Dimmu Borgir
Encyclopedia
Dimmu Borgir is a Norwegian black metal
band from Oslo, Norway, formed in 1993. Dimmu borgir means "dark cities" or "dark castles/fortresses" in Icelandic
, Faroese
and Old Norse
. The name is derived from a volcanic formation in Iceland, Dimmuborgir
. The band has been through numerous line-up changes over the years; guitarist Silenoz
and vocalist Shagrath
are the only founding members remaining.
, Silenoz
, and Tjodalv
, the band released an EP in 1993 entitled Inn i evighetens mørke
("Into the Darkness of Eternity" in English). This short EP sold out within weeks, and the band followed up with the 1994 full length album For All Tid
('For All Time' in English) This album featured vocal contributions by Vicotnik of Ved Buens Ende
and Dødheimsgard
and Aldrahn of Dødheimsgard
and Zyklon-B. The initial lineup consisted of Shagrath playing drums with Tjodalv on guitar and Silenoz contributing lead vocals. This line-up changed before the release of Stormblåst
(translates to "Storm Blown") on Cacophonous Records in 1996, an album considered by many to be their finest. It is also the last album which features all lyrics written and sung in Norwegian
. This album was criticized by Allmusic because of bad sound quality and inaccessibility to wide audience.
Stian Aarstad
left the band due to his obligation to serve in the Norwegian army, thus being unable to participate in the 1996 recording of Devil's Path
. That period was also marked by the departure of bassist Brynjard Tristan and the arrival of Nagash
. Stian Aarstad returned for the recording of 1997's Enthrone Darkness Triumphant
. While on tour to support the album, he had trouble attending rehearsals and being on tour, and was subsequently fired. Enthrone Darkness Triumphant was a huge success for the band, and was their first release signed to Nuclear Blast
, a German record label
. The album was recorded in the Abyss Studios, owned by Hypocrisy
's frontman Peter Tägtgren
. After the release of Enthrone Darkness Triumphant, the band went on tour with In Flames
, Dissection
and other bands who had penetrated to the scene at the time.
on keyboards and Astennu
on lead guitar. Dimmu Borgir's following full-length albums Spiritual Black Dimensions
in 1999 and 2001's Puritanical Euphoric Misanthropia
, both met critical acclaim. However, another line-up change occurred between the two albums; Nagash quit and was replaced by new bassist/singer ICS Vortex
, and Tjodalv left due to his family commitments, and to form the subsequent band Susperia
, only to be replaced with Nicholas Barker
, of Cradle of Filth
. Astennu was fired from his guitar duties as well, and was replaced by Galder
. Puritanical Euphoric Misanthropia is marked as bands one of biggest penetration on wider scene.
and Fuse TV
that their follow-up album would receive, the band stated that they were not "commercially-oriented," and instead, they 'simply wished to spread their message to more people'. In 2003, Dimmu Borgir recorded Death Cult Armageddon
. Death Cult Armageddon was recorded with the Prague Philarmonic Orchestra, conducted by Adam Klemens. All orchestrations were arranged by Gaute Storaas (who had previously worked with Dimmu Borgir on the album Puritanical Euphoric Misanthropia
) In 2004, Dimmu Borgir performed on the mainstage at Ozzfest
.
In 2005, the band did a complete re-recording of the Stormblåst album, featuring Hellhammer
of Mayhem
fame as the session drummer. The album also featured a DVD with a live performance from the 2004 Ozzfest
tour.
, was released April 24, 2007. A special edition version was released in a boxed case with a DVD, backward-printed lyrics, and a mirror. The album artwork was released on February 14, 2007 on a promotional webpage for the album. This album features the drumming of "Hellhammer" Jan Axel Blomberg
of Mayhem
. Blomberg left the band in mid tour in 2007 because of a neck injury that resulted in limited movement of his right arm. With the release of this album, Dimmu Borgir became the first black metal band with a number one album in their native country.
In 2009, members ICS Vortex and Mustis independently announced their departure from Dimmu Borgir. Mustis released a statement claiming his disfavor with the band, stating that he was not properly credited for his writing contributions to the band's music, mentioning possibly taking legal action.
