Review by Michael on March 23, 2026.

“Dimension: Daemonium” is the fourth studio album by Finnish Vargrav, and I have to admit that I was very excited to hear it, as this band has always been a solid constant when it comes to symphonic black metal. But can this demonic dimension live up to what the title and the very cool cover artwork promise?

First, the listener enters the gate into another dimension via a sort of Stranger Things–like intro, complete with a grim gatekeeper (is it Vecna himself?) who warns us that we are not prepared for what is to come within the next 40 minutes. Okay, maybe that’s a bit exaggerated, because what we actually get is a direct continuation of the previous albums—but at least it doesn’t disappoint.

For me, Vargrav has always been a logical evolution of Emperor’s opus magnum “In The Nightside Eclipse,” and that remains true on “Dimension: Daemonium.” Keyboards and atmosphere play a huge role in shaping the songs, resulting in a slightly ghoulish and mysterious mood that surrounds the listener while entering this strange world of Vargrav.

Vocally, a grim and evil style dominates most of the time, though here and there you’ll find some chants similar to what Emperor did after “In The Nightside Eclipse,” such as in 'Ablaze Upon The Nocturnal Realms.' Let’s hope this remains more of a progressive intermezzo rather than something that becomes a permanent feature in the future.

Tracks like 'Moonfrost Storms' or 'Bleeding Galaxies' (with a cool 'Towards The Pantheon'–style riff), just to mention a few, keep the spirit of symphonic black metal alive and show that we don’t need any Cradle Of Filth or Dimmu Borgir-style additions to get strong atmospheric music. Apart from that, the Finns feel far more authentic than their great role models. Just check the final track, 'Unveil The Enslavement Of Lunar Prophecies.' It’s a powerful, epic, almost cinematic song, and if you remember the spirit of the early ’90s, you’ll know exactly what I mean. There’s really nothing left to say after hearing that one.

The production sounds dynamic and powerful. Maybe the drums could be a bit more thunderous, but overall, this is complaining at a high level. Many great compositions have been ruined by poor sound, but here, there’s really nothing serious to criticize.

Lyric-wise, I can’t say too much about the exact themes, but judging by the titles of the seven songs plus the intro, it seems to revolve around interstellar and multidimensional concepts, inviting the listener to dive deep into a nightmarish parallel world filled with demons and otherworldly entities.

“Dimension: Daemonium” is a very entertaining trip into another realm, and if you’re still disappointed with what Emperor did on “Anthems To The Welkin At Dusk” and beyond, you will definitely find satisfaction here. It’s a lesson in symphonic black metal.

Rating: 9.5 out of 10