How often can anyone really say they often hear raw black metal combined with classical piano pieces? None, except for the fortunate few who have time-honored Dimmu Borgir"s now classic sophomore album
Stormbl"st. This is truly an album like no other. A primal hostility is shown throughout the album, as Dimmu continues to play their unique brand of Norwegian black metal. However, they have expanded greatly from their days of
For All Tid. The riffs are more creative then ever and contribute greatly to the aspiring sound. Synth effects are used to the fullest, and the album is balanced out by the beauty of a piano playing the gravest melodies. With terrorizing vocals, raw riffs, symphonic backing, and piano leads, this is an experience that no band could hope to facsimile. This is
Stormbl"st.
The most noticeable trait is how the core music seems nearly identical to that of
For All Tid. While it is true that the guitars/drums/vocals are essentially the same as they were two years before, many elements that were merely a footnote on their debut have been incorporated and expanded upon. The riffing is somewhat slower and more emotional. This time around, Dimmu Borgir seems to have aimed for a sorrowful black metal album. The qualities of the music easily grasp this ambition. Spoken vocals and melodic passages are present just as they were the years before. Many songs are still the minimalistic, heavier black metal that they dispersed throughout albums, such as
Antikrist or
Da Den Kristne Satte Livet Til . At first glance, many may believe that
Stormbl"st was a second-rate rehash of a past achievement. This could not be further from the glorifying truth.
The abovementioned elements are what make this album special. Symphonic arrangements are slightly more dominant, but the melody is what makes
Stormbl"st worthwhile. Piano passages are strewn across these 47 minutes of music while clean and acoustic guitars are a mellow, almost folk like outlet. The guitar playing of
N"r Sjelen Hentes Til Helvete and the riffing of
Broderskapets Ring are emotional and almost saddening instances. The album truly begins to shine thanks to Stian, who displays his greatest talent in
Alt Lys Er Svunnet Hen. Even more so is the now notorious
Sorgens Kammer, a six minute classical piano ballad that could bring tears to the eyes of metalheads.
Stormbl"st owes it"s allegiance to no one, for it is allegiance in itself. No true traces of other bands or other albums can be seen in this very commendable and established work of music, as this is an album unlike any band has put out before. It"s no surprise that Dimmu Borgir"s career began a steep upward slope from here on.
Stormbl"st is one of the highest selling black metal albums ever, and for a good reason. They went on to build upon this unique and entrancing style to greater things. The music became brutal, orchestras were used, and tools and techniques were utilized that were thought to be unreachable years before. Through all of the hype and madness, every ounce of success the band has can be attributed to this:
Stormbl"st.
Recommended tracks:
" Alt Lys Er Svunnet Hen
" Broderskapets Ring
" Sorgens Kammer
Pros:
" A basis of raw, essential black metal
" A perfect blend of melody and atmosphere
" Original and very memorable
Cons:
" Again, poor production only holds this band back
Anyone interested in title translations can find them [url=http://www.musicianforums.com/forums/showpost.php?p=9087571&postcount=2988]here[/url].
You'll be able to comment on some later Dimmu anyway, and that's coming soon enough.
