Less than a week after the release of Cian Bi, Tengger Cavalry called it quits after the band had grown tired of being manipulated by shady businessmen. It's the end of a downward spiral for a band that had started as a unique mixture of Sino-Mogolian folk music and melodic death metal influences in the first five years of its career and had become an odd one-man project with unstable line-ups that had ended up recording numerous vapid versions of its own classics and unnecessary cover songs that flooded the market. Cian Bi isn't the band's nadir which was the faceless kAAn two years ago but it shows a once passionate musician who has run out of passion, creativity and conviction. The record proves that it might have been the right decision for the band to call it quits before it would have ended up fully ruining its reputation of past glory.

On the positive side, the execution of the folk instruments such as morin khuur and tovshuur still sounds exotic and intriguing. The mysterious choirs add a cinematic note making the listener travel far away to Mongolian steppes. The throat singing is another cultural reference that gives the band its unique identity. Its more melodic use in a few tracks adds a haunting atmosphere and a few select catchy moments. In some tracks, the mixture of traditional folk elements and contemporary metal sounds works rather well as in the diversified and epic title track ''Cian Bi''.

On the negative side, the guitar riffs on the album sound one-dimensional and too simplistic if compared to the rich folk sounds. The rhythm section is only a blur and doesn't leave any deeper impression. The throat singing skills may sound intriguing at first contact but end often up sounding quite droning and repetitive. The lyrics are at times strange, being performed in English and with quite a few unnecessary swear words as in ''One-Track Mind'' which doesn't go along with the spiritual Sino-Mongolian identity the band established.

In the end, Cian Bi is basically Tengger Cavalry's career in a nutshell. It's quite a mixed bag. It's an odd side note in the history of metal. An intriguing concept and skillfully performed folk instruments with atmospheric depth meet at times odd lyrics, disposable metal riffs and bored vocals. Certain parts of the album are as contradictory as the band's strange career with its abrupt end. Tengger Cavalry might one day be remembered as that almost bipolar band lost between Mongolian steppes and American metropolitan recording studios, between honoring its own identity and getting tricked by greedy businessmen, between being a band and becoming a headless one-man project. Tengger Calvary will be remembered as the band that broke apart when it was almost about to make it and become the next big thing in the metal scene. One can only hope that band leader Nature Ganganbaigal will take a step back to take two steps forward. Maybe he should go back to his home country to find new musical inspiration related to his cultural influences, reliable band mates and a smaller label like Mort Productions that will truly support him. This might be the end of Tengger Cavalry but it shouldn't be the end of Nature Ganganbaigal as an artist. Let's wish him all the best.

Final rating: 50%

Dimmu Borgir made itself a whole lot of opponents with the release of this first new song in eight years. It's easy to understand why. When the song opened with its industrial metal riffs and dominant keyboard sounds, I immediately had to think about Deathstars. This comparisons fits rather well. Just like that band consists of band members who formerly played in Scandinavian extreme metal bands and went for a more accessible, mellow and melodic approach, Dimmu Borgir can't be categorized as black metal band anymore and is probably best described as symphonic metal these days. Several extreme metal bands have gone the same way like Amorphis and Therion and it usually was for the better. And if we're honest to ourselves, this change in style hardly comes as a surprise. The last Dimmu Borgir records had become progressively more melodic and symphonic. The collaboration with the Norwegian Radio Orchestra and Choir was another step in this direction. If Interdimensional Summit is an indicator for the next studio album Eonian, then it is indeed a logical successor to Abrahadabra.

After the symphonic overture with industrial guitar riffs, the song gets more melodic and epic. The choirs are uplifting, supported by melodic guitar riffs and a slow but dynamic instrumental middle section that recalls heavy and even power metal elements. The choirs are catchy, the riffs in the verses are simple yet memorable and the guitar solo is heartwarming. All these elements recall Nightwish at its very best. There are only two minor elements that recall Dimmu Borgir's original style slightly. Firstly, there are very few harsh vocals that rather have a dramatic effect in this cinematic tune and don't truly dominate the song as they are often supported by lushly produced choirs. Secondly, the lyrical topic is right down Dimmu Borgir's alley dealing with the dark side of our universe.

Interdimensional Summit is quite entertaining and comes around with a few solid ideas that make the four and a half minutes go by much faster than they actually are. Overall, I would describe the song as symphonic metal with minor industrial metal elements in the guitar work that is much more grounded than the powerful orchestras and choirs. This song has a strong cinematic touch and could come from a vivid musical or opera. The track is a logical consequence of the band's last record and cooperations with professional choirs and orchestras for live shows. Despite strong criticism from fans, the band takes another step forward without any hesitation and will know commercial acclaim since a lot of people who don't listen to extreme metal will discover the band's new side.

While my overall impression of the new song is positive, there are obviously also some minor negative elements. The vocals should be produced a little bit rawer and should have a greater impact in the song. They could contrast the melodic musicianship even more and make for a more dynamic listening experience. Another problem is the rhythm section in this song that plays it too safely. Dimmu Borgir is known for quite dynamic rhythm changes with pitiless bass riffs and infernal blast beat sections. Those are completely missing here and especially the bass guitar is too distant in the mixture which is a shame because there seem to be a few promising bass sounds in the verses. I'm all for the band going on with its symphonic metal approach but it shouldn't overload its sound with choirs and orchestras and still let their basic instruments shine through.

On a sidenote, this release also includes a live version of Puritania that also relies on domineering symphonic elements and a gripping gothic atmosphere. The fans are audible from time to time but the execution of the instrumental work, orchestral elements and sound samples is so precise that it almost doesn't sound like a live song. I would have liked this song to be more energetic and less accurate. The production of this song is quite lush but sounds a little bit distant. Listening to this version of Puritania makes me think that it doesn't sound that far away from Interdimensional Summit which proves that this is the sound Dimmu Borgir is going for right now.

Fans of Dimmu Borgir's early years will have to accept the fact that the band of that era is forever gone. They will obviously dislike this song with conviction. Anything else wouldn't make sense. Those who liked the last three releases might still appreciate what lies ahead. Overall, this song is though more interesting for fans of gothic, industrial and symphonic metal. Interdimensional Summit is basically Deathstars meets Nightwish in a nutshell. I like it and hope the band continues doing what it likes.

Final rating: 80%

Eine arrogant-klugscheissende Enkelin, die so tut, als ob sie alles wusste?

Eine etwas vertrottelte Oma, die so tut, als ob sie modern sei?

Eine Mutter, die genauso trottelig wirkt wie die Oma?

Ein Vater, der blod aus der Wasche guckt und hustet (wie viel Gage es fur diesen Beitrag wohl gab...)?

Diese und mehr unfreiwillig lustige Klischees wurden in knapp dreissig gruseligen Sekunden verarbeitet - ''Ich wusste gar nicht, dass das geht!?''

Linked Horizon is a side project by Japanese composer Revo who is also the mastermind behind Sound Horizon, which focuses on telling epic stories and mixing classical music with metal elements and various other subgenres varying from Japanese pop music to Visual Kei. If you aren't familiar with Sound Horizon yet, you have missed out on an outstanding fusion of genres and should check out records like the epic Märchen. The songs on this release were written for the Attack on Titan anime series which are one of the most popular but in my opinion also one of the least interesting series. Especially the live action adaptations aren't too spectacular. The soundtrack to this series is however quite interesting. Since these songs were quite chaotic with narrative passages in German and vocals in Japanese, I was more than surprised to learn that Dutch symphonic metal veterans Epica would cover these songs.

I must say that I'm really impressed because the band did an outstanding job. Epica avoided the use of German and Japanese lyrics and stuck to English lyrics, making the songs easier to digest. The band made the overall sound of the tracks heavier but also more bombastic with its typical use of symphonic elements. Epica managed to make these songs their own and to make them more fluid, powerful and structured at the same time. The sinister parts have become more gripping, the orchestral elements more uplifting and the melodic vocal lines more memorable. Listening to these four songs is an unforgettable roller coaster ride of ambitions, elegance and emotions. If you're not ready for multiple roller coaster rides, the band also included the instrumental versions of the four songs that make even more obvious how much passion, respect and thought has been put into this unusual project. Listening to these instrumental versions will make you discover more and more details with every spin.

While several Epica records in recent memory had some lengths, this project is to the point and must be described as a definite highlight in the band's stunning discography. Don't underestimate this project because it consists of cover songs. Epica has made these songs their own and created a wonderful gem. You might have to pay a few more bucks than usual to buy a physical copy of this album that has exclusively been released on Japanese territory but your friends will be green with envy when they will see what masterpiece you have purchased.

Final rating: 98%

Linked Horizon is a side project by Japanese composer Revo who is also the mastermind behind Sound Horizon, which focuses on telling epic stories and mixing classical music with metal elements and various other subgenres varying from Japanese pop music to Visual Kei. If you aren't familiar with Sound Horizon yet, you have missed out on an outstanding fusion of genres and should check out records like the epic Märchen. The songs on this release were written for the Attack on Titan anime series which are one of the most popular but in my opinion also one of the least interesting series. Especially the live action adaptations aren't too spectacular. The soundtrack to this series is however quite interesting. Since these songs were quite chaotic with narrative passages in German and vocals in Japanese, I was more than surprised to learn that Dutch symphonic metal veterans Epica would cover these songs.

I must say that I'm really impressed because the band did an outstanding job. Epica avoided the use of German and Japanese lyrics and stuck to English lyrics, making the songs easier to digest. The band made the overall sound of the tracks heavier but also more bombastic with its typical use of symphonic elements. Epica managed to make these songs their own and to make them more fluid, powerful and structured at the same time. The sinister parts have become more gripping, the orchestral elements more uplifting and the melodic vocal lines more memorable. Listening to these four songs is an unforgettable roller coaster ride of ambitions, elegance and emotions. If you're not ready for multiple roller coaster rides, the band also included the instrumental versions of the four songs that make even more obvious how much passion, respect and thought has been put into this unusual project. Listening to these instrumental versions will make you discover more and more details with every spin.

While several Epica records in recent memory had some lengths, this project is to the point and must be described as a definite highlight in the band's stunning discography. Don't underestimate this project because it consists of cover songs. Epica has made these songs their own and created a wonderful gem. You might have to pay a few more bucks than usual to buy a physical copy of this album that has exclusively been released on Japanese territory but your friends will be green with envy when they will see what masterpiece you have purchased.

Final rating: 98%