Tag Archives: #NorwegianMetal

⚔️ Dimmu Borgir Welcomes New Lead Guitarist DAMAGE to the Fold

A New Era Begins for the Symphonic Black Metal Titans

Norwegian legends Dimmu Borgir have officially welcomed Kjell Åge Karlsen, known in the metal world as Damage, as their new lead guitarist. After months of behind-the-scenes collaboration and rehearsals, the band is ready to unleash this new chapter onstage this summer and beyond.

🗨️ “We’re excited to proudly welcome Damage to the team,” states the band. “It’s already been a pleasure working and rehearsing with him, and we can’t wait to share the stage together. We hope you’ll join us in welcoming him to the lineup!”

💀 A Shifting Lineup, A Reinforced Legacy

Damage steps in following the departure of Galder (Thomas Rune Andersen) in August 2024, who exited to refocus on his solo project Old Man’s Child. While Shagrath (vocals) and Silenoz (rhythm guitar) continue to hold the band’s core, Damage joins a select group of elite supporting members that keep the Dimmu Borgir live machine formidable.

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DIMMU BORGIR Announce The Chosen Legacy Summer 2025 European Tour

Norwegian symphonic black metal legends DIMMU BORGIR have officially unveiled the details of their highly anticipated The Chosen Legacy summer 2025 European tour. Fans can prepare for a run of festival and club appearances that will showcase the band’s signature blend of orchestral grandeur and blistering black metal fury.

Tour Dates:

🗓️ June 27 – Oslo, Norway – Tons Of Rock
🗓️ August 1 – Wacken, Germany – Wacken Open Air
🗓️ August 3 – Saint Maurice de Gourdans, France – Sylak Open Air
🗓️ August 6 – Tilburg, Netherlands – 013
🗓️ August 8 – Jaromer, Czech Republic – Brutal Assault
🗓️ August 10 – Kortrijk, Belgium – Alcatraz
🗓️ August 13 – Dinkelsbühl, Germany – Summer Breeze
🗓️ August 15 – Carhaix, France – Motocultor
🗓️ August 17 – Cudrefin, Switzerland – Rock The Lakes


New Album on the Horizon

Last month, DIMMU BORGIR returned to the studio with longtime producer Fredrik Nordström to craft the highly anticipated follow-up to 2018’s Eonian. This marks the band’s first album since the departure of longtime guitarist Galder (Thomas Rune Andersen) in August 2024.

In a recent interview with Jerry Kurunen of Rauta, guitarist Silenoz discussed the creative process behind the new material:

“We’ve been working on new material for quite a while. Even during the pandemic, we were each developing ideas individually before coming together to create something truly unique. We take our time to ensure that every album surpasses expectations, and this one will be no different.”

Although details remain scarce, Silenoz hinted at a return to a heavier, more orchestrated sound reminiscent of Abrahadabra and Eonian.


DIMMU BORGIR: Evolution & Lineup Stability

Over the years, DIMMU BORGIR has evolved from its raw Norwegian black metal roots into a symphonic powerhouse, blending cinematic orchestration with blistering intensity. Speaking on the band’s stylistic changes, Silenoz noted:

“We’ve never confined ourselves to traditional labels. Every album represents growth. Whether it’s the orchestrations of ‘Abrahadabra’ or the atmospheric elements of ‘Eonian,’ our music constantly evolves. The new album will take on its own life.”

Despite various lineup changes, the band’s core remains strong. DIMMU BORGIR’s official lineup is now:

🎤 Shagrath (Stian Tomt Thoresen) – Lead Vocals
🎸 Silenoz (Sven Atle Kopperud) – Rhythm Guitar
🥁 Dariusz “Daray” Brzozowski – Session Drums (since 2008)
🎹 Geir “Gerlioz” Bratland – Session Keyboards (since 2010)
🎸 Victor Brandt – Session Bass (since 2018)


Recent Releases & The Band’s Legacy

DIMMU BORGIR’s last full-length album, Eonian, was released in 2018, coinciding with the band’s 25th anniversary. The album solidified their reputation as one of symphonic metal’s most innovative forces, followed by worldwide tours and festival appearances.

In December 2023, they released Inspiratio Profanus, a collection of cover songs via Nuclear Blast Records. The compilation featured VENOM‘s thunderous “Black Metal”, DEEP PURPLE‘s “Perfect Strangers”, TWISTED SISTER‘s “Burn in Hell”, and classic renditions of CELTIC FROST, among others.

During the Inferno Festival, former band members ICS Vortex, Mustis, and Tjodalv rejoined DIMMU BORGIR on stage to perform “The Insight And The Catharsis” from their 1999 album Spiritual Black Dimensions, marking a nostalgic moment for longtime fans.


