Following the path begun on their last release "Death Cult Armageddon", Dimmu have crafted another black metal gem without copying its predecessor, broadening the horizons again for themselves and the genre. "In Sorte Diaboli" (English translation "A Faithful Connectivity With Satan"), while incorporates various orchestrated sounds and instruments to the demonic music, is not over done or bombastic in the least like the Italian band Rhapsody. Symphonic sounds lend very much to Dimmu Borgir’s music and essentially enhances and benefits the listening experience. Also, a balance between all instruments allows plenty of air within this recording and the primal evil essence of Black Metal and Satanism does not lose its impact in the process.

Starting off with the first single/video 'The Serpentine Offering', one can hear instantly that through ominous guitar riffs and triumphant charging trumpets, melodic leads, and evil demonic vocals, that a well constructed song is the basis for the entire album. Like I said, the various instruments combined with the rapid fire drum beats (provided by new addition Hellhammer) and guitars makes for such a well rounded approach to the artistic vision. Clean vocals, done by bassist Vortex, are once again used from time to time (ie; 'The Sacrilegious Scorn') also adding to the melodic value.

"In Sorte" is a concept album complete with a very well written plot summary and accompanying lyrics to take your imagination into the story. 'The Chosen Legacy' features the album title in the chorus wrapped around swirling nasty guitar riffs that guitarists Silenoz and Galder do with graceful precision bringing the listener even further into the depths of hell. Really the two could very much be seen as the Tipton/Downing (Judas Priest), Murray/Smith (Iron Maiden) six string team of Black Metal. 'The Fallen Arises' is the lone instrumental mid way through breaking up the controlled chaos creating that cinematic feel to the story there in.

For us in the States we get a bonus track 'The Heretic Hammer', a rapid fire piece featuring some more old school type straight forward Dimmu riffing followed by 'The Sinister Awakening' with excellent more thrash in style riffing, harking back to “Puritanical Euphoric Misanthropia” in its composition.

Once again Dimmu Borgir impress me and show why they are clearly one of, if not, the strongest Black Metal bands out there. They have taken the genre to a higher level both musically and in recognition. And as I write this review "In Sorte Diaboli" has debuted on the Billboard top 200 at #43. Raise the demon horns!