Review by Krys on March 31, 2007.

OK, let me get straight to the point here. Is this the best Dimmu Borgir's album? No. Is it better than their last effort "Death Cult Armageddon"? Yes. As many of you already know "In Sorte Diaboli" is a concept album and Dimmu's gamble paid of for those waiting for a darker and heavier release but because of this they've lost some of that "Puritanical Euphoric Misanthropia" grooviness that made you bang your head with uncontrollable fury. I have to say that Dimmu surprised me a little here, their trademark symphonic/theatrical parts are still visible and play a big role in the whole concept but they are slightly reduced compared to the previous efforts and are replaced with more guitar heavy structures. The power and dynamics of the album are masterfully managed by Hellhammer whose drumming is so complex and precise that I don't think a drum machine would do a better job. Because of the nature of the story I expected a little more in a vocal department but there's not much new outside of few spoken or whispered passages. I only wish Vortex had a bigger role in this tale cause his voice is one of the most unique and recognizable vocals in metal and in my opinion should be used to its full potential, especially on the concept album. So, there you have it... Like them or hate' em but since "Enthrone Darkness Triumphant" every release from those Norwegians is a big event in the heavy metal world and "In Sorte Diaboli" definitely stands up from the crowd and writes a new glorious chapter in Dimmu Borgir's career but for me it falls a little short from being called a masterpiece.

Categorical Rating Breakdown

Musicianship: 9
Atmosphere: 9
Originality: 7
Production: 9
Overall: 8

Rating: 8.4 out of 10

Review by JD on March 21, 2010.

It seems that there has been a great deal of buzz for this band known as Riverside, who’s bio says that they set out to do some real good ‘NeoClassical’ music. I put the CD in, pressed play and wait for my own opinion on things to pop out.

Musically well versed, the highly touted Riverside at first seems to be a conglomeration of truly amazing musicians. I hear the NeoClassical thing, as well as a smattering of Progressive styled metal in some aspects - then I was shocked to also be hearing some 80's radio Pop inspirations as well, showing the diversity of the band as a whole. Riverside have this album written well and played even better, but the down side now comes up. Sadly... it lacks one real element: Passion.

As good as the musicians of Riverside are, not to mention how well the album’s songs have been written... there is this unmistakable lack of pure emotions and drive that would honestly give the album a huge amount of life. There is no real fire in any of it, and that reduces it to being very well played but emotionally dead music that is hard to listen to. It makes no real impact, as the music cannot hide that the album is the true meaning of the word ‘flat’. I cannot remember ever hearing a album so well played on, but emotionally void of anything.

If the band had taken the time to not over play it all, the emotion might be there.... but they were trying to create something that was theirs... I got that. Next time, Riverside should pull back on the virtuosity and the creation of some higher musical things, then just let themselves make some music that is both well written and has that emotional angle that connects the band to their listeners.

Categorical Rating Breakdown　

Musicianship: 9 (they are really great musically, but...)
Atmosphere: 6
Production: 5
Originality: 6.5
Overall: 6

Rating: 6.7 out of 10