Anti-Cosmic Metal of Death
'Rebirth of Dissection' is a DVD of the band's first gig after a seven-year hiatus whilst singer Jon Nodtveidt served time in prison charged with being an accomplice to murder. The fact that this show was performed only six weeks after the singer's release, and also to a sold out audience at the Arenan in Stockholm, gives you an indication to the band's legacy, loyalty of their fans and ability to rehearse to performance level in such a short time.
The band call themselves 'anti-cosmic metal of death.' I'm sure the band knows what this means, but I think they're trying to suggest that Dissection aren't your ordinary run-of-the-mill black metal band. After listening to such cuts as Maha Kali and 'No dreams bred in breathless sleep' it's easy to see why the band make such a claim. The songs are well written, excellently constructed and immaculately performed. There's no room for make-up, indoor fireworks or time for a dip into mother's dressing up box, this performance is just four guys throwing out slabs of innovative metal.
Jon Nodtveidt stands, sings and commands the audience well without having to resort to thrashing about like a mental patient. It's a cool, commanding show by musicians who have a complete understanding of what they're doing. The picture quality is superb, the sound is near on perfect, and at a running time of ninety minutes, can you really leave this product on the shelf? An interview with Nodtveidt and an excellent video of 'Starless Aeon' are the extras and are the proverbial icing on the metal cake, but it's the actual concert footage that is the king here. (Although it was interesting to hear Nodtveidt talk about the possible split of Dissection before he went to prison, and also his drives and his experiences in stir.)
Sadly Dissection have announced they are to split. It seems a little pointless to be released from prison, get the band back together for a year or so and then jack the band in, especially in light of the band's fanatical fan base. I can only imagine what the other members of the band, who waited for seven years for Nodtveidt to be released, must have thought. Whatever the members of Dissection do next, I can't deny that 'Rebirth of Dissection' is a great watch. Great performances, crisp clean sound and a collection of songs that shames many black metal acts. Any fan of extreme metal should pick up this gem. Great stuff.