DEVIAN
God To The Illfated
(Century Media Records)
44:37min

A review about DEVIAN’s second strike will be more than difficult if you try to avoid the nomination of their ‘former’ band MARDUK. The band received a lot of medial attention due to their founding members Legion and Emil but musically “God To The Illfated” is without a doubt worth to be mentioned here. The band toured intensively since the release of their debut to establish their own live legacy far away from the Swedish big brother. DEVIAN are adding some Heavy Metal structures to their Death / Black style and especially the Metal solos (‘Assailant’) and the clean vocals (‘Saintbleeder’) are the essence which is giving their mixture some further energy / layer. But the album needs some time and at least several rounds until the train is really starting to move due to its very compact sound (Abyss studio mix). But when the train has reached its working speed it’s a great journey through the valleys of death and when DEVIAN are leaving the high speed area (in which they sound like MARDUK during their "World Funeral" era) they emphasize passion instead of aggression and the album is raising up to its highest peak. DEVIAN can offer more than two MARDUK ex members and to close this review with some stolen lyrics- Jesus will for sure weep during listening to “God To The Illfated”. A good release which will find fans in all extreme Metal sections due to its various influences. For further info see www.devian.se, www.centurymedia.com

Matthias Auch

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DEVIANT
Apathyphus (MCD)
(Nuclear Winter Records)
11:19min

After a self titled demo in 2003, followed up by an EP called “Tools Of Termination “ in 2004, Uppsalla’s DEVIANT sign to little known The Spew Records out of Brescia, Italy. A debut album is thus recorded and released in 2005 entitled “Larvaeon “, all of these I have never heard. Two years after their debut record is put to the street, I now have the opportunity of hearing what this band is all about, with this their new outing called “Apathyphus”. “Apathyphus” is a three-inch mini-CD out now on Nuclear Winter Records from Greece, a mixed bag of four rocking and brutal Death Metal songs originally put to tape in January of 2006. This disc, not too unlike a morbid curio of Ed Gein’s, a box of his victims noses, a fetid flesh collection that Ed, at times, liked to sit in front of a hand mirror and try on each for a good laugh. So too will you crack an approving grin when giving these tracks the first couple of spins or whether you are already an ardent fan. Featuring the aforementioned Death Metal rocking attack yet unusually hard to pronounce title track, accompanied then by the very EXHUMED sounding ‘To Give Ends‘, followed up by the melting pot of American and Euro styled Death Metal that is ‘Weak And Withered’, and closing out this EP, DEVIANT have also included a decent cover version of NASUM's ‘Inhale / Exhale’ with guest vocals by Fredde, of the band SPLITTER, that I am sure just kills on stage in the live forum. Contact: www.deviant.se, www.myspace.com/deviantsweden or www.nuclearwinter.cjb.net

Wes Rhodes

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DEVILEECH
Promo CD
15:13min

I’m heavily lacking in information about these Portuguese Death / Thrashers... All I know is that they are around since 1994 and that they have recorded this promo CD which features five songs of rather boring and uninspired music. All of them are played rather speedy, but do heavily sound alike and are neither really aggressive nor powerful nor brutal enough to completely convince me. This is just average stuff, performed decently well, but without the right ability to impress. Further info available from: Devileech, Apartado 249, 2801-903 Almada, Portugal, e-mail: devileech@clix.pt, website: http://planeta.clix.pt/devileech

Frank Stöver

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DEVILISH
Possession
(Eisenwald Records)
29:20min

From German lands arrive DEVILISH, an almost unknown act to me, as I don't have too much information from them, but it seems they recorded this album some years ago. Now the German label Eisenwald releases it as a digipack with really good artwork, on black with silver ink, as well as a small poster with the pictures of the four guys, hand numbered and limited to 350 pieces. But let's speak about the important thing here, which is the music. With a Black Metal oriented sound, DEVILISH choose a raw and a bit depressive sound, with strong atmosphere, which is, helped by the keyboards, highly present on this recording, but not as much that it becomes epic or pompous. In fact, they approach them to Pagan sounds for being slightly medieval, in the way of SUMMONING, even if it seems that I'm obssessed with that band for naming it often, but they came to my mind fast; I could mention the old EVOL too, which had a middle age influence too in their songs, and a similar composition, with midpaced parts and some faster ones, the keyboards and the raw but quite understandable vocals. They even remind me a bit of BETHLEHEM on their last song, which is the most depressive one and which starts and ends with weepings. But in fact I should speak more about parts than about tracks or songs, as the album is supposed to be only one long track, even if the parts are really separated and distinguished. About the production, even if it is not really raw, it still keeps closer to that register, with dirty and monotonous guitars, as well as pretty low drums which is not so easy to hear, except when the guy hits the cymbals, which are quite high and seem to have some reverb on them. Without being a really original band, they posses some good, dark and enveloping atmosphere, a German sound, which maintains a big charge of feeling even if it is quite simple, and which keeps a distance to brutality and most primal aggresiveness. I can only say the album is quite short with only thirty minutes and it's finished really fast when you start to enter it. www.eisenton.de

