traditional ground of psychological horror: an unreliable narrator, a focus on guilt and shame (or their supposed absence), and a fascination with self-destruction. But these themes never really connect beyond comic effect, however effective that comedy may be.
In the end, the absolute satanic nihilism proposed is a bit tedious, and the conclusion, which packs several soap opera reveals into the last fifty pages, are mostly confusing. Am I now supposed to take these things seriously? Am I being asked to see Marta as a full character with genuine emotional depth? It’s a conclusion that asks quite a lot of its readers, and that the novel hasn’t necessarily prepared them for.
Rather than revealing that the desires that drove this outlandish plot were actually the same desires that drive every plot, I wish the story had doubled down on its quirky bleakness. Had the plot actually summoned up Ragnarok, I’d have been well prepared for it by all that came before, and I’d have welcomed it, even as a portrait of a dissolving psyche.
Instead, we get a portrait of a choreographed disaster designed solely to shift units, and in the meta-fictional milieu of the novel, that almost feels like an accusation against the reader, as if we were silly enough to fall for the whole goofy ruse.
And maybe we were.
March 12, 2024
Thank you Datura for sending me a review copy.
This book is an absolute riot. It starts with a gig that descends into madness and it never really lets up from there. The backdrop for the story is a Black Metal band trying to make their fame and fortune, and it soon turns into a story of love, loss, madness and chaos. The biggest draw for me was the potential Anti-Christ lead vocalists and it left me with more questions than answers (which I’m perfectly fine with).
Every character in the story is touched by madness in some way, some for more obvious reasons than others. Within the story you’ll find sex, love, death, blood and everything you could really want from a good horror book. This is a horror story set firmly in our world, and while you might not find any paranormal elements or monsters the actions of some of the characters will leave you horrified.
I flew through Confessions of an Antichrist. The plot flows so seamlessly with reveals happening in just the right amount of time, and enough mystery to keep you guessing. Marta is a pretty unlikeable narrator, but at no point did that hinder my enjoyment. It’s important that she makes awful decisions and does terrible things with no remorse. She’s really the leader of the band and she’s the one calling the shots for them.
The majority of the story happens in only a few settings. It works perfectly because really you’re focussing on the band and their actions in places that become familiar fairly quickly. I could easily picture their underground store and I really enjoyed that that was kind of ‘their space’ as a band.
Honestly I feel a little like Confessions could have gone even darker with the story. But I also like that it’s firmly rooted in our world and it’s somewhat more horrifying that these people could be real.
I’d say pick this up for a quick horror read that’ll throw all kinds of madness at you.
This book is an absolute riot. It starts with a gig that descends into madness and it never really lets up from there. The backdrop for the story is a Black Metal band trying to make their fame and fortune, and it soon turns into a story of love, loss, madness and chaos. The biggest draw for me was the potential Anti-Christ lead vocalists and it left me with more questions than answers (which I’m perfectly fine with).
Every character in the story is touched by madness in some way, some for more obvious reasons than others. Within the story you’ll find sex, love, death, blood and everything you could really want from a good horror book. This is a horror story set firmly in our world, and while you might not find any paranormal elements or monsters the actions of some of the characters will leave you horrified.
I flew through Confessions of an Antichrist. The plot flows so seamlessly with reveals happening in just the right amount of time, and enough mystery to keep you guessing. Marta is a pretty unlikeable narrator, but at no point did that hinder my enjoyment. It’s important that she makes awful decisions and does terrible things with no remorse. She’s really the leader of the band and she’s the one calling the shots for them.
The majority of the story happens in only a few settings. It works perfectly because really you’re focussing on the band and their actions in places that become familiar fairly quickly. I could easily picture their underground store and I really enjoyed that that was kind of ‘their space’ as a band.
Honestly I feel a little like Confessions could have gone even darker with the story. But I also like that it’s firmly rooted in our world and it’s somewhat more horrifying that these people could be real.
I’d say pick this up for a quick horror read that’ll throw all kinds of madness at you.
February 8, 2024
An interesting read that follows Marta, the manager of an upcoming Black Metal band in Norway.
Initially it begins as a somewhat normal and expected story, the relationships between Marta and the band members is explained and her ambitions for the band seem to be as ambitious as you’d expect.
