This is the second album released by the Norwegian symphonic Black Metal act, Dimmu Borgir, which saw the light of day in 1996. In my opinion it's also one of their absolutely strongest albums ever, and many will agree it's a highlight in their career. If you liked, 'For All Tid', the debut album from 1994, you should love this since the sound isn't all that different but has sort of progressed. There is more symphonic synth and it's still a bit melancholy at times, but less monotone. The album is a bit more aggressive, both musically and lyrically. This is the last Dimmu Borgir album with Norwegian lyrics, and they express hate towards Christianity in a ...  Read the complete review

Dimmu Borgir's second album remains their finest achievement, the classic work of melodic black metal that bands like Ancient and Arcturus almost achieved. This album is a definite step forward from its primitive predecessor, now successfully integrating the piano and keyboard work into the dirty black metal riffs and growled vocals without sounding forced or contradictory. This whole experience is heavily atmospheric, but with Stian Aarstad's great keyboard melodies in songs such as 'Alt Lys Er Svunnet Hen' and particularly 'Broderskapets Ring,' it never runs the risk of being ambient background music. Sadly, Aarstad is also the album's weak point thanks to ...  Read the complete review