arcane-beautiful EPs can sometimes be rather hit or miss with me. Sometimes they can be alright, a complete waste of time or they can harbour some of a band or artists best material. For a band like Dimmu Borgir, I'm always up for added material from these guys so I jumped at the chance to get this release.

On this EP, there is a very good variety of material. The main focus has to be two songs which where apparently left out of “Enthrone Darkness Triumphant” (although I don't believe where, due to the slight change in sound and massive change in lyrical styles), a few live songs (these guys are pretty astounding live) along with...a cover. Yes. A cover. Of an Accept song. (Doesn't beat Cradle Of Filth covering Cliff Richards).

Musically the album presents a slight change in direction for the band which would be a lot more noticeable on their next album “Spiritual Black Dimensions.” While their previous album “Enthrone Darkness Triumphant” had more of a Gothic rock influence, the newer material on this release is easing towards a more bombastic, symphonic and epic approach to their music.

The opening track “Moonchild Domain” is a slight change in direction for the band. With an even more melodic sound and even a guitar solo in the middle of the track, it definitely is one of the highlights on this EP.

The re recordings of earlier tracks like “Hunnerkongen” and “Raabjørn Speiler Draugheimens Skodde” are probably the weakest moments on the album. While musically they sound a lot better than the original recordings, they still are quite lack lustre due to Silenoz's vocals being nothing compared to the power and presentation of Shagrath's.

The EP's longest track “Chaos Without Prophecy” is a pretty interesting song. Being over 7 minutes in length, the song harkens to an almost doomy feel, with Shagrath screeching an interesting tale of kings and such. Great vocals and some pretty kick ass riffs throughout.

One of the oddest but slightly more enjoyable moments on this EP can be seen in the form of the Accept cover “Metal Heart.” Obviously arranged in black metal fashion, this cover does have some interesting moment, with Shagrath showing off some nice Kind Diamond esque head voice in the chorus. Cheese, but with a dark twist.

In conclusion, this is a pretty enjoyable EP. With some added material, re recordings and cover songs, it is a good add on of additional material for any fan of the band. Half the price of a normal album, and worth the price.

6.8/10

Genres: Black Metal, Melodic Death Metal, Gothic Metal, Symphonic Black Metal

Country of origin: Norway

Year of release: 1998