Kev Rowland Can it really be more than 20 years since One of Norway’s most creative black metal bands released ‘Puritanical Euphoric Misanthropia’? At the time they had gone through some artistic and personnel changes which would shape their future, with the arrival of bassist/singer ICS Vortex, drummer Nicholas Barker of Cradle of Filth and new guitarist Galder fitting in with Shagrath, Mustis and Silenoz. To celebrate the 20th+ anniversary, towards the end of 2022 Nuclear Blast released a limited edition 3 LP set containing remixed and remastered versions of the original 13 songs (as it is includes the bonus songs from the Japanese edition), with another LP (called ‘Dust Of Cold Memories’) which includes extensive bonus material, which includes the pre-production of the album and instrumental rehearsals.

Although I personally do not view this as important as the next album, ‘Death Cult Armageddon’, the addition of ICS Vortex to the band was a major step forward, along with the strong use of real orchestration as opposed to producing it on keyboards. There are some who feel this period of the band does not compare to their early days, bit for me this was when they were at their most interesting, challenging the norms on what was expected from Norwegian Black Metal, and forcing it into the mainstream without ever losing any of the power and atmosphere. Like many, I got this at the time so the question must be is it worth buying it again? Well, it has been remixed and remastered and the sound has been made punchier, plus it is available on vinyl, which is always nice. The third LP is very much for fans only but given they will be the ones getting this I guess that is okay.

Kev Rowland It has been way too long since Dimmu Borgir last released a studio album, and I felt the only way to be able to understand how this fits in the canon was by playing a few tracks from this and then dip into ‘Death Cult Armageddon’. This was an interesting exercise, not least because I always felt that a major part of their sound (at least for me) was the clean vocals of ICS Vortex, but of course he departed long ago. Vocalist Shagrath, as well as guitarists Silenoz and Galder are still there providing the material, while drummer Daray has been there for a decade, keyboard player Gerlioz has been there since 2010, so there is only one new boy, bassist Victor Brandt. Deciding to take their time on the songs has obviously been worthwhile, as there is far more breadth and depth to this than anything that have released previously. They have moved far more into the orchestral and symphonic arena, while still playing black metal like no-one else.

A special mention must be made of Gaute Storås and his work on the choral arrangements for the Schola Cantrum Choir, as it isn’t possible to overstate the impact they have had on the album as a whole. This is very much a metal band, but one that is attempting to create a genre of their own making, taking black metal and forcing into something that is far deeper, heavier and orchestral than anything they have managed up to this. The production is simply superb, incredibly clear while also very heavy indeed, allowing the band to spread their wings and show that when it comes to this style of music there are very few in the world who can even approach the majesty and dark beauty of what they are producing. It has been way too long since these guys have provided us with a new album, let’s just hope that the world tour to follow is just that, and that they make their way down here, as that would be a show not to miss.

Kev Rowland

It has been way too long since we last heard from Dimmu Borgir, and they have returned with a double DVD set, of which I have been sent the audio (and surely will be released on CD as well). Back in 2010 they performed with the Norwegian Radio Orchestra and a full-scale choir in their hometown of Oslo, and this release contains that entire show plus their performance at Wacken Open Air with the National Czech Symphonic Orchestra (as well as an in-depth documentary with behind-the-scenes footage of the massive stage production in Norway). By now the band was down to just a trio, with Shagrath (vocals), Silenoz (guitars) and Galder (guitars) joined by session musicians Daray (drums), Cyrus (bass) and Geir Bratland (keyboards), plus of course everyone else! I always felt that ICS Vortex was a key part of their sound, with his vocals complementing those of Shagrath, but he certainly isn’t missed here with everything else going on.

Their over the top symphonic black metal sound lends itself to the orchestral treatment, and the result is something that is quite extraordinary. The crowd also know that they are seeing something very special indeed, and are vocal in their support of what they are seeing and hearing. It is over the top, it is bombastic, and simply excellent. It is hard to pick a favourite moment among the seventeen songs on offer, but one must admit that “Progenies of the Great Apocalypse” has been lifted to even greater heights with the combination of Dimmu Borgir’s attack, the orchestra providing the backdrop, and Shagrath riding the maelstrom to its natural conclusion. This type of music just doesn’t get any better than this, and this will tide over the fans until the new album is released that they are currently working on.

arcane-beautiful Dimmu's decision to re record their 2nd album left a few fans scratching their heads. “Stormblåst”, considered to be a black metal classic, would usually be seen as perfect. But Dimmu saw things a bit differently.

Back in the day of 'kvlt black metal', production of music was glanced over, with image and discordant tones being the real selling point. Sadly, Dimmu's music, while being rather evil was still quite technical and melodic compared to most of the bands coming out of Norway at the time. As seen on their next album “Enthrone Darkness Triumphant”, Dimmu's music was beyond 'kvlt black metal' and pretty much was ready for a more mainstream audience. So, having spent 10 years with poor quality, the band decided to re record this album having achieved the rights for their music from a previous record label.

