NACHTHYMNEN (FROM THE TWILIGHT KINGDOM)

Abigor's second album finds them taking an intriguing, almost operatic approach to black metal which stands in stark contrast to the symphonic synthesiser-supported style that was explored at around the same time by the likes of Dimmu Borgir. Rather than broadening the variety of instruments used, Abigor instead added complexity to their music by crafting intricate riffs which seem simple enough to a casual listener but when you direct your attention to them they prove to have plenty of hidden depths. Gloriously atmospheric, as the best black metal should be, the album shows a band who have that rare combination of qualities: a willingness to experiment on the one hand and a refusal to be show-offy about it on the other hand, though this is a rough sketch of a style others would take further.