I have found the debut album of DIMHAV to be an absolute musical miracle. I loved everything in “The Boreal Flame” from the first note to the last, from the cover to the lyrics – EVERYTHING! And since its release I was wondering how the band would live up to the expectations created by such a great work in their sophomore album.
Well, after seven whole years, the answer comes with “Ondine”, a follow-up that stands not only at the same height of quality, but perhaps even higher! With it, DIMHAV present a new epic, progressive journey, taking listeners across violent seas, into oceanic depths and beyond the most distant shores of the human psyche. Musically, the album weaves a tapestry of soaring vocals, instrumental exploration and symphonic atmosphere – always with a solid metal core of amazing progressive texture.
Based in Stockholm, Sweden, DIMHAV consists of brothers Staffan Lindroth (guitars, bass, keyboard) and Olle Lindroth (drums, keyboard arrangements), joined on both albums by vocalist Daniel Heiman (SACRED OUTCRY, WARRIOR PATH, HARMONY, ex-LOST HORIZON, ex-CRYSTAL EYES).
And as in “The Boreal Flame” there was Pär Lindqvist to play the viola in order to add a distinct ingredient to the album’s musical character, in “Ondine” there is Malin Klingborg, playing the oboe. That kind of additional instrumentation contributes significantly to the atmosphere of the record. These passages are integrated carefully rather than used as decorative embellishment, adding texture and tonal contrast without disrupting the metallic core of the music.
DIMHAV’s “Ondine” is the kind of progressive metal album that does not reveal itself through isolated moments, instant hooks or exaggerated theatricality. Its strength lies in movement, continuity and construction. This is a record built with long-form thinking: themes evolve gradually, transitions matter, and technicality is treated as a compositional tool rather than an end in itself. “Ondine” sounds inspired from beginning to end, an opus born from the very first spark of inspiration granted to the Lindroth brothers all the way to the faultless realization of it.
What immediately stands out is how naturally the band handles density. The arrangements are packed with detail-layered keyboards, intricate drum patterns, shifting rhythmic accents, melodic counterpoint between guitars and orchestration- yet the album rarely feels overloaded. The production allows every instrument to breathe, and the compositions themselves are carefully structured enough to prevent the material from collapsing under its own ambition.
Staffan Lindroth deserves enormous credit here. His guitar work balances progressive precision with melodic instinct, constantly alternating between fluid lead phrasing, atmospheric textures and heavier, power-metal passages. The keyboard arrangements are equally important to the identity of the album, often functioning less as background symphonics and more as an active narrative voice within the songs. Olle Lindroth’s drumming is exceptional throughout; technical without sounding clinical, restless without becoming chaotic. He continuously reshapes the momentum of the songs through subtle rhythmic changes and dynamic variation rather than sheer speed alone.
And then, of course, there is Daniel Heiman – one of the greatest and most reliable vocalists in modern metal!
His performance gives “Ondine” much of its emotional gravity. What makes Heiman so effective is not merely the range –though the high register remains extraordinary– but the control and phrasing. He understands when a passage requires restraint and when it demands full dramatic escalation. Instead of dominating the arrangements, he works inside them, allowing the instrumental development to remain central while still providing memorable melodic peaks.
Much as they are a trio, DIMHAV show how a GROUP work is supposed to shine – a team effort to reach perfection, indeed!
“Tides Immemorial” is an excellent introduction to the album’s philosophy. The composition unfolds patiently, beginning with a restrained atmosphere before gradually expanding into something far more intricate and dynamic. Yes, it’s not easy to digest if one is not prepared for some serious prog art, it even seems jazzy at some parts, but if you knew what you are about to taste, well, bon-appetite, my friends! The menu is served and it’s delicious!
Next comes “Windward Bound”, which reveals the more playful side of DIMHAV’s songwriting. There is a constant sense of motion in this track, almost as if the band intentionally avoids settling into one idea for too long. Riffs mutate, rhythmic accents shift unexpectedly, and melodic phrases return in altered forms later in the composition. The instrumental interplay during the middle section is particularly impressive; the guitars and keyboards exchange motifs while the rhythm section subtly redirects the momentum underneath. A true triumph of inspiration!
Less complex, catchier, and easier to absorb, “Call Of The Deep” does not give up the prog essence but it remains highly memorable, showcasing the band’s mastery to create friendly musical patterns even through intricate expression – the trio truly understands thematic repetition in its nicest way of unfolding. Even the most technically demanding sections are anchored by recognizable melodic threads. The chorus is one of the album’s strongest, not because it simplifies the material, but because it provides a necessary emotional center amid the sonic movement.