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DIMMU BORGIR Teams Up with Fredrik Nordström for Highly Anticipated Album

Norwegian symphonic black metal titans DIMMU BORGIR have officially entered the studio with longtime collaborator and producer Fredrik Nordström. Fans are eagerly speculating that this marks the creation of their much-anticipated follow-up to 2018’s Eonian.

Earlier today, the band shared a behind-the-scenes glimpse of their recording process, posting a photo of drummer Dariusz “Daray” Brzozowski in the studio alongside Nordström, captioned simply, “#studiotime.”

This forthcoming album also represents a significant transition for the band, following the August 2024 departure of guitarist Galder (Thomas Rune Andersen), a longtime member of DIMMU BORGIR’s infernal core.

In a March 2024 interview during the Inferno Festival in Oslo, guitarist Silenoz (Sven Atle Kopperud) shared insights into the band’s creative process. He explained:

“We’ve been working on new material for a while. Even during the pandemic, we used our downtime to work individually before collaborating to create something unique. Fans want a new album quickly, but we’d rather take the time to make something better than good.”

Discussing their stylistic evolution, Silenoz noted the band’s shift away from traditional black metal early in their career:

“Even on our first album, we began exploring beyond the ‘underground black metal’ label. Each album represents a natural progression, and we’ve never set boundaries for our creativity. ‘Eonian’ leaned more into orchestration, but who knows what the next album will bring?”

DIMMU BORGIR’s lineup has seen many transformations over the years. Reflecting on this, Silenoz said:

“After so many years, you understand yourself and your bandmates better. It’s not just about writing music—it’s about getting along offstage too. Age and experience have helped us maintain a more stable lineup.”

Currently, DIMMU BORGIR’s official lineup comprises Shagrath (lead vocals) and Silenoz (rhythm guitar), supported by session musicians Daray (drums), Geir “Gerlioz” Bratland (keyboards), and Victor Brandt (bass).

Released in 2018 to commemorate the band’s 25th anniversary, Eonian was an ambitious effort that expanded the symphonic elements first introduced with 2010’s Abrahadabra. Following its release, DIMMU BORGIR toured globally, captivating audiences at legendary festivals like Wacken Open Air and Hellfest.

In December 2023, the band unveiled Inspiratio Profanus, a compilation of electrifying covers from metal legends such as VENOM, DEEP PURPLE, and CELTIC FROST.

Fans were treated to a nostalgic moment at Inferno Festival 2024 when three former members — bassist/clean vocalist ICS Vortex, keyboardist Mustis, and drummer Tjodalv — joined DIMMU BORGIR on stage to perform The Insight And The Catharsis from their 1999 album Spiritual Black Dimensions.

As DIMMU BORGIR begins work on their new album, the metal world awaits what promises to be another boundary-pushing masterpiece from one of the genre’s most innovative bands. Stay tuned for more updates as they emerge from the studio.

DIMMU BORGIR Unveils Cover Album “Inspiratio Profanus”

Experience the sonic journey as DIMMU BORGIR drops their much-anticipated cover album, “Inspiratio Profanus,” available now. This release compiles eight cover songs, a homage to some of DIMMU BORGIR’s favorite tracks that have left an indelible mark on their musical journey.

Silenoz, commenting on “Inspiratio Profanus,” shares the band’s excitement: “We’re pleased to announce the Inspiratio Profanus release! We thought it was about time to finally compile the cover songs we’ve done over the years and give these renditions an updated mastering, all in one package, highlighting some of our many influences!”

Tracklist:

  1. Black Metal (Venom)
  2. Satan My Master (Bathory)
  3. Dead Men Don’t Rape (G.G.F.H.)
  4. Nocturnal Fear (Celtic Frost)
  5. Burn In Hell (Twisted Sister)
  6. Perfect Strangers (Deep Purple)
  7. Metal Heart (Accept)
  8. Nocturnal Fear (Celtically Processed) (Celtic Frost)

About DIMMU BORGIR:
DIMMU BORGIR, born in the heart of the Norwegian black metal scene in 1993, celebrates its 30th anniversary. Known for pushing the boundaries of the genre, they blend a traditional raven black sound with symphonic orchestration. With albums like “Enthrone Darkness Triumphant,” “Spiritual Black Dimensions,” and “Death Cult Armageddon,” DIMMU BORGIR has become an influential force, touring globally and leaving an indelible mark on the black metal landscape.

After the success of “Abrahadabra” and “Eonian,” DIMMU BORGIR now reflects on their 30-year legacy with “Inspiratio Profanus,” a collection of cover songs that pays tribute to the influential artists who shaped their distinctive sound. Experience the electric renditions of classics like ‘Black Metal’ (VENOM) and ‘Perfect Strangers’ (DEEP PURPLE) that define the evolution of DIMMU BORGIR’s musical odyssey.

Listen Now:
Inspiratio Profanus on Bandcamp