MoMM (67): Refined Storm

Had been listening to this since Friday. This is my favourite / go-to Dimmu Borgir's album while the rest of the world worship Death Cult Armageddon (2003). Not to be confused with the original version of Stormblast which was released in 1996, this is the re-recorded version (2005) with essential contributions by Mustis (keys) & Hellhammer (drums). Mustis did well in DCA & his musical arrangements there helped polish this re-recording. Hellhammer, well his flagship drumming, which in my opinion exists almost independent of (any) band's expectations, helped put malevolence back into the music. These days, the bands that claim a stake in black metal always forgot what the genre is all about to begin with. Also, Stormblast represents the formative days of Dimmu Borgir unlike the band's incarnation today that sounds like a competitor in demure black metal.  Will be Stormblast-ing till further notice.

MoMM (65)

I listened to this online & was not expecting to purchase a copy. This acquisition was more of an attempt to supplement the need for grandiose black metal riffing & composition ideas. Saying this upfront because there are (to me) no outstanding numbers in this collection. Songs are mostly unnecessarily lengthy (especially the intros) & patched with orchestration to remind listeners, ardent followers & newbies alike, the Dimmu Borgir identity. However, the staunch listeners would agree that things took a turn in this aspect after Death Cult Armageddon (2003). But this is definitely not a shabby effort. FYI, Grand Serpent Rising is DB's eleventh LP, the first after Galder departed in 2024.

Grand S

Welcoming the weekend in the knowledge that Dimmu Borgir is releasing a new LP today: Grand Serpent Rising. That's 8 years after their last LP & there are only two founding members left in the band. My favourite DB album had always been the re-recorded Stormblast with Hellhammer on drums. The band made it big after Death Cult Armegeddon (2003) which virtually can't be beaten in terms of appeal & musicianship. Along the way, Mustis (keyboards) left & the void in orchestral elements was deafening thereafter. In the mean time, a track off GSR:

MOMM (59)

These two albums are on heavy rotation here in the mean time. Yes, it's a throwback of sorts, re-listening to great albums. Great here means good musicianship & totally delivering the genre's vibe. Also, I'm in need of inspiration & as related before, I always get some from drummers. 

The drummer for both albums is the great Nick Barker. He's been lying low lately after being diagnosed with kidney failure but still in high spirits & managed to distract himself from what's bothering him. That's the pertinent message here - do not live on in despair knowing there's still much in you left. 

The reason why I enjoy listening to him is his precision. He's very detailed without the excessive emphasis on speed. Also, those tight movements mean he's in control which reduces the chances of fumbling. To all those fighting on & living the moments one day at a time (your truly included), never give in & embrace what lies ahead even if your journey is bleak because that defines you.

Pics: Amazon / Metal Imperium

Galder

In the mean time, Galder (aka Tom Orre) had left Dimmu Borgir. His next move - bringing back Old Man's Child to to fore. I only have one favourite DB album - Stormblast, the 2005 version featuring Hellhammer / Tony Laureno on drums. Interesting to see what the new direction Old Man's Child would embark on if there are any such plans to begin with.

Pic: MS

 

ICS Vortex: Storm Seeker

If you are a Dimmu Borgir fan, you'd find the ICS Vortex name familiar; he played bass in that outfit. After parting ways with the band, he did vocals for Arcturus in Sideshow Symphonies (I love ALL Arcturus releases!).

He also collaborated with BC Rich for the wonderful Vortex bass which is a very affordable model. It used to be available at Davis GMC for <$500...

I recently acquired his solo release, Storm Seeker. If you are expecting another Dimmu-esque coverage, it's an entirely different flavour here. There is virtually no guitar bass notes chugging & the vocals are all clean. In fact, some of the arrangements here are very folk-ish. We'd assume that members of big name bands would have called it quits once they parted ways but these individuals are essentially musicians & they do not rest with ideas brewing in them, they strive to manifest their art. ICS Vortex aka Simen Hestnaes, is one such individual. I find this release refreshing.

Dimmu Borgir: Abrahadabra

The remaining trio of Dimmu Borgir (as above: Galder/ Shagrath/ Silenoz) are currently propelling the band's music & image on an evolutionary front. If you take a closer look at Abrahadabra's inner sleeves, the members are all dressed in white, a statement of digression but holding true to the music, or so it seems, to the cult fans. The orchestra involvements here are more intensive compared to the prior release, In Sorte Diaboli, in fact, the horns, strings, percussion & everything orchestral form a good half of the music manifestation. Some inner voices of the black metal community have opined that this is over-done, to say the least. There is no longer a firm focus on the genre's nefarious elements, the band's music are largely appealing to non- black metal fans as well. Perhaps this is the reason why Dimmu Borgir find it agreeable to perform in the presence of Korn fans.

On a personal note, I would deem this release enjoyable but do not attempt to exfoliate the band's music in an effort to understand the basis of black metal. The music in its current format, is retaining only traces of the genre & moving away towards, dare I say it, general entertainment.

Dimmu Fender

Just collected my new Dimmu CD & finally located my misplaced Fender strings.

Dimmu's Abra

I'm not a big Dimmu Borgir fan but the Silenoz-Galder pairing churn out some of the best riffs in this music genre; they are certainly not boring players. Awaiting the arrival of Abrahadabra, DB's latest, featuring the following new musicians:

• Snowy Shaw- bass
• Dariusz "Daray" Brzozowski- drums

LTD Dimmu Borgir

These 2 LTD signature models are available @ Davis GMC:

1. TOP: LTD Okkultist (Silenoz) List: $1,500
2. BOTTOM: Shadow (Galder) List: $1,600

Conceived to the specs of the respective Dimmu Borgir guitarists, both instruments feature a satin finished body. Davis GMC is bringing in more LTD models; slowly but surely.

Dimmu fragment

The above members of Dimmu Borgir have been expelled from the band. The collective voices of the remaining members cite the following issues attributable to the necessary termination:

• commitment issues
• song-writing ownership
• irresponsible intoxication
• album sales

among others...

Whatever it turns out to be, I'd certainly respect the music more so than expected human antagonism. Hopefully there'll be no absolute termination of the band...

New LTDs

Musikmesse '09: Some new LTDs on offer are signature models. The above are signatures for Dimmu Borgir's Silenoz (Okkultist) & Galder (Shadow).

Behemoth's Nergal also gets his 7-string: LTD Hex-7...

It seems that ESP is closing in on the black metal forerunners to propel the brand name; recall 2008's Satyr (Satyricon) joining the camp...