Dimmu Borgir return with another masterpiece to retain their Black Metal Throne.This album turned out to be very different from what I was expecting, pleasantly so. Dimmu’s dark symphonic tendencies are still firmly intact, exhibiting the band’s continued growth and skill at both composition and execution of their dark and heavy style. This album grabbed my attention far quicker than their previous albums, and is far more ambitious than previous outings. It should certainly slake any fan's thirst for blistering symphonic black metal.
In the fashion of Satyricon’s Now Diabolical (Roadrunner, 2006), Dimmu have gone for a much bigger sound, as they have before, utilising the superior production skills of Fredrik Nordstrom once again. As is expected from the master of Fredman Studios, the production and sound quality is impeccable. There are hints of many bands, here, if you want an idea of who they’ve influenced: Children Of Bodom and, especially, Cradle Of Filth (though, Dimmu are far easier to like than Dani’s crew).
The problem with reviewing this album is that other than stipulating that it is a very good Symphonic Black Metal album, it doesn’t provide enough opportunities for effusive praise for either expanding or breaking any boundaries that the band have already set themselves. Needless to say, this is a very good album and should please former fans of the band as well as hopefully open up their music to a wider fan-base. Given Nuclear Blast placing high priority on promoting this album, this could well be Dimmu Borgir’s year.
A concept album, the songs blend brilliantly into each other, neither jarring the listener with sudden changes or going unnoticed. The clean vocals on opening track “The Serpentine Offering” are a nice addition.
Yet another example of a 2007 release that has lived up to the great anticipation that has preceded its release. Individual, heavy, orchestral and great – everything a black metal album should be.
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