However there’s an underlying aura of madness in the book, seemingly from all angles, whether it’s a widow who waits for her dead husband to come home and still cooks meals for him, or the various characters who exist alongside the band, or the band members themselves, all different flavours of the archetypal metal musician.
Soon, you realise it’s Marta’s descent into madness that you’re witnessing, her constant subjection to extreme is creating a desensitised person who becomes a puppet master of those around her, her cruelty the psychological control she exerts over other people.
I read this in one sitting, I laughed out loud a few times, feeling like I was reading a parody of the Norwegian Black Metal scene, seeing elements of real musicians amongst the books characters.
At first glance it’s a crude, unfiltered description of a Metal band trying to gain reputation and success, then it becomes a sad story of trauma, abandonment and the search for something to feel.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for a chance to read - this book.
Initially it begins as a somewhat normal and expected story, the relationships between Marta and the band members is explained and her ambitions for the band seem to be as ambitious as you’d expect.
However there’s an underlying aura of madness in the book, seemingly from all angles, whether it’s a widow who waits for her dead husband to come home and still cooks meals for him, or the various characters who exist alongside the band, or the band members themselves, all different flavours of the archetypal metal musician.
Soon, you realise it’s Marta’s descent into madness that you’re witnessing, her constant subjection to extreme is creating a desensitised person who becomes a puppet master of those around her, her cruelty the psychological control she exerts over other people.
I read this in one sitting, I laughed out loud a few times, feeling like I was reading a parody of the Norwegian Black Metal scene, seeing elements of real musicians amongst the books characters.
At first glance it’s a crude, unfiltered description of a Metal band trying to gain reputation and success, then it becomes a sad story of trauma, abandonment and the search for something to feel.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for a chance to read - this book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 2, 2024
It was a quite interesting read. On one hand, I loved the thriller aspect of it, the darker but focused on death and murder side of it. Some moments were gripping. On the other hand, I did not like the emphasis on sex. The sexual affairs between the characters annoyed me and disconnected me from the story. And I wanted more of the music. The main character was not likeable but she was sometimes quite interesting. To sum up, I wanted more death and less sex. But it is only a personal preference — I actually prefer death. It’s just more interesting to me.
Thank you to Netgalley for an ARC in exchange for a honest review.
Thank you to Netgalley for an ARC in exchange for a honest review.
February 11, 2024
To put it simply it’s a messed up story, which has plenty of humour, a little bit of love & a hell of a lot of black metal. I loved it!
Thank you to NetGalley for providing an advanced copy on exchange for this honest review
Thank you to NetGalley for providing an advanced copy on exchange for this honest review
April 14, 2024
If anything, I won't soon forget this book.
April 25, 2024
Confessions of an Antichrist follows Marta, the manager of a Norwegian black metal band comprised of Satanists (and posers). We begin with tales of their escapades, gigs, and friendship history, spliced with details of violence and sex (including sexual violence). As they work towards gaining a record deal, whilst continuing to engage in sex, violence, and depravity (I guess the black metal version of sex, drugs, and rock and roll) before descending into madness and murder (and dildos).
I really really really wanted to like this book. Ok paper, it had everything: rock/metal music, horror, madness, and humour. After reading the first page, I put off continuing until I had time to fully enjoy it without interruption. It started off well and was funny from the off. We're introduced to the band in the midst of a chaotic gig and it was a little hard to keep the members straight - other than their instruments, there was only a couple of things to set them apart from each other in my opinion. We're also introduced to violence and grief early on, with a heart-breaking story of loss and a tales of a gratuitously violent gigs. We learn the history of Marta's relationships with each member, and how she has to hide in the background for fear of ruining the bands chances of success with her devastating crime of being a woman. Despite this, she controls the band members in defiance of the sexist scene.
After around a third of the way in, the book was dragging for me and I was losing interest in the story. I was no longer captivated by the humour or violence. The characters pretty much blurred into one with unclear motives, being horrible just for the sake of it. Whilst the violence escalated as the book went on and there was still some humour, my interest continued to dwindle and I found it hard to care what happened. It was chaotic and messy but also fell flat. There is a lot of sexual references, violence, and metaphors throughout the book, and this became grating as though there only for shock or gratuity. Whilst some have commented that this is fast paced, I found it to be the opposite. I found the non-linear timeline slowed things down and it really dragged in the middle.
