But, fear not, for this is quite possibly their best release to date! In Sorte Diaboli shows the band in full force with a new member, new sound, and a new concept. The album is a conceptual album, the story being set in the middle ages around a man who attempts to fill the void in his life with a better understanding of Christianity. But, as he learns more, the man continues to pull away from the Catholic church. So, with the story set in motion, it was only a matter of filling the musical void, which turned out spectacular.

The vocals are clean and sound amazing thanks to the band ditching the constant use of the often irritating voice distortion on their recent releases (it does appear randomly through the CD, however). This album also marks the debut of their new drummer, who simply dominates, and at times almost inhuman, turning double bass kicks into nearly triple bass kicks. The riffs are excellent, the organs work perfectly with the obscenly amazing guitar work, and the music itself varies from blisteringly fast to somewhat slower pending the certain mood of the story line.

With insane and tight music that comes at you without showing any restraint, killer vocal range, and a story that just begged for a black metal touch, In Sorte Diaboli is hands down the best Dimmu Borgir album recorded to date. While a track or two may slow down album, it doesn't falter it in the least. Cradle Of Filth fans beware, Dimmu Borgir is poised to destroy them and your perception of what "black metal" truly is with this release.

written by Jason Thomas Weiss

Playing time: 47.26