Dimmu Borgir soon after confirmed the pair's dismissal from the band, releasing a statement explaining why the two were fired. Shagrath, Silenoz, and Galder wrote, "Funny then, how the new album is halfway finished written already by the rest of us without any of these guys' input, still having all those elements we're known for."
, was released on September 24, 2010 in Germany, September 27, 2010 for the rest of Europe, and October 12, 2010 in North America. Silenoz explained that the growing periods of time between albums was because the band had stopped writing music while touring, which was affecting the quality of the music. He described the new album as having an "eerie and haunting feel to it," adding that the material is "epic," "primal," atmospheric and ambient. A promotional image released with the statement showed Shagrath returning to the keyboards. The album features an ensemble orchestra, the Kringkastingsorkestret (the Norwegian Radio Orchestra), as well as the Schola Cantorum choir
, totaling more than 100 musicians and singers.
Gaute Storaas, composer of the orchestral arrangements, released a statement on his role in working on the album. “Their music is epic, thematic and symphonic already from the creation; they are clearly having an orchestral approach to composing. My role in this is sometimes just to transcribe their themes, sometimes to take their ideas, tear them apart and build them back up in ways that are true to the band's intentions. The music must also be both interesting and playable for the musicians, and hopefully, meet the quality standards of the orchestral world.”
On July 8, the band confirmed that they had tapped Swedish multi-instrumentalist Snowy Shaw (Therion
, Dream Evil
) to replace bassist/clean vocalist ICS Vortex on the band's upcoming album, "Abrahadabra
", and world tour. On August 25 it was announced that Snowy Shaw has left Dimmu Borgir to rejoin Therion. On September 17, 2010 Dimmu Borgir released the song "Born Treacherous" from their upcoming album Abrahadabra on their official MySpace page. Then on September 24 the band announced they would stream Abrahadabra in its entirety until 7 p.m. EST that evening. The keyboards and bass are currently played by Gerlioz
from Apoptygma Berzerk
and Cyrus of Susperia
respectively, and the clean vocals are sampled. On May 28, 2011 Dimmu Borgir gave a very special one-off show at the Oslo Spektrum
with the Norwegian Radio Orchestra and Schola Cantorum choir. A live album and DVD of the show titled "Forces of the Northern Night" with an accompanying documentary is scheduled for release later this year.
, Mayhem
, Bathory
, Emperor
, Celtic Frost
, Immortal
, Venom
and Iron Maiden. The band became more progressive and symphonic through the years. Significant experimentation started approximately around 2000, during the era of Spiritual Black Dimensions
(due to the addition of Vortex
's clean vocals, and the variety of musical ideas from then-new member Mustis
,) as well as Puritanical Euphoric Misanthropia
due to addition of influences from composers such as Antonín Dvořák
, Enya
, Richard Wagner
and Frédéric Chopin
.
Full-length albums
Black metal
Black metal is an extreme subgenre of heavy metal music. Common traits include fast tempos, shrieked vocals, highly distorted guitars played with tremolo picking, blast beat drumming, raw recording, and unconventional song structure....
band from Oslo, Norway, formed in 1993. Dimmu borgir means "dark cities" or "dark castles/fortresses" in Icelandic
Icelandic language
Icelandic is a North Germanic language, the main language of Iceland. Its closest relative is Faroese.Icelandic is an Indo-European language belonging to the North Germanic or Nordic branch of the Germanic languages. Historically, it was the westernmost of the Indo-European languages prior to the...
, Faroese
Faroese language
Faroese , is an Insular Nordic language spoken by 48,000 people in the Faroe Islands and about 25,000 Faroese people in Denmark and elsewhere...
and Old Norse
Old Norse
Old Norse is a North Germanic language that was spoken by inhabitants of Scandinavia and inhabitants of their overseas settlements during the Viking Age, until about 1300....
. The name is derived from a volcanic formation in Iceland, Dimmuborgir
Dimmuborgir
Dimmuborgir is a large area of unusually shaped lava fields east of Mývatn in Iceland. The Dimmuborgir area is composed of various volcanic caves and rock formations, reminiscent of an ancient collapsed citadel...
