After an eight-year wait since 2018's Eonian, DIMMU BORGIR return with their tenth studio album Grand Serpent Rising, out tomorrow (May 22) via Nuclear Blast Records. The record delivers 13 tracks of orchestral symphonic black metal, recorded in Gothenburg with longtime collaborator Fredrik Nordström — the same producer behind the landmark Puritanical Euphoric Misanthropia and Death Cult Armageddon.
The album marks the debut of new guitarist Damage, who joined the Norwegian black metal titans in June 2025 following the departure of longtime member Galder. The first single "Ulvgjeld & Blodsodel" — a Norwegian-language epic exploring themes of heritage and bloodline — arrived with a cinematic music video.
Vocalist Shagrath says the band has exceeded its own ambitions: "I truly feel we've outdone ourselves musically on this album. I believe our fans will recognize that, and find something within it that resonates." Guitarist Silenoz adds: "DIMMU BORGIR is a leviathan of a band on a grand scale and we are rising once again — the serpent symbolizes renewal, growth, knowledge, and liberation."
The album title draws symbolism from the Year of the Snake, which concluded just as the record was finished. It has already received a 9/10 score from Blabbermouth.net ahead of its May 22 release.
With a North American tour alongside HYPOCRISY and SUFFOCATION in August, and a co-headline European run with BEHEMOTH and DARK FUNERAL in October, Grand Serpent Rising marks the beginning of the most ambitious period of DIMMU BORGIR's career in years. Prepare yourself.