DYNASTY OF DARKNESS is a Symphonic Black Metal from Bruchsal, Germany formed in 2008. Their album "Empire of Pain" is amazing and shows what Symphonic Black Metal has to offer.

Intro "ANTIhuman" very well introduces the listener to the album and "Diuum Deus" is a very powerful track with growling, and Black Metal rate connecting Symphonic elements, choir of the band in the background add very nice atmosphere to this song. I very much like titled track "Empire of Pain" where symphonic orchestra makes a very awesome climate and amazing choir with speedy Black Metal proving that the band is fantastic in the way they play. Hear able are DIMMU BORGIR and CRADLE OF FILTH influences with many symphonic elements and lots of melody! Mysterious climate with fantastic choir in symphonic climate is in "My Nightmare" and "The Scribe of the Gods" has modern sounds, even electronic elements with connection of unbelievable power and growl with memorable sounds.

Most of the songs share frosty wind, snowstorm, and anxious mood, a freezing to the bone disposition altogether. Their music combines varied musical styles that ranges from the rawest Black Metal to Thrash to Industrial, Heavy Metal and even Death Brutal and Extreme, also with Symphonic elements. The music is well played, rigid riffing from blast chops to silent echoes. I noticed melodies along with climatic keyboards. The band can be hypnotic with their music and able to accelerate their fans' heart rate.

In my opinion this album is for listeners who like hear Black Metal with Symphonic elements. I am sure that anyone who likes the music of DIMMU BORGIR, CRADLE OF FILTH, MAYHEM and IMMORTAL will not be disappointed. Very good production of album and an amazing combination of different elements of Metal brings you to the other fantastic world.