Jeroni Sancho

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DEVILISH IMPRESSIONS
Plurima Mortis Imago
(Conquer Records)
44:49min

Avantgarde Black Metal, that’s how this Polish outfit calls their music and here they are presenting us their first official release called “Plurima Mortis Imago” released through the British label Conquer Records. When I first read “Avantgarde Black Metal” on the release information I immediately had to think of DIMMU BORGIR and after listening to this release I have to say that they are not so far away from them (especially to their newer releases). DEVILISH IMPRESSIONS present us symphonic and atmospheric Metal music on this debut album, some might call them Black Metal, other would say Death Metal with keyboards now and then. Besides DIMMU BORGIR I also had to think on mighty BEHEMOTH which this band seems to admire a lot, too. Probably this band here is not the most original one on this planet, but they know what they are doing and their musicianship is just amazing. All of their songs are filled with details, tons of breaks, great riffs, awesome drums and overall you get a fantastic sound here. I’m pretty impressed by this outfit and really wonder what’s going on in Poland as most of the Death Metal bands I know from this country are so fuckin’ tight on their instruments and play this technical stuff without any problems. The band is touring quite a lot so check them out whenever you have the chance to do and support them by buying this piece of Avantgarde Black Metal if you are a fan of this genre! I’m sure you won’t regret it! Check out www.conquerrec.com or www.devilish-impressions.com for ordering details.

Thomas Ehrmann

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DEVILISH IMPRESSIONS
Diabolicanos – Act III: Armageddon
(Conquer Records)
51:10min

Where this Polish outfit called themselves Avantgarde Black Metal on their debut album they are talking about playing extreme modern Black / Death Metal now on this 2nd one. It’s not me who is labelling anything like this at all; it’s just copied from the release information which I got together with the promo. Labels are not really important, important is how the music sounds, and for DEVILISH IMPRESSIONS I can say that they developed a lot since their debut album “Plurima Mortis Imago”. On the debut they took huge influences from DIMMU BORGIR and a few from their countrymen BEHEMOTH, for this release I have to change this as on their 2nd CD they took a huge dose from BEHEMOTH as well as influences from newer EMPEROR. The guitarwork in the first 40 seconds of the 2nd song ‘Rex Inferni’ reminds me a lot on EMPEROR’s guitar lines on “Anthems To The Welkin At Dusk” but besides that they mostly go for the slower BEHEMOTH type of Death Metal. And that’s where they have their best moments. The midtempo and slower parts suit them really good. Songs like the already mentioned ‘Rex Inferni’, the great opener ‘T.H.O.R.N.S.’, the catchy ‘Tales Of Babylon’s Whore’ or the great, with amazing vocals delivered, ‘I Am The Son Of God’ are examples of great songs. Still I think DEVILISH IMPRESSIONS aren’t the most original band out there, but what they do, they do with class and among all they create great songs. Many live appearances in the last year made them stronger and I can only say that these songs will kill live. I hope to see them here in Germany pretty soon. Another recommendable release for all those Death Metal lunatics which are looking out for a modern type of Death Metal. Have a look on www.conquerrec.com or www.devilish-impressions.com for ordering details. Scheduled release date is January 2008, make a note in your calendar!

