DIMMU BORGIR — Stormblåst MMV (review)

DIMMU BORGIR — Stormblåst MMV album cover

Album · 2005 · Symphonic Black Metal

4/5 · 2014-05-20
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