Gateways

What we have here is proof that Dimmu does not need Mustis or ICS Vortex to produce epic black metal (Note: I have not said "never did need") In fact, I dont know what else everyone has heard, but I think this tops the epic tracks that were "Spellbound", "Hybrid Stigmata", "Progenies of the Great Apocalypse", and "Eradication Instincts Defined". What I am hearing here is a band that knows their sound, and knows it well.

The song starts with a fairly mysterious if not slightly mystical sound, then immediately breaks into the same eerie vibe that we get from Dimmu Borgir as of late- it's complete with double kick drums, eerie wailing, and two backings of guitar that drive the whole thing forward. We then hear Shagrath sing- nothing spectacular, but nothing new or crazy that we haven't heard from him. Meanwhile, the orchestra plays several distinctive notes that hint at a slight sound of madness and perhaps chaos; but done so in an eloquent way that compliments the drum line. Afterwards things change up a bit and the drums and guitar let forth an unrelenting march with some chanting and more of the vocals.

Then, out of nowhere, this banshee by the name of " Agnete Maria Forfang Kjølsrud" shows up. Im a big fan of female vocals, but this one took me for a big trip on the first listen. What we have is what many have claimed to be "chipmunk" sounding- you may feel the same way. However, I feel her voice just adds to the intensity of the song. Her vocals have a high pitched wail that just adds this layer of intensity and madness that I honestly have never experienced in anything I have listened to. This is separated by a melodic guitar interlude, nothing fantastic really, but still enjoyable nonetheless.

Regrettably, Shagrath then follows up with his "robot" voice clean lyrics which is backed up by what honestly sounds a bit like a zombie gagging on something. Im not really -against- this, but I really would prefer to hear something a little bit more original. One album of that was enough, thanks.

The whole song continues on the same for the most part until the 3:22 mark, in which we finally hear some of the old black metal riffing Dimmu was so well known for back in the days of Spiritual Black Dimensions and earlier. However, this just only serves as an opening for what I feel is the strongest part of the song.

Shagrath and Agnete trade off lyrics back and forth, while the orchestra uses a mix of mournful strings, horns and chanting to create a truly epic experience. The guitars and drums do a typical on-off again setup here, but it works FANTASTICALLY in conjunction with Agnete's vocals (Which at this point are not so "chipmunk" as earlier) and Shagrath's darker vocals. While the latter does sound a little bit robotic still, it's not as prevalent due to everything else going on. Finally, the whole thing ends on a grand note and fades out.

All in all Im extremely excited for the what the future holds in store for Dimmu. While no one can say exactly what we'll be hearing on Abrahadbra without Mustis and ICS Vortex, this goes to show that Dimmu still has something up their sleeves.