The Norwegian symphonic black metal band Dimmu Borgir has released on May 22nd the new album “Grand Serpent Rising” via Nuclear Blast Records. Via this album, Silenoz and Shagrath return the magic of the black metal masters after a pause of eight years. On May 23rd they released the single “As Seen In The Unseen”.

“After a long and intense creative journey, the record is finally yours. Across thirteen tracks, Grand Serpent Rising embodies everything that defines Dimmu Borgir, from the darkest and most aggressive moments to the grand, atmospheric soundscapes that have shaped our identity throughout the years.”, wrote the musicians on their website.

The album starts with a dark string instrumental intro and a creepy narrative in the first song, “Tridentium”. The last song “Gjǫll” is also an orchestral instrumental. Between them, there is a floating one-hour storm of sounds and screams, cutting and howling guitars, strings and keyboards, choruses and dark narratives. The orchestral part is reduced compared to previous albums. The second song “Ascent” starts with demonic roaring. The song has a demonic howling guitar solo. The mercilessly evil Shagrath’s voice sounds like a dark spell. “As Seen In The Unseen” is the longest song on the album. It has a strong piano role and oriental music lines. The video director is again Dariusz Szermanowicz, known for his work with Behemoth, Kreator, Amon Amarth, and others. He is the director of “Ulvgjeld & Blodsodel” too. His works are connected to the theme of the personal crucifixion in “As Seen In The Unseen” and the search for the Holy Grail in the song “Ulvgjeld & Blodsodel”, which is in Norwegian. Between them is “The Qryptfarer”, a song with strong keyboard and orchestral presense. “Repository of Divine Transmutation” has exceptional melodic guitar solos. “Slik Minnes en Alkymist” is the next song in Norwegian, which has a dark, ghostly atmosphere. “Phantom of the Nemesis” is tighter and creepier, rhythmic and connected with the black metal. … “The Exonerated” is maybe the most melodic song on the album. “Recognizant” has captivating narratives and melodies. “At the Precipice of Convergence” starts with oriental lines. It is a complex song with orchestral lines and a strong rhythm. “Shadows of a Thousand Perceptions” and the instrumental “Gjǫll” are cinematic moments. “Grand Serpent Rising” proves that Dimmu Borgir are at the top in the genre after eight years.


Tracklist
01. Tridentium
02. Ascent
03. As Seen In The Unseen
04. The Qryptfarer
05. Ulvgjeld & Blodsodel
06. Repository Of Divine Transmutation
07. Slik Minnes En Alkymist
08. Phantom Of The Nemesis
09. The Exonerated
10. Recognizant
11. At The Precipice Of Convergence
12. Shadows Of A Thousand Perceptions
13. Gjǫll