Ninnghizhidda - Demigod (2002)

The Germans not only swapped labels to Displeased for their second full-length, but also had a slight shift in style, not that they abandoned the melodic/symphonic overtures of the debut Blasphemy, in fact they are still quite prominent throughout this peace, but the production is not quite as strong, and they have a penchant for a few more simple riffs that sort of thrash along through the lofty chaos. It's almost like they serve more as a basis for the orchestration here whereas on the first album the riffing and keyboards stood more side-by-side, and I think I preferred that approach. Ultimately, though, Demigod is a decent follow-up, and one change for the better is that the vocals here aren't quite so massive, and that they actually try some different tones with the orchestration and arrangements.

Surely this still has its similarities to the Scandinavian symphonic black metal of the decade before it, but I'd also throw out a Therion comparison since the band fumbles around with those same sorts of occult concepts, Gothic atmospheres, female backup vocals, and especially here with the simple rhythm guitars dowsed in quality melodic leads. That's not completely the rule here, since you've got tunes like "Mistress of the Night" or "Conquering What Once Was", which blaze right along like they belonged on Blasphemy, but there is a fraction more exploration in the songwriting and that definitely feels like a band maturing. This sophomore exudes a little more mysticism, and it's not quite as brazen or aggressive. They get creepy and erotic with "Rape (The Virgin Mary)", or really atmospheric and hazy with the title track. A couple instrumentals are back-ended, and both sound good, from the classical acoustic guitars to the closing, swelling ambiance.

Ninnghizhidda deliver the goods, and thought it might seem bittersweet, as this would be their last album, they can at least rest assured that both of their records should prove gems to fans seeking out the more esoteric, obscure symphonic black metal which has recently come back into style in a huge way. If this interest grows, it's possible we might even see some reissues, although who knows where the rights are being held for this stuff. Anyway, this is solid stuff, they don't quite lyrically match a band like Cradle of Filth but they definitely put some work in, and these remain standby albums when I'm in the mood for the more Gothic/occult-oriented end of that spectrum.

Verdict: Win [7.5/10]