Throughout the years Dimmu Borgir has often times been regarded as the biggest posers, sell-outs and fakes within the Norwegian black metal scene. In spit of such harsh claims they've made some pretty fucking great records. They drew in some serious attention with their '96 release, 'Stormblast' and no less than a year later they were a household name within the metal underground after inking a sweet deal with Nuclear Blast and releasing, 'Enthrone Darkness Triumphant.' In '99 they released, 'Spiritual Black Dimensions,' which is a severely overlooked gem of grandiose Norwegian black metal.
Of course Dimmu Borgir have always been known for their highly synthesized approach to black metal, but on this old release the synthesizers became nearly the main focus of their sound as the guitars tend to ride the backseat at times, although some clever solos and neat riffs do pop up here and there. As for the synths they hold a very dark, orchestral haunting vibe that's ridiculously atmospheric in their execution, while the piano parts are also masterfully placed too. What I think I really like about the keys is that they basically never disappear and are present throughout nearly the entire record and fortunately they sound stunning for the whole journey through this album.
In recent years keyboardist Mustis was booted from the band for not contributing anything, but on SBD he truly shines through as the most gifted member of the band, and if you really need any proof just give the songs, 'Reptile,' 'The Promised Future Aeons,' or 'Grotesquery Conceiled' a chance.
Also before Shagrath was wearing dresses onstage and fucking ugly sluts that Nicolas Cage wouldn't even touch anymore he was delivering what I'd have to say is his finest vocal performance. On SBD he screams with such malice within his voice on every single song, but he also adds these spoken parts and low grumbly voices, which just sound fantastic to me and work so well with the music. Simen 'Vortex' Hestnæs (of Borknagar and Arcturus fame) also appears as a session musician by adding some fantastic cleanly sung parts on four of the songs that only enhance them further whereas when he finally joined the band two years later his then over produced voice just ruined the songs.
Furthermore I really find very little fault with this recording and often times when I play it I end up asking myself why it's so overlooked or generally just hated. If you've never heard it then definitely give it a shot as it's truly one of Dimmu's finest performances.
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