Blackheim does it again. Not content to rule the metal universe with one band (Katatonia), here he enlists the virtuositc skills of producer cum drummer Dan Swano, to make one awesome album. Truly gothic in it's packaging (both musically and physically), Nightwork effectively blends the bleakness of the past DM releases with Swano's sense of harmony and craftsmanship. While this is Blackheim's baby, and Swano is only credited for production and percussion, it's obvious to see where he has influenced this recording, I mean opener Rider on the Bonez has so many Swanoisms it's not funny. By no means is this a complaint, for while both songwriters on their own are capable of masterpieces, it's the interplay between these two that makes this such a killer disc. Using guitar and keyboard layering to build atmosphere, Nightwork could be seen as a descent into hell, or lunacy, depending on your personal inclinations. Things really come to a head on The Eerie Obzidian Circuz, which sounds kinda like Mr. Bungle all hopped up on crack. The first Diabolical Masquerade album which really demands attention, not intended to demean the other releases, but just because of the quality job here. Not much more I can say except that if you miss old Edge of Sanity, or are in any way a Swano or Blackheim fan, get this, I guarantee you won't be disappointed.