Thomas Ehrmann

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DEVILIUM
Pagan At War
(Criminal Records)
35:13min

There must be something in the French water these days… after DEPRAVED, KRONOS, IMPERIAL SODOMY this is already the fourth band in a really short period of time that delivers a full length of brutal grinding Death Metal in a very intense form. But unlike most of their countrymen DEVILIUM really seem to know what they're doing. This is technically very well executed, fairly good produced Death / Grind with many tempo changes and the necessary dose of midtempo parts in order to keep your attention throughout the whole record. Just like many other acts today, also DEVILIUM are once again heavily influenced by the brutal American Death Metal scene, but never to the extend that they sound any weaker or pathetic because of that. This is definitely a band that is already playing in the same league as all those they still feel influenced by. A cool looking coverart complete the already very positive impression. So, with "Pagan At War" DEVILIUM delivered a very solid foundation, but that needs to be supported by a whole lot of live shows and an equally strong (or stronger) follow up now, in order to establish the (not very clever chosen) name in the underground. No matter what, this is worth checking out. All further info: promo@criminal-recs.com

Frank Stöver

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DEVIL LEE ROT / NORTHERN DARKNESS
Split LP
(I Hate Records)
approx. 39min

Friends of raw and primitive sounds should already be familiar with Swedish oldschool maniac DEVIL LEE ROT and his projects PAGAN RITES and AUTOPSY TORMENT. All three acts have certain parallels to old BATHORY with the single difference that PAGAN RITES add a certain MAYHEM - touch and darker feel to this basic concept, AUTOPSY TORMENT have more Thrash and Death Metal elements and DEVIL LEE ROT has a pretty hard rockin’, more melodic vibe. Their side of this nicely layouted split LP contains four new songs offering catchy licks, lots of 80’s Heavy Metal feel and an inescapable drive which should make you bang at instant. Certainly 110% retro-stuff and rather unoriginal, but definitely very effective and entertaining. I even prefer the four DLR songs presented here to what the master did lately with PAGAN RITES and AUTOPSY TORMENT, so two thumbs up for his side of this LP!!! NORTHERN DARKNESS which no one really seems to know anything about also worship good ol’ BATHORY and fit quite good on a split with DEVIL LEE ROT, yet they do not go for a blackened Heavy Metal approach, but whisk “The Return” with a few “Hammerheart” moments. What annoys me is the fact that the man solely doing this project uses a drumming machine, which – as you might know from my other attacks at programmed drums – is something I usually dislike very much. With NORTHERN DARKNESS it is more or less the same though their 1996 recorded songs are definitely not bad and should be pretty cool tracks for fans of MORRIGAN / MAYHEMIC TRUTH, IUVENES and of course the original! If you like it unsophisticated, abrasive and simple and have a soft spot for BATHORY this might be a nice piece of vinyl for your collection, it comes with a lyrics sheet, an excellent layout (which has become typical for I Hate Records, I think) and is limited on 500 copies. More infos on www.ihaterecords.cjb.net.

Stefan Franke

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DEVIL LEE ROT
At Hell's Dead
(Iron Fist Productions)
43:09min

Besides working under the monikers AUTOPSY TORMENT and PAGAN RITES one of Sweden’s most active underground Metalheads creates vicious sounds under the name DEVIL LEE ROT, where he does not go for the deadly thrashing direction of AUTOPSY TORMENT nor the blackish, old MAYHEM - inspired sound of PAGAN RITES, but destroys posers worldwide with a hellish entertaining mixture of Heavy Metal in the early 80s vein and old BATHORY - like vocals. Blessed with a crushing production, varied songwriting, riffs, leads and hooks that will make you raise your Metalfist up to the blackened sky and spill the beer all over the room while trying to sing and drink together at the same time (this is the effect this album ultimately has), make “At Hell's Dead” one of these albums you’ll love to put on when partying with some friends! In some songs the master himself (intentionally) sounds even more out of tune as Quorthon on his Viking albums and thus comes across pretty ridiculous, and, of course, “At Hell's Dead” turns out to be a highly humorous album (like e.g. the utterly cult METALUCIFER), but the music and production are definitely of serious quality. Early IRON MAIDEN, heroes of the NWOBHM come to mind while listening to this stuff, though the fucked up vocals go into a different direction. Well, you either love or hate this guy, I think he’s absolutely great and musically DEVIL LEE ROT even has a bit more to offer than the aforementioned bands featuring his characteristic voice and cliché - filled lyrics. To say it with FLOTSAM & JETSAM “people come alive banging their heads” when DEVIL LEE ROT delivers his newest slab of Swedish blackened Heavy Metal, raise the horns! www.devilleerot.tk