Overall, this had a lot of potential but didn't hit the mark for me. Thank you to NetGalley for the arc.
I really really really wanted to like this book. Ok paper, it had everything: rock/metal music, horror, madness, and humour. After reading the first page, I put off continuing until I had time to fully enjoy it without interruption. It started off well and was funny from the off. We're introduced to the band in the midst of a chaotic gig and it was a little hard to keep the members straight - other than their instruments, there was only a couple of things to set them apart from each other in my opinion. We're also introduced to violence and grief early on, with a heart-breaking story of loss and a tales of a gratuitously violent gigs. We learn the history of Marta's relationships with each member, and how she has to hide in the background for fear of ruining the bands chances of success with her devastating crime of being a woman. Despite this, she controls the band members in defiance of the sexist scene.
After around a third of the way in, the book was dragging for me and I was losing interest in the story. I was no longer captivated by the humour or violence. The characters pretty much blurred into one with unclear motives, being horrible just for the sake of it. Whilst the violence escalated as the book went on and there was still some humour, my interest continued to dwindle and I found it hard to care what happened. It was chaotic and messy but also fell flat. There is a lot of sexual references, violence, and metaphors throughout the book, and this became grating as though there only for shock or gratuity. Whilst some have commented that this is fast paced, I found it to be the opposite. I found the non-linear timeline slowed things down and it really dragged in the middle.
Overall, this had a lot of potential but didn't hit the mark for me. Thank you to NetGalley for the arc.
April 23, 2024
This book is one of my favorites of 2024!
Marta Skaði expertly builds tension through mystery, interpersonal drama, misdirection, and the slow and shocking reminder that the protagonist isn’t always the hero. It was genuinely difficult to guess what was going to happen next while Marta (the character) continued to leave vital information out of the narrative. This information was always revealed with such eye-popping timing.
One of the greatest aspects of the book is Suffer being painting as the antagonist for a majority of the story in a stroke of incredible misdirection. While Suffer might be a true psychopath, Marta is calculating and manipulative and prepared to do unspeakable things to get what she wants. The first time Hel (the character) is discussed it didn’t strike me as something that would go on to have such an effect on the book when Marta herself was already so drenched in cruelty. The reveal of Hel's take over of Marta made sense in hindsight but still dropped my jaw.
The narration has incredible voice that seamlessly integrates humor, longing, and story-enriching descriptions of a music scene that many are unfamiliar with. The explanations of the cultural history of the scene and the physical characterizations of the different facets within black metal and Satanism never pushed into YA-over-descriptive territory. It fit well within the tone of the book while lending a hand to readers who may not be familiar with what these shows physically look like or how people might style themselves.
Overall, nasty and enGROSSing. I loved it! My rating is technically 4 1/4 ⭐️
Marta Skaði expertly builds tension through mystery, interpersonal drama, misdirection, and the slow and shocking reminder that the protagonist isn’t always the hero. It was genuinely difficult to guess what was going to happen next while Marta (the character) continued to leave vital information out of the narrative. This information was always revealed with such eye-popping timing.
One of the greatest aspects of the book is Suffer being painting as the antagonist for a majority of the story in a stroke of incredible misdirection. While Suffer might be a true psychopath, Marta is calculating and manipulative and prepared to do unspeakable things to get what she wants. The first time Hel (the character) is discussed it didn’t strike me as something that would go on to have such an effect on the book when Marta herself was already so drenched in cruelty. The reveal of Hel's take over of Marta made sense in hindsight but still dropped my jaw.
The narration has incredible voice that seamlessly integrates humor, longing, and story-enriching descriptions of a music scene that many are unfamiliar with. The explanations of the cultural history of the scene and the physical characterizations of the different facets within black metal and Satanism never pushed into YA-over-descriptive territory. It fit well within the tone of the book while lending a hand to readers who may not be familiar with what these shows physically look like or how people might style themselves.
Overall, nasty and enGROSSing. I loved it! My rating is technically 4 1/4 ⭐️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 11, 2024
“Kindness, love and beauty cannot exist in a world that doesn’t know evil, hatred and pain. That is where I come in. I create the darkness out of which the light can shine.”
Marta Skadi’s novel is about a a young women called Marta who forms a black metal band from a fishing village in Norway. These wannabe satanists want to spread their message and corrupt the masses across the world through their depraved displays at their infamous shows. As a record deal is on the table, soon things take a turn within the band and community. Marta is good at getting what she wants so this decent into madness is only the beginning of the destruction headed her way.
