TROLL (Dimmu Borgir) - Drep De Kristne (12" LP on Gold Vinyl)

On Drep De Kristne, Troll crafts an immersive and powerful symphonic black metal album that stands as one of Nagash's finest works. Released in 1996, this record showcases a dark and sinister atmosphere, intertwining aggressive black metal elements with grandiose synthesizer layers, all while maintaining a raw edge. Despite the heavy use of keyboards, the guitars are given their rightful prominence, delivering an abrasive and biting sound that pairs perfectly with the album's harsh themes.

From the outset, with the track "Kirstenhat," the listener is drawn into a chilling world of ominous synths and relentless blast beats. Nagash's vocals, guttural and menacing, mirror the album's dark themes, as his snarls and growls perfectly embody the role of a troll in a world steeped in hatred and scorn for Christianity. Tracks like "I Saler av Sten" and "Naar Solen Blekner Bort" carry forward this atmosphere with melodic yet brutal riffs and orchestration that never feels excessive. The keyboards are employed thoughtfully, adding a layer of haunting beauty rather than overshadowing the core black metal aggression.

Though the album dips into folk-inspired melodies, particularly on "Trollberg," these moments are few and far between, never detracting from the overarching atmosphere of evil and hostility. The instrumental passages, like the closer "Gud’s Fall," are skillfully composed, further highlighting Nagash’s talent for blending traditional black metal with symphonic flourishes.

In the broader symphonic black metal landscape, Drep De Kristne stands out for its balance between raw energy and polished production. It's an album that proves keyboards and atmosphere can enhance black metal without sacrificing its core identity.