Maximum Metal Rating Legend

Dimmu Borgir – Stormblast – 2006 – Nuclear Blast

Track Listing1. Alt Lys Er Svunnet Hen 2. Broderskapets Ring 3. Nar Sjelen Hentes Til Helvete 4. Sorgens Kammer 5. Da Den Kristine Satte Livet Til 6. Stormblast 7. Antikrist 8. Dodsferd 9. Vinder Fra En Ensom Grav 10. Guds Fortapelse - (with Apenbaring Av Dommedag)

Why bother re-releasing an album that has been done before? The answer to that is yet to come. My first impression was that they took the darkest, most sinister album to redo. I mean after all, black metal is synonymous with all things evil, right?

Norway’s own Dimmu Borgir, consisting of Shagrath – vocals, Silenoz – guitar, Galder (formerly Grusom) – guitar, Mustis – keyboards, and ICS Vortex – bass, found their way to metal in 1993. Formed by Shagrath, Silenoz, and Tjodalv (the former guitarist and percussionist in the beginning), made a splash in the black metal world with their 1994 smash, “For All Tid”. However, it wasn’t until their groundbreaking 1996 release of "Stormblast", which the group sang solely in English, that saw their first bit of critical acclaim.

The only thing left the same between the original and the new "Stormblast" are the track titles and lyrics. The 1996 recording of this album was released on Cacophonous records, while the new version was placed on the more predominant label of Nuclear Blast. The new version has a darker take on the old songs, and the new version has been refreshed with heavier sounds along with a stronger symphonic usage. Add the fact that it was produced by Peter Tägtgren (Hypocrisy), Shagrath and Silenoz knew exactly what they were doing by recreating such a monumental album. From open to close, they mixed their type of black metal with the sounds of the old school. I will be the first to tell you that I am not a black metal fan, but I will also say that even if you thought the 1996 release was just OK, then you will surely dig on this concept from the band.

I want you to keep these facts in mind. Although a re-record of (what people call) a 1996 classic, this is not just a cheap rip off of the past. Now, don’t get all depressed on me, there is a bonus that the 1996 version did not have. It is small, round, looks like a CD....in other words, you get a DVD. This bonus features their complete set at the 2004 Ozzfest.

Maybe it is a gem, this I can not say, as I do not partake in the black metal scene. All I will say is that if you fell in love with the 1996 pinnacle known as "Stormblast", then get off your hind parts and go get this. As for me, mine will be collecting dust, never to see the light of day again, unless someone wants to give it their own spin.

--Iced Mojo 05.07.06