So you're banking on your opponent running creatures and not control.

I can see this running through some standard decks. But it's not threatening to a Vehicle deck that focuses on the new Colossus. And the Mechanized Production decks will likely be a pain since they're literally just counter spells and waiting.

Over all great for anti creature though. Aggro will be frustrated.

If you're running 4 Murder and 2 Ruinous Path, wouldn't it make sense to have the numbers the other way round, 2 Murder 4 Ruinous Path since Ruinous Path is more versatile

How about Take Inventory for a control deck the card advantage builds up quick with that card

pax.wellington I have been play testing and determined it does need a couple more creatures. I will be picking up another two Torrential Gearhulks to make it a full playset in the deck.

Pygmyrhino990 I am using 4 Murders because with all the Mardu Vehicle decks in the meta instant speed removal seemed better. However, I think 2 more Ruinous Path in the sideboard might be better than Summary Dismissal.

woops didnt see that Ruinous Path was a sorcery my bad, but yeh that change seems good

So simple and yet so sweet! Have you had a chance to play test this in standard much?

FullmetalWes, I have not gotten to play since I added the playset of Torrential Gearhulks, but when I get some games in, I will update with the results.

I run a similar list. I've found that you want about 26 lands. Getting to that sixth land is so important so you can drop a gearhulk. Essence Extraction is also really good. I run a two in the main and two in the side.

Might want to sideboard a Sphinx of the Final Word in case of control deck matchups.

spardaman, thanks for the suggestion. I actually started with Sphinx of the Final Word in the Sideboard but then took it out because of the lack of other control decks in the meta. However, after thinking about it more, I think you're right, I should be prepared for anything so I will add it back in.

darleen, the sphinx will really come in handy especially now that Amonkhet's around the corner. My guess is this set's gonna focus on answers for the threats released for the previous block.

I feel like the blighted lands are kinda bad here. perhaps replace them with Aether Hub?

Trtl thanks for the suggestion. I have considered Aether Hub as a way to utilize the Energy from Glimmer of Genius. However, during my play testing eight dual lands has seemed to be enough mana fixing and I like the additional effects the Blighted lands offer. That being said, I am also considering the idea of splashing white and if I do, then for sure I will replace the Blighted lands with Aether Hub.

Have you considered Never//Return instead of Ruinous Path?

mrbuech, thanks for the suggestion. Never//Return does create a creature, but I think the creature that Ruinous Path creates can potentially be a win condition or at least is a better blocker. If the deck had more Zombie synergy I would definitely play it instead.

How does this fare against Mardu Vehicle and Aetherworks Marvel?

raztastic thanks for the question. In play testing against Mardu Vehicles, the deck performs very well doesn't much trouble, but Scrapheap Scrounger can be annoying. It has a fair performance against Aetherworks Marvel thus far but more play testing is needed. Next on the play test list in Mono Black Zombies. In next couple weeks I will be participating in several Standard tournaments and afterward I will post an update with the results and meta game breakdown.

Honestly there is no reason not to run Dispossess in your sideboard. You can completely eliminate any artifacts that create issues for you with ease. Best removal card for any of the top tier decks right now. It handles Gearhulks, Aetherworks marvels, and of course scrap heap scroungers.

Orion93, thanks for the suggestion, its great. To be honest I haven't taken a critical look at Amonkhet with regards to this deck yet. What would you take out of the sideboard to make room for it?

Probably essence extraction or yahenni's expertise. Depends on which you could afford to lose