Forces of the Northern Night

They finally got their asses together and released the DVDs, after five years, and unconvincing delays. I see that here there isn't a vibe regarding the release, hinting of a probable lack of interest in the band by now. If that's the case, let me tell you that this is their best release since 2005. And visually speaking, it is their best ever. Seriously!

First, the menus are simplistic, with nothing worthwhile to speak of: a picture in the post-Death Cult style, a lame industrial sounding background tune, and the standard options settings. One thing I must mention, but it is up to each listener/viewer - if you could first check the bonus material, featuring the creation of the stage, the relationship between the band and the choir and the KORK orchestra, and the recording nightmare by an entire army of sound engineers, it will give you a new perspective about their quest for the perfect professional sound. And the theme of the release seems to be just that: experience their new sound, with all their gizmos, which leave nothing to chance.

The set list is quite disappointing, lacking in many of their powerful songs from the '90s, such as The Insight and the Catharsis, and The Promised Future Aeons, both easier to adapt to the orchestral style than Mourning Palace. Of course, the set list is their most homogenous to date, being loyal to their theme, thus creating a feeling that this product is stronger than many of their studio albums, including their last one. Which is true, as at least the Oslo show is much better recorded and mixed, with the live feel being absent in the studio, which is a shame. Every song seems to get a better treatment, with the guitars being more upfront, as well as the choir, which shines especially when singing Snowy Shaw's parts.

Chess with the Abyss gets the best treatment, as the choir dominates, with the chanting and the singing, making the song one of the more sinister here. The guitars feel more black metal, although the grooviness of the riffing highlights the weakened state of the guitar department of the past two albums. Shagrath also has his best performance since 2003 (or even 1999?), as he demonstrates his prowess as a frontman, even if lacking as a vocalist. The lower and midrange vocals are his best in a while, while the upper one still sucks. Here the screams; they are atrocious!

The rhythm section is tight, while the keyboards feel really unnecessary, as the orchestra and the choir do their bits quite well. And then it strikes me: they are for back-up! Yes, the whole thing has this fear of screwing up, as the keyboards double the choir and the orchestra, while there is another layer of vocals doubling Shagrath and Agnete. While it is understandable as everything needed to be perfect, it gave the feeling of dishonesty. Of course, Dimmu is known for playbacks during Puritania and Progenies (which only the Oslo show, doesn't happen for some reason), but now it also feel ridiculous and a bit outrageous.

More on the visual side of things, Shagrath rules, as he gets dramatical at times, frequently engaging literally everybody, while staying professional. The whole band also frequently changes their costumes and instruments, reminding everybody of Metallica of late '90s. The only one receiving a haircut here was Silenoz, as it was expected, as his hair has definitely given up on him. Maybe becoming fed up with his repetitive lyrics? At least on the Oslo show, there was still some headbanging. Heck, that show would have been so not out of place, if being played in the '80s! It really is awesome!

The Wacken one is a letdown, as the playbacks returned, there was almost no headbanging from them, everybody felt tired, and the sound was lacking here and there. Eradication Instincts Defined sounded worse, the choir more silent, and the Shagrath's charisma was more of the same as always. If this would have been the first disk, then I think I would have found it passable, but now, after seeing the Oslo show, it really is a letdown. The moment before Vredesbyrd is the best one for me, with the second being just before Mourning Palace, with Shagrath becoming nervous, a bit incoherent and nostalgic about the then-upcoming 20th anniversary of the band. He can be quite moody! And before Perfection of Vanity (the irony with this one and the shows), everybody felt eased that the show was over, notwithstanding the awful sound anymore. It really shows how much of introverts they can be, loving the indoor setting more, and it is there where they really shine.

I don't know what to say at the end: it is their best release in a while, and I truly want them to stay more in the Oslo style, and not in the Wacken one. It kind of almost ruined the Wacken myth for me, as I like to go to concerts for the bands, and not for the extras, with them being seen more comfortable and energetic in an indoor setting, and also more professional sounding. That feeling has not been captured in any of their live releases, except for the Godless Savage Garden live recordings. Fuck, this thing makes me so nostalgic! And it doesn't have any songs from the '90s, except Mourning Palace! Check it out!