In spite of straying so far from its
black metal roots as to almost seem a completely different band at times,
Dimmu Borgir still packs a powerful punch on
Puritanical Euphoric Misanthropia. New guitarist
Galder (formerly of
Old Man's Child) nicely infuses more traditional metallic mannerisms, but the addition of drummer
Nicholas Barker (
Cradle of Filth and
Lock Up) is critical. His always-punishing percussive prowess allows the seamless melding of speedy
black metal with considerably more orchestration, this time around provided by
the Gothenburg Opera Orchestra itself, creating a cacophony of nefarious melodies atop gothic gloom.
"Puritania" is indicative of something the band probably would never have tried even a few years ago, a stirring descant with a myriad of vocal styles seemingly coming from all directions. A minority of purists might see this as too much of a departure, a complaint that would have more merit if
Puritanical Euphoric Misanthropia wasn't as exquisite as it is diverse. The Japanese edition features a bonus CD with two tracks, including a cheeky cover of
Twisted Sister's
"Burn in Hell" and two videos. ~ Brian O'Neill