Satanic Art - Dodheimsgard

This EP catches Dodheimsgard moving from the more straight-ahead, raw black metal style of the band's first two albums (Kronet Til Konge and Monumental Possession) and into the futuristic, experimental mode of its third full-length (666 International). But more than just a transitional effort, Satanic Art stands on its own as a daring, defiant piece of work, with three excellent songs bookended by a pair of solo pieces ("Oneiroscope" and the cleverly titled "Wrapped in Plastic"). "Traces of Reality," at nearly six minutes, is the standout: a blasting, industrial-tinged black metal track interspersed with violin soloing, warped voice effects, and a stately piano interlude (reprised from the first track). This song alone should make Satanic Art of interest to Dodheimsgard fans, but the whole release adds up to a fascinating although brief (at just 16-plus minutes) listen. ~ William York, All Music Guide