From the reichs of hell come forth now on this older and exceptionally raw release. Quite melodic, yet filled with dismay and despair. Much is to say of an album like this, I'd conclude an epic journal through the fires of hell. It's amazing in temperament, lucid in musicianship, symphonic throughout and purely wicked in content. Many different tempo changes, yet mostly that of a mysterious vibe. It reaches its peak in quite valid symphonic/melodic black metal. Not many that I've heard out there reflecting this raw efficiency of a nocturne.

I really dug deep into trying to validate an album that really is probably the best, most atmospheric Dimmu album in existence. Such a great offering with lucid tempos, original guitar melodies and overall a definite triumph hence a coin off the name of the release. Not much a fan of the lyrical content, but the music is like none heard before from them in this raw arena of mass destruction. The vocals are utmost yielding screams throughout and with it a guitar sound in so many ways just utterly original and fantastic.

From beginning to end, this album is feature is of a sure blast of hellfire in a nutshell. If you get the extended release, there is a bonus track and the whole album is about an hour in length. Definitely something to listen to when you can adhere to the atmosphere of the release. The keyboards/synthesizers augment the sound of the guitar and eerie vocals yielding melodic black metal in it's utterly devastating demise. There has been no other Dimmu to match this one in utmost originality. The guitar riffs are just amazing and everything fits.

No real downsides on the album. The songs aren't exceptionally fast, yet you hear the double bass drums firing away at times during the tremelo picking essence of guitar riffing. Not a lot of blast beating here, I believe that the focus was on creating black metal that is to hear the best in the heart of wintertime. Not feeble or weak in any sense, the music is ongoing in its' great apocalyptic perseverance. I can't believe what happened to this band with further releases. It seems like they hit their peak here and then opted out of making follow-ups that are nowhere near topping this one.

I'd stress to YouTube 'Mourning Palace' to get a taste of what this one has to possess. A full album that you can play endlessly and not get sick of it's raw sound mixed with the instruments that leave the listener in awe of musical quality played out with purity in feel. The setting is so dark and defies all of the odds, to me, this is their definite best release I've heard. No mistaking that, I give this one it's highest, most deserving of praise rating galore. If you want melodic/symphonic black metal played so willingly desolate and dark, 'Enthrone Darkness Triumphant' is where it's at.

Rating: 10 (out of 10) ratings explained

Reviewed by Death8699
03/17/2014 16:05