Blackheim is already known with his works as vocalist on KATATONIA and BEWITCHED. On his solo project DIABOLICAL MASQUERADE, it seems that he lives out his devilish vein. The debut “Ravendusk In My Heart” (1996) was already a milestone in Black arts. The follower “The Phantom Lodge” was first-class, too. What’s remarkable on DIABOLICAL MASQUERADE is their unlimited creativity.

They incorporate lots of influences, which come from traditional Metal, Folk, Dark Wave or Soundtracks. They are used so excitingly like no other band of this genre could do it. The third album “Nightwork” is very synth orientated but devilish enough to be not a soft work. That unholy soundtrack atmosphere reminds of KING DIAMOND! Of course, this nagging voice is pure Black Metal, musically it’s questionable...

This has nothing to do with purists stuff a la DARKTHRONE or CARPATHIAN FOREST. Such a killer song like „The Eerie Obzidian Cirkuz“, you probably write only once in your life. This song conveys madness and ingenious as well... must-have for all CRADLE/DIMMU fans! (Online April 7, 2004)