The novel is set around the 2010 heavy metal scene in Norway. It takes a deep dive into the metal music scene, what happens behind the scenes and the conflicts between other communities who are not afraid to voice their opinions against black metal music. Within this is a crime story and a disturbing look at the dynamics between band members struggling with troubled pasts.
Violence, sex, murder and abuse are a few of the themes that add to the shock and horror of what is happening within the band and how evil takes form in many ways. It is obvious that each member of this band has issues and begs the question who is the most disturbed one out of them all? But when there is a puppet master pulling the strings surely the answer is obvious.
I enjoyed reading this novel, it was a dark and twisted tale that would appeal to those who want to try something different.
Many thanks to @daturabooks for a copy of this book.
Marta Skadi’s novel is about a a young women called Marta who forms a black metal band from a fishing village in Norway. These wannabe satanists want to spread their message and corrupt the masses across the world through their depraved displays at their infamous shows. As a record deal is on the table, soon things take a turn within the band and community. Marta is good at getting what she wants so this decent into madness is only the beginning of the destruction headed her way.
The novel is set around the 2010 heavy metal scene in Norway. It takes a deep dive into the metal music scene, what happens behind the scenes and the conflicts between other communities who are not afraid to voice their opinions against black metal music. Within this is a crime story and a disturbing look at the dynamics between band members struggling with troubled pasts.
Violence, sex, murder and abuse are a few of the themes that add to the shock and horror of what is happening within the band and how evil takes form in many ways. It is obvious that each member of this band has issues and begs the question who is the most disturbed one out of them all? But when there is a puppet master pulling the strings surely the answer is obvious.
I enjoyed reading this novel, it was a dark and twisted tale that would appeal to those who want to try something different.
Many thanks to @daturabooks for a copy of this book.
March 28, 2024
I want to thank NetGalley and Datura Books for giving me access to this novel's e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
I am sure we are all aware of the lore around Scandinavian Black Metal. The murders, church burnings, and self-destruction that played out in the darkest era of Black Metal. Confessions of an Anti-Christ plays off that infamy with its story that smothers the reader with Sex, Violence, Satan, and BLACK-METAL-N-ROLL!
It is 2010, and our narrator, Marta, manages a band of extreme personality misfits. She is basically the Malcolm McLaren of Black Metal. She has a mission, and she will not be stopped. The world must be destroyed, and Marta and company are dead set on providing the soundtrack to its destruction.
The publisher’s description of Confessions of an Anti-Christ boasts of fighting fascists with dildos as the group descends into the chaos of church burnings, Chaos, and Murder! The book delivers on all those 10 times fold. The publishers also talk about Marta being an unreliable narrator. That’s true, though I think it had the opposite of the intended effect.
The book does what it sets out to do: deliver a harrowing tale of depravity set to the pulsing energy of Norwegian Black Metal. There is plenty of dark humor, and it's downright funny if you have that sense of humor. Where it loses me, though, is with the unreliable narration and the very annoying ramblings about the interconnecting relationships between Marta and the band members. When it comes to the reveals near the end, it feels like a cluttered mess of confusion.
I am sure we are all aware of the lore around Scandinavian Black Metal. The murders, church burnings, and self-destruction that played out in the darkest era of Black Metal. Confessions of an Anti-Christ plays off that infamy with its story that smothers the reader with Sex, Violence, Satan, and BLACK-METAL-N-ROLL!
It is 2010, and our narrator, Marta, manages a band of extreme personality misfits. She is basically the Malcolm McLaren of Black Metal. She has a mission, and she will not be stopped. The world must be destroyed, and Marta and company are dead set on providing the soundtrack to its destruction.
The publisher’s description of Confessions of an Anti-Christ boasts of fighting fascists with dildos as the group descends into the chaos of church burnings, Chaos, and Murder! The book delivers on all those 10 times fold. The publishers also talk about Marta being an unreliable narrator. That’s true, though I think it had the opposite of the intended effect.
The book does what it sets out to do: deliver a harrowing tale of depravity set to the pulsing energy of Norwegian Black Metal. There is plenty of dark humor, and it's downright funny if you have that sense of humor. Where it loses me, though, is with the unreliable narration and the very annoying ramblings about the interconnecting relationships between Marta and the band members. When it comes to the reveals near the end, it feels like a cluttered mess of confusion.
