From my article "..this October - mono black control."
From my initial release of this deck concept in early October, before Zendikar had officially released, I've enjoyed what the "Bloodcult" (aka Vampire Hoard) has had to offer. Mono Black Control (MBC) has lived up to its pre-conceived notions of becoming an archetype, and is indeed very prevalent in the current Standard scene.
In it's current form, this MBC deck has a large focus on board control via creature removal; a Black Magic staple. This particular version is running heavy decking mechanics; but the sideboard allows for a versatile approach to many of the current decks in standard arena. Some features include the Bloodghast + Fleshbag Marauder combo; as well as the Bloodghast + Carnage Alter combo; both are very entertaining mechanics that produce a great amount of synergy here. Because 5/5 creatures are VERY difficult to handle in the current set (especially black ones) the
Quest for the Gravelord
can often be a win condition. It is not, however, intended to be only one; as I've found many games in my favor due to a simple Nighthawk or even Sorin Markov alone.
Generally speaking, most games will play out with no more then three (3) creatures on the battlefield at any point in time. The struggle for control can be a very entertaining one to involve yourself in; and card advantage is king when similar concepts clash. This deck allows for no shortage of card advantage. Many have suggested that the Carnage Altar is not the way to go; but I vehemently disagree. What I have found is that since control is so prevalent, and card advantage so necessary, the Carnage Altar is an excellent place to prey on. Allowing you to sacrifice and recall creatures frequently, the Altar rarely fails you.
While the simplicity of the
Gravedigger
mechanic has always appealed to me, some creature spells in the past have offered more. Given the parameters of Standard, its not so. Coupling this creature with the enchantment
Soul Stair Expedition
you are capable of a fairly repetitive recursion mechanic as it relates to creature removal or card draw.
Initially, I'd neglected
Haunting Echoes
and felt it didn't have a place here. I've since made some adjustments to that. After playing some online games against popular NetDecks, I found a few creatures that needed to be removed from the game in more then one occasion. Because so many creature are slain by this build, Haunting Echoes has led to some devastating results. While I'd not recommend it, a fifth turn cast usually yield an 8 creature spell removal from the oppositions library. Waiting a few more turns can really cut into the creature count your enemy has available. I recommend forcing a sacrifice of Cobra's, Baneslayer's or Siege-Gang'ers before its activation.
Lastly, a word or two on Sadistic Sacrament - This spell, up until recently, has largely been overlooked in competitive play. I will tell you this; don't over look it. Sacrament can RFG 3/4 of a concept before it ever sees play. Many players are relying heavily on versatitlity in the current Standard, which leads to only 3 duplicate spells being run more often than not. Sacrament can be a solution here. It's worth looking into and has been a value add to the Bloodcult of Borja. Also, if you've already had some success with
Haunting Echoes
, Sacrament can occasionally yield a concession.
So... if you're curious to catch the pulse of Zendikar, continue to keep an eye out for MBC! You're bound to encounter some form of it in your local meta-games. It has certainly become the high-tempo block many had expected; especially where the Black Magic is concerned.
As always, enjoy.
