Dimmu Borgir - In Sorte Diaboli

Dimmu Borgir tackles a concept album, and it suits their style very well.

Black metal veterans Dimmu Borgir always draw strong response with each new release. Their detractors claim they are mainstream sellouts, and their worshippers think they are the best band in the history of music. As is the case with most things, the truth lies somewhere in between those two extremes.

It's been four years since Death Cult Armageddon, and although they re-recorded Stormblast in 2005, fans have been anxiously awaiting new material from Dimmu Borgir. In Sorte Diaboli doesn't disappoint. It's a concept album that's epic in scope and has an effective musical, lyrical and emotional arc.

The songs are orchestral and melodic, but still plenty of punch and darkness. There are some really catchy riffs and a dark symphonic atmosphere. Hellhammer (Mayhem) returns on drums for this album, and his powerful style is ideal for Dimmu Borgir. Shagrath's vocals are a combination of throaty rasps and lower pitched growls, and his performance is solid.

When all is said and done, In Sorte Diaboli probably won't change the minds of the naysayers, but Dimmu Borgir's fan base will really enjoy their latest effort.