Stefan Franke

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THE DEVIL'S BLOOD
The Graveyard Shuffle (7"EP)
(Ván)
8:13min

It is seldom nowadays that a band gets already a lot of attention without having released anything properly at all. It may of course be that some of the members’ original bands (URFAUST among others) made the name easier spread, but basically just some random MySpace-songs gave them attention, and this Occult outfit was instantly booked for the Dutch Roadburn-Festival, and several labels were interested in signing them. This 7” now is the first collaboration with their new label and their first physical output at all. THE DEVIL’S BLOOD could best be described as a mixture between COVEN, early IRON MAIDEN or for the vocals, MERCYFUL FATE, although this description probably is still a bit vague. The A-side features the title track which is quite different compared to the version on the MySpace-demo, a bit of the impetuous charm was lost in the studio it seems, yet it all sounds a bit clearer and you can actually recognize that vocalist The Mouth Of Satan is a woman! The B-side track, a new one by the way, is a bit more relaxed than its straighter opposite, less speed, trickier. I am pretty sure that this 7” is only a hint of what will come in the future, a full-length-album is already in preparation and due in autumn. www.van-records.de, www.myspace.com/thedevilsblood

Nhashi

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DEVIL'S WHOREHOUSE
Blood & Ashes
(Regain Records)
39:49min

These guys love MISFITS. You need to picture lots of posters on the walls, wolf tattoes on the forearms and children with the name Glenn to understand this type of love. If you love them too, continue to read, otherwise go to some other review and spend your time more profitably. Sweden's DEVIL'S WHOREHOUSE play punky-metalish-death obsessed heavy Rock'n'Roll they call Death Rock. And theirs is a good description. The basic premise is emulation of the aforementioned MISFITS in every aspect. The vocals are complete Danzig ultraworship, both in crooning and the harsher growling (although I must confess they use a MASTODON styled singing here and there), melodies and choruses follow the same pattern as we have heard on anything the same guy produced, and the lyrical content - werevolves, death, graveyard rock kind of themes - is... you get it. Musically, you have to love punkish choruses and and Rock'n'Roll type of demon possession to enjoy this record. Apart from this, the music does offer some consolation for the readers of this website which, I suppose, are more inclined to something harder and more dark. It is well produced with the strong edge and Swedish sound that became so popular in the Death Metal world. Although this is not even near to Death Metal, it offers a welcome bite to the world of Hardrock, coating it with the modern feel of hardness and buzzing electricity we come to appreciate from the earliest moments of ENTOMBED and company. Not as good as the MISFITS, not as hard as ENTOMBED Death'n'Roll era, and yet... strangely relaxing to my ears, with the potential of producing very, at least in my mind, lifelike pictures of beer and smoke and women and brawl soaked Swedish tavern where people really enjoy themselves. If they would chose to follow their own path instead of being a cover band this guys would rock. Until then, this is a good record for partying if you drink blood, and I think Tarantino and Rodrigez would approve. www.devilswhorehouse.com, www.myspace.com/truedevils, www.regainrecords.com

Branko Matijašević

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DEVILYN
Artefact
(Blackend Records)
35:36min

You can easily forget about the two first offerings from this Polish four piece, because “Artefact” is truly a new departure for them. New label, new line-up (with main man Nowy still leading the troops) and a better mastering in the song writing department make DEVILYN a rejuvenated band, and “Artefact” an album of the VADER “De Profundis” magnitude. It is not to be said that the two previous albums (issued on Listenable records) were weak, but then DEVILYN  played a somewhat generic kind of devilish Death Metal the MORBID ANGEL way. Today, the influences from Florida are still obvious, but more subtle (if you except the band pictures, you can be fooled with them, just check and you will understand!). “Artefact” is packed with cascading riffs, twisted composing ideas, and stellar musicianship without falling in the trap of coldness and abstraction. With “Artefact”, DEVILYN matured to the point of the  unbelievable. Just listen to the intro of “Psalm” and you will see what I mean. The guitar work of both Bony and Dino challenges even the one of the Azagtoth / Rutan pair, I am not joking, it is that good! Poland is today the leading country when it comes to Death Metal, and DEVILYN prove the fact once again. For those who already know the band, prepare to be surprised with the progress made, for the other, just check what Death Metal with class means. Essential, a new beginning!

