Dimmu Borgir // Puritanical Euphoric Misanthropia (Remixed & Remastered) // Album Review

To fill the time between the latest release Eonion in 2018 and the next instalment in the Dimmu Borgir catalogue, the legends have decided to release a totally remixed and remastered version of the 2001 release Puritanical Euphoric Misanthropia.

When we say remixed and remastered, the album sounds very different to the original release with new production and new feeling. Using modern methods to create what is believed to be a more improved sound with an updated production quality, this 24-track release is something to be experienced.

Of this monstrous release, there are the original tracks that have the new sound and then to round off this special edition, we are invited behind the scenes to the pre-production sessions and instrumental rehearsals that took part in the original process for this special band.

So, is it an upgrade to the original offering? In many ways, it is a different album altogether. Puritanical Euphoric Misanthropia was recorded and released exactly how it was meant to be in 2001. Can we make history sound better by using the sounds that were available at the time? I would argue that this version is refreshed and allows some additional musical layers. This new sound allows for a more in-depth and sonic experience, but that can go against that more Old School Black Metal influence.

There is no denying that Dimmu Borgir are one of the best bands when it comes to Black Symphonic Metal and they very rarely disappoint. With the rerelease of Puritanical Euphoric Misanthropia it continues to show just how good they are and important they are to the more extreme side of Metal. However, does this new shinier version of the album mean better?

I’m not sure the two can be compared as they are so different. The entire vibe is more polished but still retains what’s makes Dimmu. I am not convinced that the die hard fans will be taken by this release, however what is possible is that it will introduce new listeners to the brilliance that is Dimmu Borgir.

Puritanical Euphoric Misanthropia does fill the gap before the upcoming album that is almost in the writing process and I think that the modern methods will be put to full use on the new album.

Ed Ford

Puritanical Euphoric Misanthropia (Remixed & Remastered) will be released Friday 28^th October 2022 via Nuclear Blast Records.

Tracklist

Fear and Wonder (remixed & remastered) 2:48
2. Blessings Upon the Throne of Tyranny (remixed & remastered) 5:22 3. Kings of the Carnival Creation (remixed & remastered) 7:51
4. Hybrid Stigmata – The Apostasy (remixed & remastered) 6:59
5. Architecture of a Genocidal Nature (remixed & remastered) 6:12
6. Puritania (remixed & remastered) 3:05
7. IndoctriNation (remixed & remastered) 6:00
8. The Maelstrom Mephisto (remixed & remastered) 4:44
9. Absolute Sole Right (remixed & remastered) 6:31
10. Sympozium (remixed & remastered) 5:12
11. Perfection or Vanity (remixed & remastered) 3:47
12. Burn in Hell (remixed & remastered) 5:12
13. Devil’s Path (remixed & remastered) 6:06
14. Hybrid Stigmata – The Apostasy 5:33
15. Blessings Upon the Throne of Tyranny 4:02
16. IndoctriNation 5:39
17. Architecture of a Genocidal Nature 6:07
18. Absolute Sole Right 6:27
19. Fear and Wonder
Blessings Upon the Throne of Tyranny 5:39
Kings of the Carnival Creation 7:40
Puritania 2:49
23. The Maelstrom Mephisto 4:00
24. Sympozium 5:28