In the imaginative realms of "what could of been", Godless Savage Garden always haunts me with its utterly majestic, fantastical offerings. One can only dream of what a full length may have sounded like. Wedged between Enthrone Darkness Triumphant and Spiritual Black Dimensions, the two original songs of this mini-album are remarkable. Both in tone and composure, its slower pacing, drenched in esoteric symphony, the dynamic and spiritually memorizing guitar solos of Astennu. It all marks a band advancing boldly into new territory. Although recorded in the ETD sessions, to my ear they lean towards my all time favorite record, SBD.
Chaos Without Prophecy is an utter delight, its slow beefy power chords and altering drum intensities let the synths set a darkly atmosphere. Shagrath storms in with phenomenal screams on the back of bouncy guitar riffs, resonating with a glorious bell chime. In its lengthy seven minute duration, the back end of the track embarks into a slow brooding drudgery of mysterious intent. Its haunting, creepy and rife with witchery. Moonchild Domain has a comparatively upbeat tone, more of a colorful voyage through dark arts and cryptic magics as the ride is punctuated by glorious pianos and bursts of lead guitar. The drums its housed in batter hard at times with big pedal grooves and lots of complimenting intensities. This all leads to a gratifying guitar solo, blazed by Astennu and his ponderous nightly character.
The other tracks consist of two fine re-recordings from For All Tid. They do an inspired repurposing of the bands once glum and odd atmosphere to this mighty powerhouse sound of rocking Metal and satanic darkness. A cover of Metal Heart by Accept plays a fantastic tribute to their influences. Although the song is not their own, parts of it feel very fitting for Dimmu. Beyond lies live recordings. Not in the greatest fidelity, they are a fun insight to the live experience but sadly feel like filler. Perhaps plundered around obligations to release a record.
As described, Godless Savage Garden brings two of Dimmu's finest songs at the crossroads between records. The particular spirit they share is defined enough to create a glimpse of something special that could of taken place. Maybe in another universe. Who knows. Anyways, I think that about raps up my tangent back into the origins of the band for now. Someday I will get around to the other three or so records I'm yet to cover on this blog. I look forward to it!
Rating: 8/10