DIMMU BORGIR Stormblast (1996) CD/DVD

Before the orchestras, before the blockbuster production, before Puritanical Euphoric Misanthropia made them arena-sized, Dimmu Borgir were making cold Norwegian symphonic black metal that sounded like it was being played in a castle with no heating. Stormblast is where it began.

The 1996 debut is the blueprint, raw and keyboard-drenched in equal measure, sitting in that specific zone between Burzum's atmosphere and early Emperor's ambition. This 2005 reissue sweetens the deal with a bonus track and a DVD of their Ozzfest 2004 performance, which captures the full-band theatrical horror show they'd become. Two Dimmu Borgirs for the price of one, essentially.

CD with bonus track plus DVD, Ozzfest performance 2004. Full length reissue. Country of origin: Norway. Genre: symphonic black metal.

Fans of: Emperor, Satyricon, Cradle of Filth