Now, how does this album hold up. Well, compared to the original the band have been able to successfully re record these tracks while still keeping the spirit of the music alive. Yes, the production on this album is miles better than the previous recordings, but the production does still have a lot of rawness behind it. The drums aren't triggered and the guitars have a very natural fuzz effect on them, creating a more black metal style atmosphere. Musically the band have relied on only 4 members of the band, with Galder and ICS Vortex taking a break from the band and enlisting Hellhammer on drums for some proper kvlt status.

The album opener “Alt Lys Er Svunnet Ven” is a brilliant symphonic blast to the face. Some brilliant instrumental work throughout with some pretty impressive melodic guitar playing.

“Broderskapets Ring” is a rather interesting doomy track. Some of the riffs and musical passages on this track are pretty beautiful. It is a shame that Silenoz's vocals kind of ruin the track.

One of my personal favorite tracks on the album is”Når Sjelen Hentes Til Helvete.” While the song continues at a steady pace, a quiet piano interlude is interrupted by some of Dimmu's fiercest riffs. Possibly one of the bands more heavier moments in their catalogue.

The album's lead single “Sorgens Kammer – Dell II” is a newer arrangement of the song (due to the old keyboard riffs being stolen from the soundtrack of a videogame...plagarism...yay). I have to admit, I'm really glad these guys re arranged this track, because what they created is one of their most classic and kick ass songs in a long time. Shagrath's vocals on this song are hellishly freaky, with a tone and vocal effect which could make you soil yourself in the middle of the night. The music video for this song is also worth a watch, for some pretty nightmarish imagery.

One of the most interesting moments on the album can be heard on the track 'Guds Fortapelse - Åpenbaring av Dommedag.' Starting off with a sample from Bartok's “Concerto For Orchestra”, the song explodes into a black metal fury of riffs and evil vocals.

In conclusion, this album proves that the band pretty much can do whatever they want to do. Re recording their old material to suit their own needs is pretty selfish of them, but I can see why they did it, and I'm glad they did. The songs which now have way better production are given new life, showing off some underrated black metal classics.

7.9/10

Genres: Black Metal, Symphonic Black Metal, Extreme Metal, Melodic Death Metal

Country of origin: Norway

Year of release: 2005

arcane-beautiful Having pretty much grabbed the metal world's attention with their 3rd release “Enthrone Darkness Triumphant”, the band decided to bite back, with a rather harsh and sharp bite with this album. Being a rather distant sequel compared to the previous album, this album is a bigger foot in the direction of the band's more recent material.

Faster, more aggressive and more dramatic than any of their other albums, it is a big change for the band and turns more towards the traditional black metal sound that dominated the late 90's and early 2000's. Now the band did make a big change with their next album, but this album is rather unique in its sound and style. The songs are faster at times and the mood is definitely darker. The band line up changed, with the additional of Astennu playing lead guitar on the album and the addition of Vortex on vocals (who would soon become a full member of the band) providing a very different dimension to the band. In fact, it could be argued that this album sounds like a faster Arcturus at times. One problem I have with the album is that their newer sound on this album did take away certain characteristics off the bands sound which in my opinion made the band more unique leaving the album to sound like every black metal band out at around this time this album was released.

Lyrically the band have moved into even more evil territory on this album, with more references to Satan and black magic. In fact, some of the lyrics even take dips into rather sexual territory which is something very different for the band. Nagash's lyrics on the album are also a brilliant addition, woth Silenoz taking a rest on the penmanship of the lyrics. Also, the artwork is pretty epic too.

The opening track “Reptile” is a pretty great intro the album. Fast and furious, the song is able to successfully mix Shagrath's icy cold growls to Vortex's luscious tones, with some pretty kick ass guitar work throughout.

One of the most interesting tracks on the album has to be “The Promised Future Aeons.” Starting off with a low synth intro, the song explodes into a big and epic track with some pretty cool twists and turns throughout.

The real highlight of the album comes in the form of “The Insight & The Catharsis.” A brilliant piece of music which mixes then bands heavier side with some brilliant vocals from Vortex throughout. A great build up throughout with an amazing pay off at the end.

One of the most dramatic tracks on the album “Grotesquery Conceiled (Within Measureless Magic).” Mixing demonic narrations with deafening screams and mad Disney sounding music throughout, the song really is a feat of excellence.

The album's closer “Arcane Lifeforce Mysteria” is an interesting tune. Starting off with a keyboard intro which sounds like something out of a Rush song, the song explodes into a dark yet beautiful affair.

In conclusion, this is definitely up there with one of Dimmu's heaviest affairs. While it may not be a personal favourite of mine, it still shows off some brilliant skill from then band and how they can create very unique albums. Probably the band's most evillest album.

7.7/10

Genres: Black Metal, Extreme Metal, Symphonic Black Metal, Progressive Metal

Country of origin: Norway

Year of release: 1999