DIMMU BORGIR have released "Ascent", the second single from their forthcoming tenth studio album Grand Serpent Rising, due May 22, 2026 via Nuclear Blast. The track arrives alongside an official music video directed by Patric Ullaeus — the filmmaker behind some of the most cinematic visuals in extreme metal — and marks another major statement from the Norwegian symphonic black metal icons ahead of their most anticipated album in years.
"Ascent" is the second track on the album's 13-song tracklist. Listen to the single below:
Grand Serpent Rising was recorded at Studio Fredman in Gothenburg with producer Fredrik Nordström. It is DIMMU BORGIR's first studio album in eight years, following Eonian in 2018. Frontman Shagrath has expressed total conviction in the new material: "I truly feel we've outdone ourselves musically on this album... this album carries echoes of every chapter of DIMMU BORGIR's legacy." Guitarist Silenoz added: "DIMMU BORGIR is a leviathan of a band on a grand scale and we are rising once again."
Watch the official music video, directed by Patric Ullaeus:
The current lineup features Shagrath (vocals), Silenoz (guitars), new guitarist Kjell Åge "Damage" Karlsen — who joined in 2025 following longtime member Galder's departure — Victor (bass), Gerlioz (keyboards), and Daray (drums).
The band's 2026 touring schedule is formidable: a North American run in August alongside HYPOCRISY, SUFFOCATION, and HULDER (August 7–23, New York City to Los Angeles), followed by the European "In League With Satan" co-headline tour with BEHEMOTH in October, with DARK FUNERAL as support. They also headline the special "Unholy Halloween" show at Oslo Spektrum on October 31 alongside SATYRICON and ENSLAVED. Grand Serpent Rising is available for pre-order via Nuclear Blast.