Review by Jeger on July 15, 2024.

“Death is the orgasm of life…” We should all be so fortunate to have the same fearless outlook upon existence. For you see, death is imminent and as fast as time passes, it’s safe to say that it’s also right around the corner. But for Jon Nödtveidt, death was merely an adventure; a second chapter. “To transcend with Dragon’s wings” and to live forever in the formless spirit. Jon took his own life in accordance with the notion that the true Satanist can forego the less-than-glorious process of growing old and choose to take his own life at his peak in order to face the other side in strength and with glory. Jon’s esoteric works within the Temple of the Black Light formerly known as the Misanthropic Luciferian Order defined the entirety of his life from his personal affairs down to - of course - his music.

Jon joined the MLO in 1995, the same year Dissection’s “Storm of the Light’s Bane” was released. I feel like his joining essential put the brakes on whatever creative propulsion the band may have been riding which was one Hell of a ride to say the least. Black metal of the finest and of the most imaginative consortium. Still diabolical in nature but nothing like what would transpire 11 years later…

Jon was convicted of murder shortly after joining the order. Although mutterings of human sacrifice had apparently circulated throughout the ranks, the murder of Josef ben Meddour was chalked up to random violence. No one will ever know the true motive behind this murder and Jon subsequently spent a decade behind bars for it. It was a time that Jon used to reinvent himself and to visualize a different future for Dissection; one where The Eleven and the disruption of cosmic order were all that mattered.

Following his release from prison, Jon reformed Dissection with new members, Set Teitan and Tomas Asklund and recorded their third and final album in 2006’s “Reinkaos”. With “Reinkaos”, instead of constructing an elaborate labyrinth of an album akin to the output of today’s occult-driven bands, Dissection put together their most accessible album. Palatable and savory as all those sweet hooks and melodies converge with all those martial rhythms and concrete bass lines. Something that could appeal to any fan of extreme music as it boasts unforgettable cuts: “Beyond the Horizon”, “Black Dragon” and “Maha-Kali” to name just a few. A rarity indeed for a band to dial down the dynamics and take such a simple approach to their craft after having established itself as a beacon for innovation for the genre. But damn, it just sounds so fucking good. Only the most tantalizing of sonic elixirs to awaken The Dragon and to homage The Ancients. Riff-dominated, Gothenburg-inspired and delicious for lack of a better word. So many of their fans were taken aback by this unprecedented shift in creative direction but this was of no consequence to Jon. “Reinkaos” is an album that was realized with a purpose or at least it comes off that way. Formulas, incantations and salutations linked to The Eleven throughout and let’s just say that Jon wasn’t simply rubbing one out here. This is the album that I believe he wanted Dissection to be remembered by, as I feel Jon had envisioned his looming fate while incarcerated. It was only a matter of time.

Jon committed suicide in 2006, the same year “Reinkaos” was released and following their greatest ever live recording. He died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound and his body was discovered within a circle of candles, a copy of Liber Azerate lain open before him. Some call it crazy, most a tragedy but it’s just not for us to truly understand. We’ll never know what Jon knew: the things he must have seen and experienced through the practice of ritual and the use of magick. Enough for him to have dedicated his life while he was here and then to take it in the name of his esoteric works. Death the orgasm of life, remember? The stronger the release the better I guess… No questioning that, but to leave us all without such magnificent music and to have left behind such timeless art is where tragedy comes into play. Why didn’t Jon’s thirst for more knowledge and experience dominate whatever urge he had to end it all? I’ve read where Jon was described as someone who got the most out of life in almost childlike fashion, so once again there lies before us this great mystery and for journalists like myself, it’s a frustrating one. But all the greats are steeped in mystique, some more than others.

The greatest black metal project of all time? You could say that and most wouldn’t argue. Is “Reinkaos” Dissection’s greatest album? Certainly not. But what this album represents as far as how much Jon had changed over the course of eleven years and the esoteric nature of it is what makes it something special. That and the overall 180 in creative direction from their previous record. Sorely missed and vastly emulated are Jon and Dissection. The world of black metal just isn’t the same without them. We try to move on from the impact Jon made on the scene and from the amazing music he left behind but we can’t and never will. Why? Because that’s what’s called being a legend and legends never die… Rest in chaos, old friend.

Rating: 8.5 out of 10

Review by Alex Grindor on July 11, 2021.

This album was a recommendation from a friend and the way he explained the album to me sounded way better than what I ended up hearing. He explained that this release dealt with some sort of deities based on a cult (the Misanthropic Luciferian Order, renamed to Temple of the Black Light) and that the leader of the band committed suicide some time after releasing the album.

On the first listen, I was completely disappointed. While the concept sounded interesting by itself, the music sounded very simplistic and dull to catch my attention. I left it there for some time and then I decided to listen to it again. Like some other albums, this release might require subsequent spins to actually "get it". After that, I can pretty much say that it is still a very simplistic type of music, but it's not as bad as I initially thought.

The job done by every member of the band is really good. The guitars are heavy, yet melodic, and many of the riffs delivered are actually catchy ('Beyond The Horizon' is the best example). The bass it's audible, even if it's a bit buried under the whole music. And regarding the vocals by Jon, I have to admit he nails it. The voice is really fitting for the music, sometimes using other vocals techniques in certain tracks to add to the atmosphere. My only complaints would be that the drumming is very simplistic, which is a bit bothering since the drummer could've tried some more variety to create a greater atmosphere. And some songs sound very repetitive and lame (like 'Dark Mother Divine').

I've seen that this release by Dissection is polarizing. Some people love it, some others despise it. I find myself in the midst of both groups. The album is not what everyone expected from Dissection (considering how good their previous albums were) but in all honesty, this album is not the worst thing I've heard.

Overall, it's a catchy, powerful, melodic record with a great concept, but it's not something I'd listen to every day.

Rating: 6.1 out of 10

Review by Krys on July 20, 2006.

There are two ways to review this album. One, rip it to pieces, defecate on it and wipe an ass with its cover for not being Dissection of old and two, treat it like a regular new release and forget about the band's past. Since almost everyone in metal world went with choice Nr. 1 I'll try to take a look at it from a second angle. "ReinkaΩs" is simply a melodic death metal record with strong satanic lyrics that feel almost like a main part of the album with music there just to help serve the message. By saying that, I have to admit that except few really good riffs and couple solos, most of the tracks are your typical melodic death that wouldn't really stand out from the crowd if it wasn't for Jon Nödtveidt's voice. Catchy choruses and almost rock/heavy influenced melody lines and even female vocals on last track, make this album much less extreme than what today's scene has to offer but at this same time "ReinkaΩs" is a pleasant piece of music that can stay in your head for days if you're not into blastbeats (or old Dissection – I couldn't resist).

Categorical Rating Breakdown

Musicianship: 7
Atmosphere: 7
Originality: 6
Production: 9
Overall: 7

Rating: 7.2 out of 10