DIMMU BORGIR Unleash Ferocious New Single & Video 'Ascent'

Details: Written by: Edvardsen; Created: 25 April 2026; Hits: 366

DIMMU BORGIR band2026

Norwegian extreme metal titans DIMMU BORGIR have officially announced their long-awaited new studio album, Grand Serpent Rising, set for release on May 22 via Nuclear Blast Records.

Returning to the studio in Gothenburg, the band once again joined forces with acclaimed producer Fredrik Nordström, the mastermind behind some of DIMMU BORGIR’s most revered works, including Puritanical Euphoric Misanthropia and Death Cult Armageddon. The result is a record that captures the band’s signature blend of symphonic grandeur and unrelenting aggression, while pushing their sound into darker, more commanding territory.

Today, DIMMU BORGIR unveil the second single from the album: 'Ascent'. Striking like lightning across a frozen northern sky, the song is a ferocious statement of intent—aggressive, vicious, and twistedly beautiful. 'Ascent' delivers a chilling reminder that DIMMU BORGIR remain at the height of their powers, embodying the intensity, menace, and authenticity that have defined their legacy.

The track arrives alongside a visually arresting, “in your face” music video that amplifies the song’s raw energy and atmospheric darkness.

Watch the video for 'Ascent':

Listen to 'Ascent' on all platforms:
https://dimmuborgir.bfan.link/ascent

Pre-order Grand Serpent Rising:
https://dimmuborgir.bfan.link/grandserpentrising

Shagrath comments on the track: " Musically, 'Ascent' is more ferocious and direct than the first single, 'Ulvgjeld & Blodsødel.' Together, the two tracks showcase the musical scope of the album in a great way. From the outset, we’ve said that Grand Serpent Rising stands as one of our most diverse records to date, and these songs underline exactly that."

Silenoz adds: " 'Ascent' is about the grand serpent rising through your spinal cord. It is not a pretty experience but it is a necessary one - in order to reach higher consciousness and levels of understanding. It’s a voyage of transformation and surrender.

'Only he who knows fear but overcomes it can be fearless; he who sees the abyss with pride. He who sees the abyss with eagle eyes; he who grasps the abyss with eagle claws; he is courageous.' - Nietzsche "

Check also the video for 'Ulvgjeld & Blodsodel':

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Tracklist:
1. Tridentium
2. Ascent
3. The Qryptfarer
4. As Seen in the Unseen
5. Ulvgjeld & blodsodel
6. Repository of Divine Transmutation
7. Slik minnes en alkymist
8. Phantom of the Nemesis
9. The Exonerated
10. Recognizant
11. At the Precipice of Convergence
12. Shadows of a Thousand Perceptions
13. Gjǫll

The album comes in following formats:
CD Jewelcase
2LP + 1CD, 24-Page Mediabook, Transparent Green with Black + White Marble Vinyl
2LP Gatefold Black Vinyl
2LP Gatefold Dark Green Vinyl
2LP Gatefold Gold Vinyl (Norway Exclusive)
2LP Gatefold Crystal Clear Vinyl (Sweden Rock Exclusive)
2LP Gatefold Pearl Flip Waterfall Vinyl
2LP Gatefold Gold with Black Marble Vinyl (Revolver Exclusive)

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BIOGRAPHY/LOGO

Dimmu Borgir is a Norwegian symphonic black metal band formed in 1993 in Oslo. The band was founded by guitarist Silenoz (Sven Atle Kopperud), bassist Brynjard Tristan, and drummer Tjodalv. Shortly after, vocalist Shagrath (Stian Tomt Thoresen) joined, becoming the band’s central figure and long-time frontman.

The band’s name is derived from Dimmuborgir, a volcanic formation in Iceland, meaning “dark cities” or “dark castles.”

Early Years (1993–1996)

Dimmu Borgir began with a raw black metal sound influenced by the early Norwegian scene. Their debut album, For All Tid (1994), was performed in Norwegian and featured atmospheric keyboards, hinting at their future direction. The follow-up, Stormblåst, became a landmark release in melodic black metal and significantly expanded their audience.

Breakthrough and Evolution (1997–2003)

With Enthrone Darkness Triumphant, the band shifted to English lyrics and adopted a more polished, symphonic approach. This album marked their international breakthrough and introduced a grander, orchestral sound.

Subsequent releases like Spiritual Black Dimensions and Puritanical Euphoric Misanthropia pushed their sound further into complex arrangements, blending black metal with classical influences and clean vocals.

Mainstream Recognition (2003–2010)

The album Death Cult Armageddon featured full orchestration performed by the Prague Philharmonic Orchestra, elevating their symphonic elements to a new level. This release brought the band widespread international attention.

Later albums such as In Sorte Diaboli (a concept album) and Abrahadabra continued their cinematic and orchestral direction, with increasingly elaborate compositions.

Hiatus and Return (2010–present)

After a long period of inactivity and lineup changes, Dimmu Borgir returned with Eonian, marking their first studio album in eight years. The album celebrated their 25th anniversary and showcased a refined, epic symphonic style.

Style and Legacy

Dimmu Borgir is known for combining black metal with symphonic and orchestral elements, creating a more accessible and theatrical version of the genre. Unlike many early Norwegian black metal bands, they embraced high production values and international appeal, which helped bring extreme metal to a broader audience.

Their visual identity—corpse paint, dark imagery, and grand stage productions—has also been a defining aspect of their success.