Understanding Noise Marines in Warhammer 40K

Warhammer 40,000 is set to reintroduce one of its most distinctive units, the Noise Marines, whose auditory chaos and exuberance are unparalleled. While the Space Marines stand as the Imperium of Man’s premier defenders, their history is also marked by treachery. During the tumultuous events of Warhammer 40K’s backdrop, nearly half of these once-loyal warriors chose to embrace Chaos. Despite suffering defeats during the civil war known as the Horus Heresy, many of these Chaos Space Marines persisted, continuing to haunt the Imperium in contemporary times.

The corrupting influence of Chaos transformed these once-noble warriors into superhuman aberrations. Some became mighty monsters, while others adopted unconventional armaments tailored to their specificities. Among them, the Noise Marines uniquely channel sensations of pleasure and torment through sonscious sound waves. Interestingly, the Noise Marines have not received a new miniature since 2018, and their entire line has not seen an update since 1999—a situation that appears poised to change.

The Noise Marines: A Distinctive Faction in Warhammer 40K

Noise Marines Employ Instrumental Weapons in Combat

Recently, Games Workshop hinted at a potential revival of the Noise Marines in 2025, as noted on the Warhammer Community site. Their combat style is notable for the use of various sonic weaponry—a hallmark of the Noise Marines that serves both to incapacitate foes and provide the overwhelming sensory experience that their ideology demands. This is fueled by their worship of Slaanesh, the Chaos God embodying excess and pleasure.

These unique weapons may resemble traditional firearms adorned with skull motifs, but many take the form of large musical instruments. These sonic arms can manifest as instruments akin to electric guitars or grand pipe organs, amplifying soundscapes to overwhelm enemies. Additionally, Noise Marines enhance their auditory assaults by donning speakers mounted on their backs. Their armor is characterized by vibrant and chaotic patterns that not only serve to intimidate but also distract adversaries. Their heightened auditory perception ensures they savor their own sonic creations to the fullest.

A Deep Dive into the Noise Marines’ Origin

The Grim History of Noise Marines

The initial iteration of Noise Marines originated from the infamous Emperor’s Children legion, helmed by the esteemed Primarch Fulgrim. Before the Horus Heresy ignited, this faction visited a temple dedicated to Slaanesh, bringing along a human artist named Bequa Kynska. Under the temple’s dark influence, Kynska crafted a sinister symphony known as the Maraviglia, infusing her composition with instruments that were deceptively lethal. The premiere of this horrific symphony resulted in a direct warp contact with the audience, leading to grotesque mutations and an orgy of violence and indulgence.

The narrative of the Noise Marines is further explored in the novel Fulgrim by Graham McNeill, documenting their rise and the fall of Fulgrim leading up to the Horus Heresy. During the Heresy, members of the Emperor’s Children wielded sonic weaponry against Loyalist Space Marines, forming the Kakophoni—a specialized group devoted to enhancing their sound weaponry for overwhelming results in battle.

Reasons Behind the Noise Marines’ Resurgence

The Case for a Miniature Reboot

So why is the return of the Noise Marines slated for 2025? Recent trends indicate Games Workshop has been actively revitalizing its Chaos Space Marine line, introducing updates with each edition. For instance, the Thousand Sons received their overhaul in the seventh edition, while the Plague Marines were refreshed in the eighth. The World Eaters saw their revival in the ninth edition, marking a clear pattern. It seems like the Emperor’s Children are next in line for their long-overdue revamp, especially considering it has been nearly 25 years since the Noise Marines enjoyed a full set of miniatures.

As the Emperor’s Children prepare for this revival, it’s plausible that Games Workshop also intends to release a new Fulgrim miniature. Recently, the lore has witnessed the reintroduction of various Primarchs, both Loyalist and Traitor. Characters like Mortarion, Magnus, and Angron have all made notable returns to the present-day narrative of Warhammer 40K. Given Fulgrim’s status as a vital figure who transformed into a daemon after the Horus Heresy, his return alongside the Emperor’s Children would be a fitting continuation of this trend.

Source: Warhammer Community

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