Pure musical genius doesn’t even
begin to describe it.

Do not research the band, do not see what they look like, do not read the lyrics, do not even read the names of the songs, do not predispose yourself in any way, just play Eonian (below) and focus on the music; you can do all the research you want later.

Dimmu Borgir are a Nordic Black Metal band with clear orchestral inclinations and a keen desire to explore their musical genius wherever it may lead. They are among my favorite Metal bands of all time. Their song-writing and playing are very precise, very tidy; everything just falls into place so naturally, it almost feels like deja-vu, when you first listen to their music.

Just as their music is precise and refined so too is their production: never too much of this, never too much of that; no one instrument dominates the mix. They emphasize what needs to be emphasized and subdue what needs to be subdued. Voices, guitars, keyboards, and drums all get their fair chance to shine when it’s appropriate.

And while a myriad transient elements keep their sound stage in flux, there is never any clutter; Nothing ever lingers for too long.

You might be thinking now that this is all just blah, blah, blah… but listen to the albums I suggest here, in this section, and then come back to read these same paragraphs again; you will see how everything I am saying is absolutely true.

From the elaborate, fable-like, dramatic classical music intros—master pieces on their own and worthy of the golden age of cinema—to the explosive barrage of double bass drums dotting their musical landscape, the music of Dimmu Borgir—as TikTokers and YouTubers might say—will live in your head rent-free.