Interdimensional Summit

Dimmu Borgir made itself a whole lot of opponents with the release of this first new song in eight years. It's easy to understand why. When the song opened with its industrial metal riffs and dominant keyboard sounds, I immediately had to think about Deathstars. This comparisons fits rather well. Just like that band consists of band members who formerly played in Scandinavian extreme metal bands and went for a more accessible, mellow and melodic approach, Dimmu Borgir can't be categorized as black metal band anymore and is probably best described as symphonic metal these days. Several extreme metal bands have gone the same way like Amorphis and Therion and it usually was for the better. And if we're honest to ourselves, this change in style hardly comes as a surprise. The last Dimmu Borgir records had become progressively more melodic and symphonic. The collaboration with the Norwegian Radio Orchestra and Choir was another step in this direction. If Interdimensional Summit is an indicator for the next studio album Eonian, then it is indeed a logical successor to Abrahadabra.

After the symphonic overture with industrial guitar riffs, the song gets more melodic and epic. The choirs are uplifting, supported by melodic guitar riffs and a slow but dynamic instrumental middle section that recalls heavy and even power metal elements. The choirs are catchy, the riffs in the verses are simple yet memorable and the guitar solo is heartwarming. All these elements recall Nightwish at its very best. There are only two minor elements that recall Dimmu Borgir's original style slightly. Firstly, there are very few harsh vocals that rather have a dramatic effect in this cinematic tune and don't truly dominate the song as they are often supported by lushly produced choirs. Secondly, the lyrical topic is right down Dimmu Borgir's alley dealing with the dark side of our universe.

Interdimensional Summit is quite entertaining and comes around with a few solid ideas that make the four and a half minutes go by much faster than they actually are. Overall, I would describe the song as symphonic metal with minor industrial metal elements in the guitar work that is much more grounded than the powerful orchestras and choirs. This song has a strong cinematic touch and could come from a vivid musical or opera. The track is a logical consequence of the band's last record and cooperations with professional choirs and orchestras for live shows. Despite strong criticism from fans, the band takes another step forward without any hesitation and will know commercial acclaim since a lot of people who don't listen to extreme metal will discover the band's new side.

While my overall impression of the new song is positive, there are obviously also some minor negative elements. The vocals should be produced a little bit rawer and should have a greater impact in the song. They could contrast the melodic musicianship even more and make for a more dynamic listening experience. Another problem is the rhythm section in this song that plays it too safely. Dimmu Borgir is known for quite dynamic rhythm changes with pitiless bass riffs and infernal blast beat sections. Those are completely missing here and especially the bass guitar is too distant in the mixture which is a shame because there seem to be a few promising bass sounds in the verses. I'm all for the band going on with its symphonic metal approach but it shouldn't overload its sound with choirs and orchestras and still let their basic instruments shine through.

On a sidenote, this release also includes a live version of Puritania that also relies on domineering symphonic elements and a gripping gothic atmosphere. The fans are audible from time to time but the execution of the instrumental work, orchestral elements and sound samples is so precise that it almost doesn't sound like a live song. I would have liked this song to be more energetic and less accurate. The production of this song is quite lush but sounds a little bit distant. Listening to this version of Puritania makes me think that it doesn't sound that far away from Interdimensional Summit which proves that this is the sound Dimmu Borgir is going for right now.

Fans of Dimmu Borgir's early years will have to accept the fact that the band of that era is forever gone. They will obviously dislike this song with conviction. Anything else wouldn't make sense. Those who liked the last three releases might still appreciate what lies ahead. Overall, this song is though more interesting for fans of gothic, industrial and symphonic metal. Interdimensional Summit is basically Deathstars meets Nightwish in a nutshell. I like it and hope the band continues doing what it likes.