Stormblåst MMV cover

Stormblåst MMV

Dimmu Borgir · 2005

79 min · 16 tracks · symphonic black metal

A darkly orchestrated symphony of melodic black metal that intertwines haunting riffs with operatic vocals and atmospheric layers.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Alt lys er svunnet hen Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
  • →
    Kings of the Carnival Creation — This track exemplifies the band's ability to merge aggressive black metal elements with intricate melodies, creating an epic atmosphere that defines the album's sound.
  • →
    Progenies of the Great Apocalypse — The song stands out with its dynamic orchestration and choral elements, showcasing Dimmu Borgir’s signature blend of symphonic grandeur and ferocity.
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    Spellbound (by the Devil) — Featuring haunting melodies intertwined with ferocious riffs, this track captures the darker themes present throughout the album while emphasizing atmospheric depth.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

64 /100
Treeline
Higher than 79% of albums we've rated

The album combines orchestral depth with black metal elements, showcasing strong composition and cohesion.

What we noticed

  • Operatic vocals alternate with harsh growls, creating a dynamic contrast that enhances the thematic depth of the lyrics.
  • Several tracks incorporate atmospheric interludes that serve as transitions, contributing to the overall cinematic feel of the album.
  • The final three tracks build in intensity, culminating in a climactic finish that leaves a lasting impression.
Composition 25% of the score
8/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
8/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • dynamic journey with emotional peaks
  • wave-like pacing that captivates
  • orchestral grandeur meets ferocity
  • intense moments of cathartic release
  • for late-night introspection

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer straightforward, instant gratification
  • avoid lengthy, complex compositions

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Breakthrough — Solidified Dimmu Borgir's status in the symphonic black metal scene.
Themes
mythical darkness· orchestral chaos· Nordic folklore
Career context
Released in 2005, Stormblåst MMV is a reimagining of Dimmu Borgir's classic 1996 album Stormblåst. At this point in their career, the band had solidified their status within the black metal genre following the success of their previous albums like Death Cult Armageddon. This album features an updated production style and arrangements, showcasing their evolution into a more symphonic sound.
Stylistic neighbors
Cradle of Filth· Emperor· Nightwish

Tracklist

Disc 1

  • 1 Alt lys er svunnet hen Start here 4:44
  • 2 Broderskapets ring 5:31
  • 3 Når sjelen hentes til helvete 4:43
  • 4 Sorgens kammer, del II 5:52
  • 5 Da den kristne satte livet til 3:03
  • 6 Stormblåst 6:10
  • 7 Dødsferd 5:42
  • 8 Antikrist 3:36
  • 9 Vinder fra en ensom grav 4:01
  • 10 Guds fortapelse – Åpenbaring av dommedag 4:02
  • 11 Avmaktslave 3:55

Disc 2

  • 1 Spellbound (by the Devil) 4:20
  • 2 Vredesbyrd 4:48
  • 3 Kings of the Carnival Creation 8:07
  • 4 Progenies of the Great Apocalypse 5:25
  • 5 Mourning Palace 5:45

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata