Dimmu Borgir – Stormblast - Album Streaming & Download

Origin : Norway

Genre : Symphonic Black Metal

Release : 1996

Album Info / Review

Intro:
Emerging from the frigid Norwegian fjords in 1996, Dimmu Borgir’s sophomore offering, *Stormblast*, stands as a foundational pillar of symphonic black metal, a crucible where raw aggression meets operatic grandeur. This album isn’t merely a collection of songs; it’s a sonic tempest, a frigid landscape sculpted by blast beats, icy riffs, and the nascent, yet potent, orchestral arrangements that would come to define the genre. *Stormblast* is a testament to the band’s early, unadulterated vision, a primal scream echoing from the heart of darkness, unburdened by the polished sheen that would later characterize their sound. It’s a journey into a realm of frostbitten myth and arcane ritual, a sonic tapestry woven with threads of aggression and an emerging, almost ethereal, beauty.

Track Analysis:
“Stormblast” (Intro): The titular track is less a song and more an overture, a chilling descent into atmospheric synthesizers and a solitary, mournful piano melody. It evokes images of desolate, snow-swept plains and the encroaching darkness of winter, setting a somber and foreboding tone for the album that follows.

“Dimmers of the Sunken Stars”: This track immediately ignites with Shagrath’s guttural, venomous rasp, a relentless barrage of blast beats from Tjodalv, and Arcturus’s (credited as a guest on this release) razor-sharp guitar work. The riff is a serpentine, galloping beast, weaving through a punishing rhythm section. The keyboards, though not yet the symphonic behemoths of later works, add a crucial layer of icy atmosphere, hinting at the melodic undercurrents that will blossom.

“Brytning av Gammel Gryte”: A more mid-paced, yet no less intense, affair. The riff here possesses a more deliberate, crushing weight, punctuated by sharp, dissonant chords. The vocals remain a constant, abrasive force, while the percussion shifts between driving double bass and more intricate snare work. There’s a palpable sense of ancient power being unearthed.

“Baldur Dead”: A significant shift in dynamics. This track introduces a more melodic sensibility, with cleaner guitar passages intertwining with the aggressive core. The keyboards begin to take on a more prominent role, offering a melancholic counterpoint to the raw vocalizations. The song builds to moments of soaring, albeit grim, melody, a foreshadowing of Dimmu Borgir’s symphonic inclinations.

“Raabjorn Speiler”: This is where the atmospheric elements truly begin to take flight. The intro features a prominent, almost haunting synth melody before erupting into a furious onslaught. The interplay between the aggressive riffs and the swirling, ethereal synth lines is masterful, creating a sense of both overwhelming power and profound loneliness. The drumming is particularly noteworthy for its relentless ferocity.

“Legacy of Pain”: A more straightforward, aggressive track. The riff is a relentless chug, driven by a powerful bassline and an unyielding drum assault. Shagrath’s vocals are at their most unbridled here, a raw expression of anguish and fury. The keyboards provide a subtle, chilling texture in the background.

“Dauden Venter”: This track showcases a darker, more brooding side. The tempo is slower, allowing for a greater emphasis on atmosphere and melody. The guitar work is more intricate, with arpeggiated figures weaving through the heavier sections. The keyboards contribute a sense of impending doom, a chilling premonition.

“Rite of the Infernal Cult”: A return to high-octane aggression. The riffs are sharp and biting, the drums a relentless machine gun. The vocals are a furious torrent, and the keyboards add a sinister, almost demonic, texture. There’s a primal, ritualistic feel to this track, a sense of invoking dark forces.

“Antikrist”: The album’s penultimate track delivers a potent blend of raw aggression and nascent symphonic elements. The riffs are powerful and memorable, and the drumming is explosive. The keyboards, while still understated compared to later works, provide a significant atmospheric depth, adding a layer of chilling grandeur.

“Stormblast” (Outro): The reprise of the intro theme, this outro brings the album to a close with the same sense of desolation and cold beauty. The synthesizers swell and recede, leaving the listener with a lingering feeling of the immense, unforgiving power of the storm that has just raged.

Conclusion:
*Stormblast* is an essential entry in the black metal canon, a vital stepping stone in the evolution of the symphonic subgenre. It captures Dimmu Borgir in a raw, untamed state, where the aggression is palpable and the melodic and orchestral elements are present but not yet dominant. The album’s strengths lie in its consistent atmosphere of icy desolation, its relentless rhythmic assault, and the nascent hints of the symphonic grandeur that would later define the band. While not as polished or complex as their later works, *Stormblast* possesses a visceral power and an undeniable authenticity that continues to resonate with fans of extreme metal. It’s a chilling, invigorating journey into the heart of a Norwegian winter, a testament to the band’s foundational vision.