I'm not going to give some cheesy crap filled introduction to this album, but I am going to say, it's one of the ebst metal albums I have ever listened to.
Dimmu Borgir is:
Shagrath - Vocals
Galder - Guitar
Silenoz - Guitar
Vortex - Bass
Mustis - Synth/Keys
Nick - Drums/Percussion
1. Fear and Wonder (2:48)
This track is a 2 minute and 48 second symphonic arrangement, completed by a full 48 piece orchestra. This song sounds like it came straight out of the Lord of the Rings. It is one of the best tracks on the album even though it's not "metal", but the next song kicks right in, to punch you in the face.
2. Blessings Upon the Throne of Tyranny (5:19)
This track is one of the best on the album, and starts with a frenzied gfuitar part seconds later accompanied by the bass drums kicking in. Shagrath's vocals sound top notch as usual and the verse breaks right into a stop in the music where one guitar plays a simple pattern, then the whole band crashes in and Shagrath lets rip a demonic "UH" which echoes throught out this part. The chorus slows down, but then picks right up again for the verse. It eventually breaks down and gets a little more slow, but still retains the same energy as the beginning.
3. Kings of the Carnival Creation (7:48)
Song 3 starts off with one of the freakiest keyboard riffs I have ever heard, accompanied by the sounds of swirling winds. The whole band kicks in at once with start/stop drums and guitars while Shagrath's voice booms overhead. This song is like track 2, where it kind of slows down near the middle/end, but has some awesome headbanging moments such as Galder's tapping solo. This is the first track Vortex's clean vocals shine through on the chorus, making it all the better.
4. Hybrid Stigmata - The Apostasy (6:57)
This one starts with a short symphonic arrangement, greeted by everyone, including Shagrath, to start the song. The opening verse has some awesome vocal effects, making it sound deep and hellish. The chorus on this song starts with a string arrangement, and the song almost sounds happy, when Vortex shines through again. Until Shagrath rips in with a "WELL" and the bridge (I assume it's the bridge, the songs are so long it's hard to tell) resumes. Another awesome track.
5. Architecture of a Genocidal Nature (6:09)
This is one of my favorite tracks on the album. When it starts, you may not like it too much, as it lacks the intesity of the first couple songs. Just wait till the coolest breakdown ever, and you'll piss yourself. It sounds like it came out of a movie about a psycho toy shop where the dolls all come alive at night, followed by the best vocal effects on the album. The whole song really showcases the awesome effects Dimmu Borgir uses. This song is a bit slower than the rest, but the breakdown makes it worth it.
6. Puritania (3:06)
Probably the best song on the album, it starts with an android voice, then the double bass drums kick in. It talks about destroying the human race, which automatically makes it cool. The guitars kick in, then pause for the vocals, in an android esque voice, while Mustis lays down an ambient synth arrangement. Right before the chorus, he plays a little melody that sounds like it could be in track 5's horror movie. If there was an industrial apocalyptic war for earth, this would be the theme song.
7. Indoctrination (5:57)
This song starts very fast with a demonic yell from Shagrath and goes right into the verse. The bass drums on this one are awesome, as they're not just machine gun style, shooting your face off. They come later in the song. The chorus on this one is great, followed by the deep, hellish voice echo. It has a kickass symphonic breakdown, with, you guessed it, crazy vocal effects. This later repeats with some double bassing and guitars. Another great song
8. Maelstrom Mephisto (4:42)
This one starts with a short drum fill, then everyone kicks in, minus Shagrath. It's also very fast, and has a pretty nifty intro. The chorus is really catchy, especially directly afterwards, with a pause and another echoing "UH" followed by some more badass vocal effects. Vortex takes over on the chorus for this one as well, but it's not the last we hear of him.
9. Absolute Sole Right (6:29)
This one starts off pounding. Literally. The double bass drums are blasting the guitars are chugging, and the bass is booming. It slows down a little to make way for some picked riffs, but picks up again later. Has some awesome piano parts near the end too. Not one of my favorites, but is made up for byt the rest of the album.
10. Sympozium (5:13)
This one starts off very epic, with a symphonic arrangement doing the lead and guitars doing rythym. The chorus is catchy, with some fast picked riffing in the background and some thirds harmonizing. The brudge is the best part,as the song picks up and gives way to a chugging guitar riff later accompanied by a synth arranged choir singing along. Vortex sings again on this one, and is the last time we hear him. Actually, it's the last we hear from anyone.
11. Perfection or Vanity (3:27)
The last song, also an instrumental, is an epic one, with the symphony doing the lead. This one gets repetive though as it repeats the same parts over and over again for 3 minutes. Another one I skip, but it doesn't detract from the album any. It gives Dimmu Borgir something to close their show with.
All in all, a great album, well worth the money, with most songs reaching over the 5 minute mark. It has everything a metal fan would appreciate. It's got chops, its got the vocals, the double bass drums, the freaky synth riffs, the clean vocals. This album is it.
