Quintessence

Dimmu Borgir has definitely change the "face" of black metal with its two last records (Enthroned Darkness Triumphant and Spiritual Black Dimension). And in the same time lots of band are "entering" in this new metal gate. There is two ways to judge this album : the hard way (copy cat) or the easy way (quality of songs). Well I choose the easy way. Songs are good with very interesting keyboard and guitar melodies. Rivalry of Phantoms (first track) could be described as a typical Dimmu Burgir's song. The Presence Is Ominous (second track) is really good and more personal : effect on voice (chorus), fast rhythm combined with "gliding" keyboard. Overall, it is apocalyptic & melodic guitars combined with "black-metal" keyboards. Interesting and very epic also. Some tracks are more complex (dark, sophisticated with elements like Nordic folklore - epic) and can be described as "raging black metal" apocalypse. Not bad, but no surprise here.