The first and only DVD release by Sweden's Dissection brings to us the band's first concert following the release of singer and song writer Jon Nodtveidt from prison.
Filmed in Stockholm on October 30th 2004—just six weeks after Jon was released from jail where he served seven years of a murder sentence—in front of a rabid crowd, the set features only one song that was unfamiliar to the gathered hordes. The crowd eat up classics such as
Where Dead Angels Lie,
Soulreaper, and
The Somberlain, and feverishly chant "Die Section!".
Featuring 15 tracks, the DVD captures the classic Dissection sound, despite not featuring the classic Dissection line up. The sound production is crystal clear and suits the Nodtveidt guitar sound perfectly, making this the ultimate Dissection live release, eclipsing
Live Legacy recorded in 1997. This aural excellence is tempered by the fact that Dissection are obscenely boring visually, with the stage decorated with only a simple black and white backdrop and two metal Dissection cross logos in the foreground—it is left to the editor to try and make the visuals more exciting. To achieve this end he includes various satanic imagery superimposed over the band’s performance at somewhat random intervals. This isn't as annoying as it sounds, but still detracts from the DVD and ruins the suspension of disbelief of actually being at the show that is so important with live releases.
Extra features include the video for recent release
Starless Aeon (which is already available at the band’s Myspace) and a 25 minute interview with Jon Nodveidt. The interview is especially interesting as interviews with Jon are few and far between and most of the few interviews that are around focus on his obscure satanic beliefs. This interview sees him talk about his time in prison and his music as well as Satanism. It’s also in English. A rare insight into the mind of one of the most important men in black metal history.
While the new album
Reinkaos has received a mixed reception from the hardcore Dissection fans due to its shift in direction,
The Rebirth of Dissection DVD should be welcomed with open arms as the band runs through the classics with precision and conviction: not only that but it has been captured and produced flawlessly. Maybe I'm looking at this release with rose tinted specs because I caught them twice on the Rebirth tour, but I think it’s a great release and is a worthwhile purchase for long term fans and people wanting to hear the band for the first time. It’s also going to be the last Dissection release, as the band will split following two final appearances in the U.S. in September.
Rebirth of Dissection DVD is out on 31st of July through Escapi Music. Check out Dissection at
www.dissection.nu and
www.myspace.com/dissection