March 17, 2024
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an advanced copy of this novel to read in exchange for an honest review.
I really wanted to like this book. A horror novel about a Norwegian black metal band? What's not to like about that? I'm a sucker for books about fictional media (podcasts, bands, movies, etc) and this one was right in line with my musical interests. However I felt like for as excited as I was to start reading it, I couldn't maintain that excitement through the book. It was off to a slow start and it unfortunately it didn't get any better for me in the back half. The characters were all as deplorable as you'd expect but their motivations seemed murky at best and none of the characters ever evolved into three dimensions. There was a lot of foreshadowing that fizzled out rather than coming into interesting fruition and the one element of the book I actually got excited about never actually went anywhere.
I gave this book two stars because while I won't read it again I still thought it was readable. There is definitely an audience for this book that will enjoy it, it just wasn't me.
I really wanted to like this book. A horror novel about a Norwegian black metal band? What's not to like about that? I'm a sucker for books about fictional media (podcasts, bands, movies, etc) and this one was right in line with my musical interests. However I felt like for as excited as I was to start reading it, I couldn't maintain that excitement through the book. It was off to a slow start and it unfortunately it didn't get any better for me in the back half. The characters were all as deplorable as you'd expect but their motivations seemed murky at best and none of the characters ever evolved into three dimensions. There was a lot of foreshadowing that fizzled out rather than coming into interesting fruition and the one element of the book I actually got excited about never actually went anywhere.
I gave this book two stars because while I won't read it again I still thought it was readable. There is definitely an audience for this book that will enjoy it, it just wasn't me.
April 15, 2024
I received an eARC copy from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
I think I enjoyed this overall. I'm conflicted because on the one hand, the novel delivers on what it sets out to do: be a overencompasing tale of one teenage band's rise in the Norwegian Death Metal scene. I was very intrigued based on the premise, but I feel a little disappointed by its conclusion. It might be my own expectations on the novel, but I thought it was going to be way more horrific. If you are looking for a more "realistic" take on this type of story, then I think you would enjoy this. The book started off with a really strong first chapter and I was super into the book. However, I feel like the plot was not strong enough to hold my appreciation for most of the book. The book is darkly funny, and that's mostly thanks to our narrator. However, the narrator is also unreliable and downright obnoxious, so I was kind of able to tell where this book was going by the end - and even with that, I still found it to be a really messy and confusing ending.
I think I enjoyed this overall. I'm conflicted because on the one hand, the novel delivers on what it sets out to do: be a overencompasing tale of one teenage band's rise in the Norwegian Death Metal scene. I was very intrigued based on the premise, but I feel a little disappointed by its conclusion. It might be my own expectations on the novel, but I thought it was going to be way more horrific. If you are looking for a more "realistic" take on this type of story, then I think you would enjoy this. The book started off with a really strong first chapter and I was super into the book. However, I feel like the plot was not strong enough to hold my appreciation for most of the book. The book is darkly funny, and that's mostly thanks to our narrator. However, the narrator is also unreliable and downright obnoxious, so I was kind of able to tell where this book was going by the end - and even with that, I still found it to be a really messy and confusing ending.
April 30, 2024
Thank you, NetGalley for providing me with this arc in exchange for an honest review.
For starters, this is a very self aware book. It is dramatic, grotesque, absurd and comical. While I've seen some comments on it being too gratuitous, I don't think that's the case. Confessions of an Antichrist reads like a well crafted fictitious recollection of a young manager of a black metal band (who shares her name, Marta, with the author, which I thought was a nice touch).
Confessions of an Antichrist follows Marta and her unreliable narration of the stardom of a black metal band formed by her friends and how she managed and fabricated their road to the climax of the story. While going back and forth in memories, we learn of Marta's relationship with each of the guys on a personal level, as well as coming closer and closer to understanding who Marta is and what her ambitions are.
This is a horror comedy and it did make me chuckle a few times. The blurb doesn't lie and neither does the summary: Expect the absurd and don't take things too seriously. You won't be able to put this book down.
