Old tricks & new frontiers

Dimmu Borgir is the most popularized early pioneer of black and symphonic metal. Since 1993, the group has transcended the boundaries of what metal used to be and allowed it to evolve into something different on a larger scale. No matter how “overhyped” or “repetitive” their work may seem, there is substantial truth in their influence and perseverance through the years. Having gone through many member changes, the Dimmu Borgir lineup that brings Eonian to us is composed of only two original members: Shagrath and Silenoz, on guitar and vocals respectively.

Eonian is the latest release from the Oslo black metal troupe, and it packs just as big of a symphonic punch as any of their previous records. Consistently defined by these symphonic and choral overtures, Dimmu Borgir continues to please their loyal fans with a dedication to their sound. Eonian should come off as no different, although the bulk of the album is less intense and fast-paced than earlier efforts.  

The single, “Council of Wolves and Snakes,” would best illustrate this point. The song itself is quite off the beaten path from the Dimmu Borgir on 2001’s Puritanical Euphoric Misanthropia or 2010’s ABRAHADABRA. “Council of Wolves and Snakes” sounds more like a Ghost song than anything else (other than a few reversions back to their trademark black metal sound in the middle and near the end of the track). The song is certainly a winner on the album and it serves up something different, which is both refreshing and a welcome addition to the Dimmu Borgir catalog.

“Interdimensional Summit” is another track worth noting. Beginning in a groovy Amon Amarth style, the song is unique compared to the band’s past work. No blast beats, no extreme speed; just unexpectedly fun grooves and melodies. The guitar solo at 1:45 especially makes this feel more like a power metal song than a black metal effort. The trademark symphonies and choruses still exist and are on point, but it is backing a new feeling.

Another interesting track is “Lightbringer,” which starts with a riff that could be easily passed off as standard protocol in a Grand Magnus song. It’s a tasty, crisp rock riff with no trimmings. The song then takes the direction of many other Dimmu Borgir songs with beautifully crafted symphonic sounds and vocals.

Overages of speed certainly still exist on Eonian though. “Archaic Correspondence,” “Alpha Aeon Omega,” and “The Empyrean Phoenix” all possess the classic Dimmu Borgir accelerated delivery. Each one of these songs packs a punch and is sure to deeply please any Dimmu Borgir fans. In this way, the album changes it up to please many ears in the metal community.

Dimmu Borgir really took chances with Eonian and these chances certainly paid off. The LP is an eclectic mix of classic Dimmu Borgir and more modern metal sounds. Eonian is a must-listen for Dimmu Borgir fans and metal fans alike – there is quite simply nothing like it.