Then comes “Pilgrimage”, one of my personal favorites, although I don’t really want to separate one song from another! One of the strongest aspects of the track is how naturally it transitions between moods. Furious riffs and solos, melodic passages, progressive rhythmic shifts and heavier sections are connected through some excellent sonic ideas, giving the song a strong internal logic despite its complexity.
Well-placed within the tracklist, “Embraced” comes to offer the most cinematic song of the album. Amazing work on keyboard arrangement with guitars and drums unstoppably raging on, deeply sentimental and tailor-made for the majestic voice of Daniel Heiman, this is a song to showcase his way of shining even brighter in an altogether luminous singing performance.
If I should choose a standout piece in “Ondine”, I would go for “The Sunken Star”. In my opinion, this is where DIMHAV’s compositional approach reaches its highest level. The track feels fully realized structurally, emotionally and dynamically. What makes it exceptional is the pacing. Rather than aiming for immediate impact, the song develops gradually through accumulation: motifs reappear with increasing intensity, rhythmic patterns evolve beneath familiar melodies, and the arrangement continuously expands without losing focus. The climactic section works so well precisely because the band earns it through careful development. Daniel Heiman’s vocal performance here is once again outstanding, but the real triumph is collective. Every musician contributes to the slow-building sense of scale that defines the composition.
The album closes with “A Clarion Soul”, another personal favorite. Rhythmical, intense and melody-embroidering development with a serene epilogue, this is the BEST track for the curtain to fall.
And, really, how can one feel after such an apocalyptic listening?
Awe and wonder!
You know, not all bands are meant to thrive on stage. Not all music is designed for audience reaction nor made for connecting with the crowd. DIMHAV seem largely uninterested in that approach, and personally, Ι wouldn’t mind if I never saw the band playing live. Don’t get me wrong, I am a HUGE fan of live music. I believe that right there, on the stage, is where legends are born, kings and queens are crowned. But! I have zero problem with studio-only bands if they are meant to deliver high-quality music. If this is the case with DIMHAV, well, they can be my guests! “Ondine” feels intended primarily as a complete listening experience rather than an ensemble of stage-ready highlights. That decision gives the album unusual cohesion. The songs function best when absorbed fully, in sequence, with attention to detail and development.
What ultimately makes “Ondine” so rewarding is the balance between sophistication and sincerity. The album is unquestionably technical, but never emotionally distant. The musicianship is consistently impressive, yet the focus always returns to composition, atmosphere and narrative flow. DIMHAV are not interested in proving how complicated they can be; they are interested in building immersive progressive metal that rewards repeated listening.
And in that respect, “Ondine” succeeds completely.
So, it is only natural that such a work is released independently. On my behalf, this is another aspect that deserves serious respect. Albums of this scale are not easy to finance, produce or promote without label infrastructure behind them — especially when the music itself refuses compromise. This is not streamlined progressive metal designed around algorithms, playlists or immediate accessibility. It is a demanding, meticulously crafted work that relies entirely on artistic conviction and listener engagement.
That independence matters because it can be heard throughout the album itself: “Ondine” feels unrestricted. The band has done so with their debut as well, releasing the CD version, with Alone Records offering us the double vinyl edition. Now, it all falls on the shoulders of the band. This is a declaration: the album exists because the Lindroth brothers believed in the material strongly enough to take the risk themselves.
And it is a real risk. Releasing an album this ambitious independently means accepting financial uncertainty, limited promotional machinery and the possibility that such a detailed and sophisticated work may initially reach only a niche audience. But progressive metal has always depended on bands willing to prioritize vision over safety. Records that endure rarely come from committee-driven decisions; they come from obsession, persistence and artistic stubbornness.
And, yes, DIMHAV are made of this material!
The result is an album that feels personal in the best possible sense — not self-indulgent, but uncompromised. “Ondine” carries a sense of freedom that defines its identity and authenticity. Independent releases often speak loudly about passion. Very few manage to speak equally loudly about discipline, craftsmanship and long-term artistic vision.
“Ondine” does all three.
So, if you love LOST HORIZON, SYMPHONY X, DREAM THEATER, ANGRA, SEVENTH WONDER and the like, you’ll certainly be thrilled by DIMHAV’s music!
“Ondine” was mixed by Staffan Lindroth and mastered by Jacob Hansen. The breathtakingly wonderful artwork was once again created by Staffan Lindroth.
“Ondine” will be independently released on CD on June 4th and on double LP on August 10th.
Check the discussion about the album in our forum pages.
You can pre-order both the CD and the LP here.