Edouard Vergriete

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DEVILYN
The Past Against The Future
(Metal Mind Records)
38:06min

Poland’s death squad DEVILYN have developed into a really strong force within the worldwide underground and especially their latest album "Artefact" turned out extremely convincing in every aspect. Unfortunately the band never really managed to establish a steady line-up, which is probably the main reason for all their setbacks, but hopefully this problem will be solved sooner or later, so that they will finally be able to reach the next level of popularity. I’m not exactly sure though if there’s really already a demand for the demo compilation CD yet, but at the same time gotta confess that I still liked the idea nevertheless. Tracks 1 – 7 were taken from a demo entitled "The Rule", which they recorded way back in 1994 when the band was still called CEREBRAL CONCUSSION. Musically still very primitive and raw Death Metal without any particular highlights, but really interesting to check out after all those years anyway, especially if you never got your hands on the material when it originally got released (like yours truly). Way better and a solid proof of DEVILYN’s big musical improvement is their "Promo 2000" (tracks 8 – 10). These recordings, that feature new guitar player Borówa and session drummer Inferno were done in order to get a new label interested in the band (the deal with Listenable Records was over after only two full lengths). And the fact that DEVILYN got signed by Plastic Head shortly after should easily speak for the quality of these songs. "The Past Against The Future" gets completed by the CARCASS cover ‚Heartwork‘ (which, despite its great turnout, unfortunately was pretty much ruined by a fake live atmosphere with screaming fans) and a video clip for ‚Reborn In Pain‘. Excellent coverart and detailed additional song info lift this release above the average and should help you in your decision whether or not you’re gonna purchase the disc.

DEW-SCENTED
Issue VI
(Nuclear Blast)
45:57min

Well my fave European extreme act is back again with a new 12 song offering. So do they live up to the strong expectations I had for this? Have they stayed true to their original songwriting / approach and haven’t sacrificed it on the altar of so called production, something that would pissed off journalists around as they’re always looking for this aspect? The answer is a huge yes for both! This four piece has once again combined all the elements to come up with a winning album in the Death / Thrash category! Opening with a rather surprising super fast and ultra effective powerhouse tune, 'Processing Life' (the fastest tune here as the other tunes are mostly based on mid paced tempos), the slaughter never ends til the end. The barrage of riffs here reminds me of Canada powerhouse INFERNAL MAJESTY in many ways with the band providing enough bludgeon in the riff department to leave you truly satisfied. This said, I somehow think that “Inwards” and “Impact” had as a whole much more effectiveness as some tunes here such as 'Rituals Of Time', 'Bleed Dry' or 'Never To Return' fail to totally impress the listener. The low point here would be the ending tune 'Evil Dead' probably a cover of some Hardcore band that I’m unaware of (yep, according to Leif it's a cover of the Punk act ZEKE - Frank), kinda out of place if you ask me with its punk feel and delivery. The overall sound is excellent and really captures what DEW-SCENTED are all about, ferocity, rage and power. “Issue VI” is an undeniably brutal album and possess again everything to propel this band to the next level. Now it’s up to the public to really realise that DEW-SCENTED is not just another brutal act!

Laurent Ramadier

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DHG (DØDSHEIMSGARD)
Supervillain Outcast
(Moonfog Productions)
56:23min

You know, when a band has released such an important release as we retrospectively regard “666 International” to be, the successor cannot fulfil the expectations. They can’t repeat themselves, and they can’t experiment too much without loosing their identity. Dødheimsgard choose a simpler way. However, that’s only if you compare it to the mentioned former release, for “Supervillain Outcast” is again an album that includes more music and details than most album released under the monicker of being extreme Metal. There are surprises around every corner. The important thing is that you spend some time to assimilate to the album, because the first couple of times you notice that there’s something wicked going on, but it’s hard to sort everything out from the mess of strange rhythms and wicked turns. But with some patience you’ll be rewarded and the music begins to reveal itself and drive with full force into your unprepared veins. The sound is excellent and gives you the right impression. No, it’s not crystal clear and no, it’s not the traditional Moonfog production. The sound is eerie and dresses the punching songs perfectly. You can distract the catchy parts from the more direct ones, with the result that the catchy parts are even catchier while the direct ones are more direct. The duality is great. So, all in all “Supervillain Outcast” is an album that does stand behind its predecessor but at the same time stand in front of the Metal scene of today. You won’t do a mistake if you choose to invest some dimes on this one. www.moonfog.no