For starters, this is a very self aware book. It is dramatic, grotesque, absurd and comical. While I've seen some comments on it being too gratuitous, I don't think that's the case. Confessions of an Antichrist reads like a well crafted fictitious recollection of a young manager of a black metal band (who shares her name, Marta, with the author, which I thought was a nice touch).
Confessions of an Antichrist follows Marta and her unreliable narration of the stardom of a black metal band formed by her friends and how she managed and fabricated their road to the climax of the story. While going back and forth in memories, we learn of Marta's relationship with each of the guys on a personal level, as well as coming closer and closer to understanding who Marta is and what her ambitions are.
This is a horror comedy and it did make me chuckle a few times. The blurb doesn't lie and neither does the summary: Expect the absurd and don't take things too seriously. You won't be able to put this book down.
March 5, 2024
First off, I’d like to thank Netgalley, the author and publishing house for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. I’ve been eyeing this book for a while and was over the moon when I received it.
We started off great with such a STRONG opening chapter, and from then I knew I was hooked.
Though I will admit that the beginning dragged a bit and I found myself slightly impatient on that end, but that’s because I’ve always preferred fast-paced novels.
A very interesting read nevertheless. It pushed literary boundaries and made a mark. The blatancy of Marta making certain observations was a key highlight for me. I’ve always enjoyed narrators like that.
The humour was great, it was vile and full of violence and death and sex with a sprinkle of love all on top of a heap of black metal music and the combination was perfect. The ending was the filthiest, most shocking, twisted and picturesque part. It’s a perfect example of how humans can read about the most disgusting things, and still find curiosity in it. Remarkable. I couldn’t stop reading.
We started off great with such a STRONG opening chapter, and from then I knew I was hooked.
Though I will admit that the beginning dragged a bit and I found myself slightly impatient on that end, but that’s because I’ve always preferred fast-paced novels.
A very interesting read nevertheless. It pushed literary boundaries and made a mark. The blatancy of Marta making certain observations was a key highlight for me. I’ve always enjoyed narrators like that.
The humour was great, it was vile and full of violence and death and sex with a sprinkle of love all on top of a heap of black metal music and the combination was perfect. The ending was the filthiest, most shocking, twisted and picturesque part. It’s a perfect example of how humans can read about the most disgusting things, and still find curiosity in it. Remarkable. I couldn’t stop reading.
March 21, 2024
I picked this book up at random at a bookstore I’d never been to before (s/o Quimbys in Chicago!), but knew from the vibe in the store and on the book cover that this would be heavy, occult, and pretty effed-up. And boy was I right 😅
First of all, the pace of the novel was so so well done. It took me all but two days to finish it and it had me wondering what happens next at every turn.
Second, the backdrop and contrast of this beautiful Norway town to the festering pit of “satanists” alive in it is so well done.
Finally, we loooove a female she-devil. It’s giving if American Psycho were featuring a woman but lower-middle class, more ambitious, and smarter.
The only quip that I have is that the main point of who was actually evil was kinda evident from the beginning. I think it played well into the whole tone of the novel though.
First of all, the pace of the novel was so so well done. It took me all but two days to finish it and it had me wondering what happens next at every turn.
Second, the backdrop and contrast of this beautiful Norway town to the festering pit of “satanists” alive in it is so well done.
Finally, we loooove a female she-devil. It’s giving if American Psycho were featuring a woman but lower-middle class, more ambitious, and smarter.
The only quip that I have is that the main point of who was actually evil was kinda evident from the beginning. I think it played well into the whole tone of the novel though.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 11, 2024
This book was an oddity. It was very much gratuitous more than anything else, and didn't follow a linear plot. There was a lot in here that was mostly just for shock value, but I feel like that was the whole point, whilst also not enjoying that that was the point. The characters were superficial and irritating, and I really didn't connect with any of them. They were designed to be frustrating and horrible people (fundamentally) but this doesn't bite like satire.
There is also a lot to be said for the art of subtlety in a book like this. The world of black metal and death metal is not subtle, sure, but something more could have been done to make it just a little more approachable and a little less over-the-top.
There is also a lot to be said for the art of subtlety in a book like this. The world of black metal and death metal is not subtle, sure, but something more could have been done to make it just a little more approachable and a little less over-the-top.
November 13, 2024
Confessions of an Antchrist is a dark, gritty, grim tale, chronicling the destructive travels of a Norwegian black metal band as they leave a trail of murder in their wake, whilst traversing the murky music scene.
