The idea for black-metal band Dimmu Borgir was to give fans a real show, said lead vocalist Shagrath.
"I was very much into Kiss when I was growing up in Norway," Shagrath said during a telephone interview from New Haven, Conn. "I liked W.A.S.P., Slayer and Twisted Sister. And every one of those bands had wonderful live shows. They all had a certain image, and that's what I wanted to do with my own band."
Shagrath said, however, that he didn't want his band to be like the others. That's why he took Dimmu Borgir further, surpassing Slayer in demonic verses and speed. "It was our own direction. We wanted to present a nice package for our fans."
Dimmu Borgir has its niche in black metal. The band emerged in 1994 with a seven-inch extended play recording. That led to 1995's "For All Tid" and 1996's breakthrough "Sturmblast." "Throughout the formative years, we developed our image," Shagrath said. "And that has stayed with us to today. Our focus is music, style and attitude."
After six CD releases and one DVD, the band — composed of Shagrath, bassist Vortex, drummer Nick Barker, keyboardist Mustis and guitars Silenoz and Galder — has struck back with the new album "Death Cult Armageddon." "We had a bigger budget to record this new album. I wanted to make a more unique album."
To do so, Dimmu Borgir worked with 46 classically trained musicians from the Philharmonic Orchestra Prague. The symphony members appear throughout the album, providing a new dimension to the band's nihilistic soundscapes. "This album was the first recording we have done that was completed in preproduction," Shagrath said. "We usually aren't that prepared when we go into the studio to record the album. We usually write and arrange some of the songs in the studio. But this time, we had everything ready."
The most recent challenges the band has is bringing its over-the-top show to smaller clubs, such as Bricks. "We have too much equipment," Shagrath said with a laugh. "So we have had to make our live show smaller for this tour. But that's OK. There are some times when we get in trouble on our international tours because our equipment is too heavy."
Still, the stripped-down show is a good, solid Dimmu Borgir experience, Shagrath said. "Our fans have expectations. We make sure we have a good set list and a good light show."
If you go . . .
What: Dimmu Borgir
Where: Bricks, 579 W. 200 South
When: Wednesday, 7 p.m.
How much: $20
Phone: 467-8499 or 1-800-888-8499
E-mail: scott@desnews.com