Has DIMMU BORGIR gone softer this time or this is just an experiment? To be more accurate, it's not about becoming soft, it's about doing something out of the ordinary.Although DIMMU BORGIR were always forceful and vigorous in their type of Extreme Metal, they always had the sense to produce a wicked, yet, clear music. After three years, DIMMU BORGIR releases a new mysterious lament named "Abrahadabra". This time being produced by DIMMU BORGIR and mixed & mastered by no other than Andy Sneap, thus, you are expected to be kept in the dark.

In the band's new album, the void that was opened by the absence of ICS Vortex is truly felt. With the loss of such a great melodic singer, no Snowy Shaw, Agnete Maria, Kristoffer Rygg or the orchestras, could have fulfilled the role with the same finesse. On the other hand, lead vocalist, Shagrath, seem to improve his skills even more as he provided more than just an awesome set of growls. On hits as "Gateways" and "Dimmu Borgir", he is plain obsolete. Even with Shagrath's refined abilities, when vocals are concerned, DIMMU BORGIR must find a suitable replacement for ICS Vortex, as his charming vocal capabilities left a mark on their music and made a difference by being Shagrath's second and completing half.

Besides the vocals, the music and aura of "Abrahadabra" are elements, which were rarely seen in a DIMMU BORGIR album. For instance, all throughout the album there is this feeling of a chill. Colder tracks as "Born Treacherous", "The Demiurge Molecule" and "Chess With The Abyss" for example, show the opposite to the heat of the past. The riff passages show diversity as the majority is not maintained by the blast beat mayhem. In addition, there are some nice melodies and minimum number of solos for fillings. Although it could have been more melodic, as the keyboards and orchestras were just not enough. Probably some of the band's fans won't like this change; however I must say that it is quite refreshing and even convincing. Maturity or not, the direction taken here by DIMMU BORGIR is worthwhile.

While this new release shows a different side of DIMMU BORGIR, some elements could have been infused to it to make it even better. Stuff like more melodies, less narrations would been a valuable contributions, especially the mini-narrations mostly by Shaw, which are nice but where is the singing? Throughout the release I wondered when he will start his chanting. Well, my wonders came to an end. That is why, as I said earlier, DIMMU BORGIR needs someone like ICS Vortex.

"Abrahadabra" is a new reality made by DIMMU BORGIR; their loads of experience helped them to make a good presentation of a new darkened image under the symphony. Whether you are looking for something peculiar or ordinary from these guys, you have it in a small polished mix.