It's a story that certainly explores some disturbing themes, but it does so whilst retaining a scence of humour and proportion.
With a great cast of characters, some deeply flawed and unlikeable at times ( purposefully so ), it's tense, with twists and turns intended to shock the reader.
It's intense, brutal and streaked with grime and will have you turning the pages long after you should have gone to sleep.
4 🌟 🌟 🌟 's from me.
It's a story that certainly explores some disturbing themes, but it does so whilst retaining a scence of humour and proportion.
With a great cast of characters, some deeply flawed and unlikeable at times ( purposefully so ), it's tense, with twists and turns intended to shock the reader.
It's intense, brutal and streaked with grime and will have you turning the pages long after you should have gone to sleep.
4 🌟 🌟 🌟 's from me.
March 23, 2024
Thank you to NetGalley and Datura for this amazing opportunity to read,rate and review this arc which is now available!(3/11/24)
This was a fun truly dark read. It is about a Norwegian Black Metal band that delves into darkness depravity and murder in Norway during the 2010s scene. It was twisty and turny. It was depraved and dark. It truly gave you a glimpse into the minds of wannabe satanists in a band who are dead set on burning the world down and the murder they committed. I highly recommend this book.
This was a fun truly dark read. It is about a Norwegian Black Metal band that delves into darkness depravity and murder in Norway during the 2010s scene. It was twisty and turny. It was depraved and dark. It truly gave you a glimpse into the minds of wannabe satanists in a band who are dead set on burning the world down and the murder they committed. I highly recommend this book.
August 4, 2024
It's one of those novel so over the top that you end up laughing even if there's blood/brimstone and madness.
Inspired by the world of Scandinavian black metal in the 90s (even if it's set later) it's the story of an extreme band, the descend into madness of the band leader, rivalries and violence.
I had fun even if some moments were a bit disturbing but the excess of "special effects" created a sort of paradox that made me laugh
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine
Inspired by the world of Scandinavian black metal in the 90s (even if it's set later) it's the story of an extreme band, the descend into madness of the band leader, rivalries and violence.
I had fun even if some moments were a bit disturbing but the excess of "special effects" created a sort of paradox that made me laugh
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine
February 28, 2024
This book is similar to a horrific car accident. It is grotesque and morbid, but it piques your curiosity enough that you simply cannot turn your head away from the scene unfolding before you. This story follows Marta down her twisted tale of self-destruction and, ultimately, perhaps her absolution from her own demons. Was this book for me, absolutely not. However, as I previously mentioned, I couldn't look away. I feel like that counts for something.
September 1, 2024
I'm a huge fan of horror comedies, and this might be the most extreme horror comedy book I've read. It's very self-aware, though, and sly. Marta is a member of a black metal metal band, but she's more than a member, she's the driving force behind the depravity. The book starts with a church burning and then explains how we got there, and it's wild, violent, sexual, and hilarious. I've never read anything like it. Thanks to NetGalley for letting me read this.
May 8, 2024
I have complicated feelings about this one. The writing is good and the plot is well constructed by and large but the big reveal left me rolling my eyes more than anything. That said, the characters are compelling and it kept my attention enough to run through it in a few days. It's a recommend though not a strong one.
March 10, 2024
This book left me with a "what the heck did I just read" feeling. It started out kind of slow but at about chapter 4, one odd and shocking thing after another kept coming and you can't look away. Unreliable narrator and not for the faint of heart.
March 11, 2024
This was a relatively fun, dark, highly twisted tale. Towards the end I started feeling it was a bit predictable, but definitely read until the very end because there's some extra twists that brings it together in a far more satisfying way!
March 12, 2024
Don't think of this as a crime novel. it is NOT. it's a horror book in general, about a death metal group which is SO overdramatic. but i loved it anyway. thanks for the arc.
April 6, 2024
Metal, Black Metal. Death. Violence. Love. Hate. Desecration. Betrayal.
Yes!!
I just reviewed Confessions of an Antichrist by Marta Skaði. #ConfessionsofanAntichrist #NetGalley
Yes!!
I just reviewed Confessions of an Antichrist by Marta Skaði. #ConfessionsofanAntichrist #NetGalley
May 27, 2024
DNF 51% nothing new, nothing going on. BORING
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