Norwegian symphonic black metallers Limbonic Art are back with a follow up to the highly impressive "Legacy of Evil" album released back in 2007. Limbonic Art were a two-piece for a while until Morfeus recently left, immediately putting Daemon on all instrument duties. Limbonic is a great definition of an original sounding symphonic black metal band, with excellent production, killer guitar riffs, and a drum machine that almost sounds real. With these recent member changes the band proves that you only need one mind to create an amazing release, and Daemon surely delivers 100% with "Phantasmagoria".

What is common in all Limbonic Art releases is every album exceeds over one hour, with "Phantasmagoria" clocking in at 1 hour and 11 seconds. What I noticed more about this album is the riffs and keyboards have a darker feeling then some of the past music (‘Crypt of Bereavement’ and ‘Dark Winds’ are great examples with slow tempo melodies and keys capturing a funeral like atmosphere). The rest of "Phantasmagoria" delivers and sounds like every other Limbonic Art album that I have grown to love with only a few less memorable moments compared to "Legacy of Evil" and classics "Moon in the Scorpio" and "Ad Noctum Dynasty of Death".

"Phantasmagoria" is a strong release but lacks some of feeling and inspiration from the past couple of albums. However, Limbonic Art has always kept an original sound for a symphonic black metal band and this is just another fine example to add to the discography. "Phantasmagoria" will be without a doubt an album that will take several listens to digest, but even after just the second time I am starting to enjoy it more and more.

Best tracks; ‘Crypt of Bereavement’, ‘Dark Winds’, ‘Flight of the Minds Eye’, ‘The Burning Vortex’, and ‘Astral Projection’.