If you're anxiously awaiting the new Dimmu Borgir opus, you might want to divert your gaze to different horizons in the waiting time. The Middle East has something on offer that should satisfy many fans of symphonic black metal; Dagor Dagorath from Israel.

Out of the blue comes this outfit from southern shores that would seem viable contenders to the throne of Dimmu Borgir and Cradle of Filth land. Some would probably yell a scornful 'Copy cats!', and I would have to agree that the inspirational sources admittedly are as evident as a 40 inch slap of concrete.

Yet, there are elements that are Dagor Dagorath's own. Just listen to the more than slightly Middle Eastern inspired keyboard part in Heaven in Hell. And the use of the female vox in the same song and The Hell in Heaven. That's not DB or COF - if anything, it reminds me more of Mortiis, but then again, not quite.

Also, a track like Maze of Madness takes good things from Dimmu and Cradle, plus something that is surprisingly light and melodic in its expression. It's a fantastic track! Same can be said of Vicious Circle that has an air of old-school heavy metal and at the same time encompasses bits of Moonspell and classical music.

If you like a mix of black and death metal with the addition of tons of keyboards I urge you to check this out - I'm sure you won't be disappointed!