04.08.2018 Dimmu Borgir

Wacken Open Air XXIX

Wacken (Germany)

(Pentax K-5 with Sigma AF 70-200mm 2.8 EX DC APO HSM II)

Slowly but unstoppable Wacken Open Air 2018 tends to its end. But not before the dark symphonic metal roller Dimmu Borgir swept across the fields. Opposite to other Wacken Open Air before it was still quite cuddly in front of the Faster Stage.
Just in time at 0:15 the guys around exceptional voice Stian Tomt “Shagrath” Thoresen directly began fulminant with “The Unveiling” of the just released album “Eonian”. The stage decoration was very consistent created with fire baskets making you think of medieval, the musicians wore their frocks like robes and were as usual festooned with blurred corpse paint. Of the aforementioned album there should be also a live premiere as for the very first time the song “Archaic Correspondence” was performed in front of an audience. Of course this album dominated the setlist but also apart from that there was a great compilation of most of their other albums presented. Not only classics like “Dimmu Borgir” of the 2010 album “Abrahadabra” were presented but before “Council Of Wolves And Snakes” tribal drums were brought on stage with which this song was ringed in.
One could not expect great action on stage. All were standing more or less statically at their places. Only the stage was again and again brought to a gloomy atmosphere with fitting lights and partially with large flame columns enlightened just as bright as day. They may be blamed to have changed from their roots in death metal to a more mass compatible band but nevertheless it was a very impressive presentation with complex guitar riffs, furious synthie and orchestral parts as well as brilliant growls. With “Mourning Palace of the 1997 album “Enthrone Darkness Triumphant” the concert came to a great ending.
Directly before the end the limbs were given a good shake and it was very beneficial. It was an impressive show that the four Norwegian together with their live backstops on keyboards and drums presented. Especially the light and fire effects together with the bombastic sounds ensured that the crowd in front of the stage also to that late hour was partying hard and loudly celebrating them. Simply unbelievable!