The very thing I enjoy so much about Sweden’s Diabolical Masquerade is the same thing often turns others off. Anyone who has heard this one man project (although Dan Swanö has played a significant role as well) would not object when calling Diabolical Masquerade bizarre. It is this strange idiosyncrasy that makes this band so unique. Just by being a black metal band boxes yourself in pretty tight to a suffocatingly narrow realm of influence. The result is of course endless pools of bands who sound nearly identical. You can have your best of breed (ie. old Dissection, Emperor) but the vast majority are just an anonymous mass without much personality. Diabolical Masquerade has a personality alright, albeit a schizophrenic one.

The main composer and performer of this more appropriately termed “horror metal” act is Blakkheim, also of Katatonia (aka Anders Nyström). The amount of brilliant creativity he saturated each of the projects four full lengths with is extremely impressive. Especially when you consider the fact he has been active with Katatonia (and for a time Bewitched as well). That’s what I call industrious. Despite his efforts being spread out over so much material, the music of Diabolical Masquerade never suffers. Undoubtedly this is due to the fact of how different they are from each other.

While I enjoy all Diabolical Masquerade releases, especially 1999’s brilliant Nightwork or 2001’s ambitious horror soundtrack Deaths Design, I find 1997’s “The Phantom Lodge” to be wildly overlooked. Not only overlooked by the metal community in general, but overlooked even by fans of Diabolical Masquerade. Part of this could be due to the album not being entirely easy to obtain. I think the real reason is how intensely psychotic this album is. The listening curve (meaning how many listens until you get it) is certainly high, but once you get it, you love it. The metal drenched attitude pouring out of “Hater” is a favorite, along with “Ravenclaw” and “Cloaked by the Moonshine Mist”. The ladder reveal the more dark horror elements of the project I love so much. I often cranked this album back in high school and would always put “Cloaked by the Moonshine Mist” many times before proceeding with the rest of the album. The flute/acoustic guitar break down which occurs at 2:08 and the fantastic bass solo and build that ensues shortly thereafter have long been a secret treasure of mine — magic moments you think only you have discovered.

Blakkheim recently revealed he has put this unique project to rest. He claims inspiration has recently run dry. While it’s unfortunate to think of no future albums, I think it’s a good decision to stop while you’re ahead. Plus, I still have hope the “spirits” will return to him in the future and he’ll be forced to reconsider with another bizarre comeback album. Until then, turn off the lights, light the candles, take a drink and be Cloaked by the Moonshine Mist.

Cloaked by the Moonshine Mist (Download)
Diabolical Masquerade (Artist)
Purchase CD