Roy Kristensen

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DIMENSION F3H
Reaping The World Winds
(Hammerheart Records)
59:23min

What originally was only intended to be a solo project by LIMBONIC ART's Morfeus has turned into a full time band now as Limbonic Art unfortunately is no more. So, the most important questions obviously are: will DIMENSION F3H still satisfy the needs of all the remaining LIMBONIC ART fans? Will this band be able to live up to the high standards set by its mainman's previous musical outlet? Well, it's really hard to say, cause even though there's some typical elements to be discovered again, DIMENSION F3H still heads into quite a different musical direction. If you mainly liked LIMBONIC ART for its Black (or later Death) Metal elements, you might be disappointed, cause vocalist Nesmoth (ex - Arch Nemesis) exclusively sings in his normal clean voice (with some additional high screaming in the background). The symphonic elements, that were always quite a big trademark for LIMBONIC ART, are still very much present in DIMENSION F3H though, with the major difference here probably being the use of a real drummer (Stian “Thunderforce” Kristoffersen from Pagan’s Mind and Trivial Act). The album features nine tracks as well as two very moody, soundtrack like instrumentals and I would say that the overall writing style of Morfeus has become even more complex and weird, in comparison to what he used to come up with in the past. Just compare 'Paint Me Something Bleach', which combines a whole lot of different elements in its only four and a half minutes playing time and the following, very intense 'Mirrorheart' and you'll already get a pretty good picture of the band's big musical variety. It also seems that the non Metal influences got increased quite a bit nowadays, with an even stronger focus on Classical music, Ambient, Folklore and modern electronic elements (the album's instrumental closer 'Reborn' is a good example of the latter), but combined in a rather powerful and intense manner (just like in LIMBONIC ART). So, all in all definitely a very ambitious and highly interesting record, which needs quite a few listens to fully get into and therefore won't necessarily be suitable for the ordinary "bang-your-head-for-Satan" type of Metalhead. All further info you may find at the band's incredible website: www.dimensionf3h.com

Frank Stöver

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DIMENSION F3H
Does The Pain Excite You?
(Karisma / Dark Essence Records)
50:58min

After the excellent and brave debut "Reaping The World Winds" in 2003 Morfeus from LIMBONIC ART returns with the second album "Does The Pain Excite You?" of his project DIMENSION F3H. With new record label and line-up by his side, Morfeus presents us a much heavier and darker record than the first one. Because of line-up changes and the departure of former singer Nesmoth, Morfeus self has taken over the lead vocals. This means no more high Metal screams like on the first album by Nesmoth. But deeper, darker and more sinister vocals by Morfeus himself, which makes it an even more extreme Heavy Metal record! The musical direction, known from the debut, remains almost unchanged instead. In 2007 DIMENSION F3H is still a guarantor of futuristic, ass kicking "Bladerunner Thrash Metal". Hell yeah! In other words, these guys are offering a damn cool and most interesting crossover mix of progressive / extreme Heavy Metal and Ethno sounds. Fans of bands like LIMBONIC ART, EMPEROR, ZYKLON, JUDAS PRIEST, HYPOCRISY, SAMAEL, PAIN or SLIPKNOT should risk an ear for this latest output by Mr. Morfeus and DIMENSION F3H. A real eargasm is the heavy pounding production, which fits perfectly to the massive and bombastic music. For all open minded people this record means lots of long term fun. Because it's so detailed. It's nice to know, that people like Morfeus are out there, providing their clients with such non-typical sounds. DIMENSION F3H are far away from typical Rock / Metal standards and are able to relocate too deadlocked boundaries in the scene. In a commercial way they sometimes are risking it all. You can't classify their music in a specific drawer. Well done guys!!! Please fell free to check them out at www.dimensionf3h.com

Marc Lehmann

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DIM MAK
Intercepting Fist
(Mighty Music)
43:29min 

Laurent Ramadier

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DIMMU BORGIR
Puritanical Euphoric Misanthropia
(Nuclear Blast)
52:38min

