Dark Funeral
"Diabolis Interium"
(Necropolis Records)

Recorded an mixed at the famed Abyss studios, produced by Peter Tagtgren, drenched in blood curdling screams and demonic attributes, "Diabolis Interium" has all the makings for a state of the art Black Metal release and it delivers-delivers the evil right to your doorstep. While this is Dark Funeral's third full length in their eight-year strong career, it's amazing they've come as far as they have considering the usual ins and outs of band members and label hopping that seems to go in step with Black Metal bands. And where others might weaken, they among the many others recognized of the elite variety, we may consider the likes of Dimmu Borgir, Marduk, and Enthroned for early reference, Dark Funeral, led by founding guitarist Lord Ahriman, unleashes their unholy terror stronger and relentless as ever. If the lead track "The Arrival Of Satan's Empire" is any indication, and it indubitably is, this could well be their most aggressively drawn and tightly constructed release of their careers. With the recent arrivals of Emperor Magus Caligula doing bass and vocals, second and highly significant guitarist Dominion whose unison twin-lead work with Ahriman and massive rhythmic reinforcement, together with new drummer Matte Modin, absolute firepower the likes and clarity of which I think are damn near unprecedented for music of this magnitude, this is easily the best lineup they've ever had. The results speak, albeit in serpent tongues, for themselves! "Hail Murder" takes up before the blood dries up from the opening kill and takes close second in a heated battle for track listing supremacy of the eight contained. Kiss your principles goodbye, unload your burden cross and bow down to your new God for your conversion is not long to go. We've seen the many carnival-esque doomsayers of the scene come and go and bask in the glory of their own comedic exploits yet here, in spite of their ghastly appearance, Dark Funeral's dead seriousness is seen, heard, and truly felt-in surround sound for best results. "Diabolis Interium" follows up on last year's first Necropolis release the mini EP "In The Sign." and sets a new standard in Black Metal supremacy with eight methodically destructive tracks built on blistering chords and bestial malevolence influenced by blood, fire, and inverted crosses. .

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