Definitely keeping in the spooky spirit of this issue of MSJ, I turn my evil eye now to Norway's Dimmu Borgir. Along with England's Cradle of Filth and fellow Norwegians Emperor, these guys are the reigning kings of modern black metal, unleashing twisted, torturous tracks full of blazing speed, harsh vocals and eerie symphonic touches. Much like their rivals Cradle, they are packed full (sometimes too full) of Gothic and Baroque atmosphere, often sounding like a Hammer horror movie soundtrack converted to heavy metal. Not content with those influences alone, they now throw in occasional electronic/industrial touches almost reminiscent of Manson into the fray. The modern black metal sound is not terribly easy to get into and a lot of it depends on the mood the listener is in. If you feel like throwing on a comfortable hooded robe, slitting your wrists and writing a pentagram in blood, "Puritanical Euphoric Misanthropia" would be a good accompaniment, but it can be a hard go for those not of a darkened attitude. I'd say Dimmu has done a pretty good job of remaining true to their roots while expanding their sound. They've added 3 new members - Galder from Old Man's Child, Vortex of Borknagar and even drummer Nick Barker of Cradle of Filth and emerged even stronger. This is one of the best produced and played black metal records I've heard, neck and neck with COF's "Midian". By the way, what is it with the long-winded album and song titles of these black metal bands? They never seem to use one word when ten will do!

This review is available in book format (hardcover and paperback) in Music Street Journal: 2001 Year Book Volume 2 at  garyhillauthor.com/Music-Street-Journal-2001-and-2002.