Being a fan of DIMMU BORGIR since their majestic 1997 release "Enthroned Darkness Triumphant" everything so far has been great. Here are some quick facts about this new slab of black: Nagash on bass is no more, replacement is Vortex of ex-BORKNAGAR, Astennu on guitar is gone, replacement Galder of OLD MANS CHILD takes the stand. Founding drummer Tjodalv left to persue his own thing in SUSPERIA (review on this site under S) and the legendary drummer Nick Barker of ex-CRADLE OF FILTH is behind the kit now. On to the music, this album is generally faster than all their previous efforts, the sound is their best as they used the best studio in Europe, Fredman with Nordstrom handling production. Their last album "Spiritual Black Dimensions" was done in The Abyss with Peter and it came out washy. This is the production the band needed, all instruments are heard so clear and tight, huge bottom end on the guitars, triggers on the drums which Peter never did in the Abyss. The Gothenburg orchestra lends a hand in the opener 'Fear And Wonder' for an eerie feel. Vortex adds some clean vocals to songs which gives it the odd BORKNAGAR feel but is greatly welcomed. Shagrath utilizes many vocals on here such as screech, growl and yells. Mustis lays down some eerie keyboards and piano as always. All in all this is their most varied, well rounded album. The Thrash riffs dominate on here with a deathened edge, think of TESTAMENT gone on crack, SLAYER on heroin, get the point yet?

Dimitri Ganatsios

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DIMMU BORGIR
Death Cult Armageddon
(Nuclear Blast)
64:00min

Let’s face it. They know how to write and play their brand of extreme Metal. Dimmu Borgir have never been a favourite band of mine, nor will they be after “Death Cult Armageddon”. However, this album, which will be released in early September, could easily turn into one of my top ten albums, especially when I get hold of the vinyl version. The band have naturally developed the symphonic style which they founded back in the times of “Enthrone Darkness Triumphant” and which they performed with elegance on the former “Puritanical Euphoric Misanthropia”. This time they have collaborated more or less with a full orchestra, and in my opinion succeed extremely well. For, it could easily have been cheesy and bittersweet. Although 'Blood Hunger Doctrine' starts off with a rather nice piece of orchestral music, the album as a whole is rawer. In fact, I dare say “Death Cult Armageddon” is their rawest album to date. And no, you don’t need blastbeats to be raw. 'Allegiance' is a brutal piece of Dimmu Borgir Metal which shoots off straight after the short introduction (to this track). And damn be, it has to be the most varied track they’ve ever made. Every verse is different from the next and Shagrath exceeds the varied use of his vocalisation. Even though it doesn’t contain neither Vortex’ tenor vocal or the full orchestral effect, it is varied and growing. Just listen to the playing between the 5th and the 6th verse, where the trumpets create a major effect, despite being there in just a glimpse of a second or ten. However, it’s the 'Progenies Of The Great Apocalypse' that will make people go nuts. And yes, it’s everything you need from a Metal track. It’s big, majestic, varied, symphonic, grim and spine-tingling. Silenoz and co. have invited Abbath of Immortal to do some verses in a couple of songs, and in this track…, well, you’ll be surprised. In fact, I had to listen to the album like 10 times before I really understood what was going on. One cool thing is how Dimmu Borgir vary the same verses. Like, when they repeat the 1st and the 2nd verses in this track, they are not equal. And that, dear readers, is ingenious work. Dimmu Borgir have also chosen to write a couple of Norwegian lyrics, which is great because it makes the album even more varied. Personally I think the English language has more power inside, but the Norwegian language makes the vocal grimmer. And 'Vredesbyrd' begins pretty simple and a bit grim. Slowly but safely (nah, not that the song in itself is slow) the song develops into this majestic track which grows and grows. Once again they repeat a verse or three, but still they vary these. And before they repeat the first three verses towards the end they make one of the most majestic part I’ve heard in a long time. In itself it’s not as grandiose as the 'Progenies…' track which is majestic all way through, but the way it grows make the outcome more majestic and sticks to my mind with a wider chilling smile in my face. However, if I wrote this track I wouldn’t do those three verses towards the end while rather end the track right before they repeat. Dimmu Borgir are, as a whole, more thrashy and varied than ever. I know that their live performances will improve even more as they have written such coherent tracks with the necessary space for headbanging. They have, once again, avoided the trap of misusing Vortex’ vocals. By all means, he has a magnificent vocal but the effect would’ve been less if he sung a little in every track. They have also avoided the misuse of the orchestra. Of course there are some parts that are basically orchestral, but I’m impressed by how they have managed to incorporate the metal and the orchestration. In fact, and I’m slightly surprised, nothing feels out of place. But, and this is what I have waited for since Tartaros released “The Red Jewel” some years ago, Dimmu Borgir have made THE track. I have been waiting and waiting in impatience. They have made a track that could just as well have been released as one full-length album in itself. It could have been repeated 10 times and I wouldn’t mind. And they have done the genius thing to place this is track nine (at least on the promo-tape). Every time I listen to the album (between two and five times a day) I await this track, while I fully enjoy the songs before and the last two tracks as well. Because, and believe me on this matter, Dimmu Borgir have made a close to perfect Metal album with nine super songs, one that is a bit sloppy but still has its place, and one perfect song. It’s simply a spine-chilling experience. 'Eradication Instincts Defined' is such a track that makes all the money I have lost on Imhotep make it worth it all. From the imperial symphonic introduction (which are later ingeniously repeated later in the track, though in a totally different shape which I won’t reveal here) to the MAJESTIC last two verses before they repeat the 1st and 6th verse. These, the 7th and the 8th verses are the best musical piece of Metal music I’ve ever heard together with some 30 second of Tartaros’ 'Into The Faculty Of Wonderful Secrets' (you have heard it, haven’t you?). Dimmu Borgir have really made my life worthy and I think this track have to be played the last 5 minutes before I die. Then I could easily die in piece, peace, or horror if you will. You have understood what I’m trying to tell you. “Death Cult Armageddon” shall, if I have any influence in this matter at all, sell at least 666.665 copies.

