Dimmu Bongir "Dark Medieval Hash" (2024)

 

After running the For All Tid playbook, our comedic stoners return with an incremental progression on the nostalgic 90s sound I adore. Muddying up the parody, Satyricon's debut takes thematic focus in name and cover art alone. With Dark Medieval Has, these musicians start to express their own ideas. Chunky distortion riffs and majestic keyboard melodies not so easily identified, emerge from the evil dusky aesthetic. 

The apple doesn't fall far from the tree, little surprise awaits in construct or design. We essentially embark on another dark venture through the mystical imaginations of these rebellious Norweigns, inspired by paganism, the occult and merciless frozen forests.

Certain songs hit harder than others. Pipens Åpenbaring has a wonderfully esoteric synth melody at its opening. With a rather ambitious climax, the song amasses rich sinister organs. Along its way, a Spanish acoustic guitar is introduced, much like Old Man's Child once incorporated its brittle tone to the Black Metal architecture.

A Witch Is Stoned wins the "best song" competition. A clear favorite with a powerful, magical, mischievous synth hook. The keyboard riff toys with low to high dynamics reminiscent of Dimmu Borgir's Spellbound By The Devil. Its guitar solo, intentionally jarring, scratchy and shrill, also feeling reminiscent of that landmark record.

Dark Medieval Hash has been a blast but also shows this band can do more than just emulate. I hope they continue to expand on this nostalgic revival and perhaps venture into new terrain from that different point in time. If they simply continue with this formula, I will be entertained either way. Great stuff!

Rating: 7/10

Dimmu Bongir "Hvis Pipen Tar Oss" (2023)

 

 

What on earth is this? A stoner's parody of my beloved Dimmu Borgir? Perfect! Well, that's actually so... what comedic kicks are discernible through throaty howls and song titles, like Bongblåst, plays second fiddle to the music. The greenthumb humor is clearly an excuse to revel in early Symphonic Black Metal, which I happen to adore. With a rough around the edges production, Bongir capture the nostalgia in a bottle.

 

Reworking the For All Tid playbook, no surprises fluster this listener. Hvis Pipen Tar Oss plays a familiar beast, writing new incarnations steeped in its ancient architecture. Occasionally they encroach on plagiarism with a riff or melody, most notably with the opening guitars of Røk hans pip. Piano interludes, dingy acoustic guitar breaks and deep heathen vocals drop in Norwegian tongue just like Borgir did in their early days.

 

 Pagan Rips, a reference to Mayhem, holds astral swirly melodies and potent tunes uncannily close to The Kovenant. Its main hook a clear lift from the classic Bizzare Cosmic Industries. A win for this adoring fan but this does question what should classify as a cover or original? The song does eventually deviate in its own direction.

Another standout, Transylvanian Munchies, pays tribute in parody alone, to legends Darkthrone, who didn't venture into the Symphnoic avenue themselves. Its the one song where stars align. Throaty growls groan at just the right intensity to get its comical lyrics across. "And I'm Still Hungry" punchline a silly delight to smirk upon.

These appropriately named musicians Gahll, Tjalladdin and the all too obvious Hashiah, have done a stellar job resurrecting a niche sound with both passion and vigor. The project is clearly a love letter to this forgotten era. Their keyboard tones feel especially well selected, giving the record a soft freshness on that front.

Hvis Pipen Tar Oss has been a delight, a nostalgic reinvention reminding me of recent discovery Këkht Aräkh. Perhaps I should invest more time in seeking out other millennial musicians obsessed with 90s Black Metal. It never occurred to me that comedy could be a convenient excuse to launch such a project. Dimmu Bongir have done it to great effect and fortunately for me, another album lays in wait!

Rating: 7/10