And then there were three. GENESIS ruminated about the same matter in 1978 when they found themselves reduced to a trio, only to go on to find the greatest commercial success of their careers. Hard to say if the same result is in store for DIMMU BORGIR, your go-to dramatic Symphonic Black Metal band (and many will take issue if they're Black Metal at all) that already seems to have enjoyed a career apex success-wise. Then again, who's to say if that's true?

The mighty DIMMU BORGIR indeed lives on, despite their ranks leaving them with just three full-time members - enigmatic frontman Shagrath, guitarist and primary mastermind Silenoz, and guitarist Galder, who also leads OLD MAN'S CHILD. But really, they're no worse for the wear, which rings especially true when visiting their ninth full-length epic "Abrahadabra", a line lifted from Aleister Crowley that's loosely translated as, "I will create as I speak." As far as DIMMU BORGIR albums go, perhaps only 2003's "Death Cult Armageddon" can rival this thing as far as hugeness is concerned. But this record doesn't have that evil Disney sound to it like "Death Cult Armageddon" has, and if anything, they sound like MAYHEM trying to one-up CRADLE OF FILTH.

The Nordic masters brought with them a variety of session musicians - Djerv singer Agnete Kjolsrud makes a particularly gigantic impact with her gorgeous, riveting vocals - as well as the Norwegian Radio Orchestra and the Schola Cantorum choir, ensuring every moment of "Abrahadabra" would be dripping with layers and layers of sound. Obviously, this whole approach turns off many people who deride DIMMU for their slick production and retreat from what's considered "true" Black Metal aesthetic, which is an argument that isn't even worth having. DIMMU BORGIR long have advanced past all of that, and you're either OK with it or you're not.

Those who are OK with what DIMMU BORGIR represent in 2010 (and really, for the entire past decade) are in for one heck of an adventure, from the throat buzzing, orchestral opening "Xibir", head first into surging "Born Treacherous", a song with a blood-rushing chorus and words of rebellion from the boys as Shagrath howls, "Light the fires of resistance!" "Gateways" is a highlight, particularly because the aforementioned Kjolsrud, who makes the chorus come to life; the hammer-fisted "Renewal"; "The Ritualist," which starts with backward messaging but eventually cleans itself up, especially when member-for-one-second Snowy Shaw lends his voice to the chorus; and closer "Endings And Continuations", a curtain call for everything that preceded it.

This record, as well as the band, is going to have its detractors. Of course it's larger than life. Of course it's ridiculous in spots. Of course it's not traditional Black Metal that sounds like it was recorded on a dingy old blank cassette. These are all things we have to accept (and really, should already have come to grips with) about DIMMU BORGIR. All of this said, it's a really great sounding record with a ton of memorable moments, and it's bound to sound bombastically awesome live. One thing you cannot question is the band's effort, and you can be sure if you part with hard-earned cash for this thing, you're going to get your money's worth.