Roy Kristensen

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DIMMU BORGIR
In Sorte Diaboli
(Nuclear Blast Records) 
48:39min

The sixth proper full length from Norway’s most controversial Black Metal success story sees the band plugging away at their craft, not unleashing any left-field surprises this time around, but rather honing and tempering the modern symphonic songcraft that has been their bread and butter. Dimmu Borgir is a smart group. They realize that there is as much chance for pleasing kult masses as there is achieving a massive commercial breakthrough. That being said, “In Sorte Diaboli” is a bit of the “back to the roots” effort which harkens back to the band’s earlier efforts. Grooving, mid-paced chords (such as those within 'The Sacrilegious Scorn') recall a bit of the old “Stormblast” atmosphere, a feeling which is assisted by the warm, rich production of Fredrik Nordstrom. Another asset to the band’s cause is the addition of (at this point session) Mayhem / journeyman drummer par excellance Hellhammer behind the kit. With a seemingly endless glass ceiling of talent at his disposal, the man continues to improve and astound with his punishing, yet tasteful delivery. On a song such as 'The Chosen Legacy', the man literally sounds like a machine. Of course, the band does not fire on only one cylinder, and I would be amiss if I were not to mention the always dependable dual-vocal attack of Shagrath and ICS Vortex, with the latter’s soaring register cementing the album’s opening track, 'The Serpentine Offering', as one of its best. Mustis, the man behind the keyboard, also proves himself as one of the best at his craft, while also proving how integral synth can be to a band, if properly executed. Naturally, not all is perfect with “In Sorte Diaboli”. There is a lack of immediacy and memorability here; no real cohesion to the songwriting. This is surprising, given the album’s conceptual nature. Whereas “Death Cult Armageddon” and “Puritanical Euphoric Misanthropia” weren’t as well-rounded as this effort, they each possessed a number of standout tracks ('Progenies Of The Great Apocalypse', 'Blessings Upon The Throne Of Tyranny', 'Hybrid Stigmata', 'The Maelstrom Mephisto', 'Vredesbyrd') which set them apart. In comparison, no song on “In Sorte Diaboli”, as solid as they are, leaps above the bar already set by the band themselves on prior efforts. That being said, this album should please diehard Dimmu Borgir fans, yet ultimately it will go down as a bit of a misstep for a band who have, up until now, always been ahead of the curve (the above mentioned playing time refers to the ltd. book-edition of the album, which - among the packaging extravagance - also features a free DVD as well as the bonus track 'The Ancestral Fever' - Frank). On sale here.

Roy Kristensen

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