You know, it is really exhausting trying to review bands that refuse to put any information about themselves online. I have no idea who is doing what on this and I give up. If you can't list your members on your social media and don't have a website, I don't know what to tell you. ZORNHEYM is a symphonic, extreme, metal band based out of Stockholm but it's really DIMU BORGIR lite. What I mean by that, is that there are all the symphonic elements with relentless double kick drumming but with a much more middle-of-the-road appeal. There are also elements of DETHKLOCK'S, "Doomstar" here with multiple voices ranging from growls and shrieks to really powerful, straight-up rock singing. It's TRANS-SIBERIAN ORCHESTRA with growls.

I'm not sure the former bassist from DARK FUNERAL will appreciate these comparisons but for the most part, it's meant as a compliment. The clean singing is full of harmonies and hooks and is perfectly juxtaposed with the black metal styles of vocals. Zorn makes use of a full choir and string quartet here and the effect is remarkable. It's rich and organic and really elevates the music to a whole different level. The only problem is when they use other synth-based sample libraries, the contrast makes those sounds very weak in comparison.

The writing here is epic, big thematic ideas explored with a lot of dynamics. They pride themselves on having a big "wall of sound" which works most of the time but there is so much density to the arrangements that it can get really old, real quick. The most egregious error I believe they make with the arrangements is having WAY too much double kick. There are times when they let the music breathe and just peel back the layers a bit and strip things down. That gives the more complex sections greater impact. That sensibility is there already, they just need to engage with that idea more. Save those incredibly dense and busy arrangements for moments that really call for it.

Overall, I really like it but it's not something I would listen to on a regular basis.