Dimmu Borgir - Eonian

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Not quite... what I was looking forward to

I’m struggling with this album I really am! There’s nothing worse than when you really look forward to an album and you really want to like it but something just doesn’t click. We have all missed Dimmu Borgir, because it’s been a long eight years since 2010’s 'Abrahadabra'.

That album itself divided opinion among fans and there was a lot going on with that album so a follow up wasn’t urgent but the appetite has been building and the new release is upon us. 'Eonian' pretty much carries on from where 'Abrahadabra' left off.

If you didn’t like that album forget it there is no “return to form” here. The epic orchestra machine is in full operation and there’s no turning back. Some people are pointing out the keyboards sound a little like Burzum in some separate attempt to claw back the old days but no, this is far from an old school Black Metal album.

With this release we were all hoping Dimmu Borgir would deliver a new album that would be the equivalent to Metallica releasing another 'Ride the Lightning', but that is a hope we all have... that probably will never happen.

Now this 'Eonian' is far from a 'Cold Lake' everything is in its place and Dimmu are doing what’s expected but there lies the problem for me. Dimmu Borgir normally throughout something a little unexpected. They normally are the first to tread uncharted territory but this feels like just another Dimmu Borgir album.

Is it me or have they lost their teeth? Now this has its moments don’t get me wrong, tracks like 'Aetheric' have a brilliant dark and cold atmosphere and 'Council of Wolves and Snakes' with its Nordic tribal chanting, but where are the riffs?.

I remember when I reviewed Anthrax’s last album I said the same thing, everything sounds good but nothing is kicking my arse!. I haven’t nodded my head once, or tapped along to the drums. It’s all orchestras and choirs and f**k me are there choirs!. I don’t whether they actually hired a choir or how they went about it but they squeezed every penny out of them.

The keyboards, orchestras and choirs and all in between used to be the extras, the finishing touches but now they have overtaken everything. I’m getting stings instead of shredding guitars... go back to older albums and play tracks like 'Blessing upon the throne of Tyranny' or 'The Serpentine Offering' then play this album and you’ll know what I mean.

It’s like an Indian meal being delivered all the side dishes are here. I’ve got my sag aloo, my naan bread, my onion bhaji but no curry!. There’s some wonderful melodic songs on here and some dark atmospheric sections. There’s a lot that reveals itself with repeated listens.

There’s some great songs and it is a good album but there’s a venom and a certain edge that simply isn’t there anymore. I have nothing but respect for Dimmu Borgir but I wanted a Metal album but a film score……. And they really did overdo it with the choirs.

Review by Joe Denby

You can Buy 'Eonian​' and other Dimmu Borgir albums on the links Below:

Check Out! the Video for 'Council of Wolves and Snakes​' Below...