. The band has been through numerous line-up changes over the years; guitarist Silenoz
Silenoz
Silenoz , is a Norwegian guitarist who is a founding member, along with Shagrath and Tjodalv, of the Norwegian symphonic black metal band Dimmu Borgir which he is the primary songwriter...
and vocalist Shagrath
Shagrath
Shagrath is a Norwegian musician best known as the vocalist of Dimmu Borgir.-Biography:Stian Thoresen was born on November 18, 1976 in Jessheim, outside of Oslo, Norway....
are the only founding members remaining.
For All Tid and Stormblåst period
Dimmu Borgir was founded in 1993 by ShagrathShagrath
Shagrath is a Norwegian musician best known as the vocalist of Dimmu Borgir.-Biography:Stian Thoresen was born on November 18, 1976 in Jessheim, outside of Oslo, Norway....
, Silenoz
Silenoz
Silenoz , is a Norwegian guitarist who is a founding member, along with Shagrath and Tjodalv, of the Norwegian symphonic black metal band Dimmu Borgir which he is the primary songwriter...
, and Tjodalv
Tjodalv
Tjodalv is a Norwegian drummer. He is a founding member of both Dimmu Borgir and Old Man's Child. He now plays in Black Comedy and Susperia. Tjodalv played guitar on the first Dimmu Borgir albums Inn I Evighetens Mørke and For All Tid. He then switched to drumming for them on Stormblåst and...
, the band released an EP in 1993 entitled Inn i evighetens mørke
Inn I Evighetens Mørke
Inn i evighetens mørke is the first EP by Norwegian black metal band Dimmu Borgir. It was first released as a demo in 1994, and later as an EP on december 17 in the same year, after the release of the debut album For All Tid...
("Into the Darkness of Eternity" in English). This short EP sold out within weeks, and the band followed up with the 1994 full length album For All Tid
For All Tid
-Dimmu Borgir:* Silenoz – lead vocals, rhythm guitar* Tjodalv – lead guitar, drums on Glittertind* Stian Aarstad – synthesizers, keyboards, effects* Brynjard Tristan – bass* Shagrath – drums, backing vocals, lead guitar on "Glittertind"...
('For All Time' in English) This album featured vocal contributions by Vicotnik of Ved Buens Ende
Ved Buens Ende
Ved Buens Ende is a Norwegian heavy metal band. Their sound is diverse with quiet instrumental jazz influenced sections and aggressive black metal blast beats and vocals...
and Dødheimsgard
Dødheimsgard
Dødheimsgard is a Norwegian heavy metal band formed in 1994. Dødheimsgard was originally a black metal band, but 1999's 666 International saw them change into an experimental and avant-garde / industrial metal band. In 2000, they shortened their name to DHG...
and Aldrahn of Dødheimsgard
Dødheimsgard
Dødheimsgard is a Norwegian heavy metal band formed in 1994. Dødheimsgard was originally a black metal band, but 1999's 666 International saw them change into an experimental and avant-garde / industrial metal band. In 2000, they shortened their name to DHG...
and Zyklon-B. The initial lineup consisted of Shagrath playing drums with Tjodalv on guitar and Silenoz contributing lead vocals. This line-up changed before the release of Stormblåst
Stormblåst
-Personnel:*Silenoz – lead vocals, lead guitar*Shagrath – rhythm guitar, vocals*Tjodalv – drums*Brynjard Tristan – bass*Stian Aarstad – synthesizers, piano...
(translates to "Storm Blown") on Cacophonous Records in 1996, an album considered by many to be their finest. It is also the last album which features all lyrics written and sung in Norwegian
Norwegian language
Norwegian is a North Germanic language spoken primarily in Norway, where it is the official language. Together with Swedish and Danish, Norwegian forms a continuum of more or less mutually intelligible local and regional variants .These Scandinavian languages together with the Faroese language...
. This album was criticized by Allmusic because of bad sound quality and inaccessibility to wide audience.
Enthrone Darkness Triumphant period
After Stormblåst, keyboardistKeyboard instrument
A keyboard instrument is a musical instrument which is played using a musical keyboard. The most common of these is the piano. Other widely used keyboard instruments include organs of various types as well as other mechanical, electromechanical and electronic instruments...
Stian Aarstad
Stian Aarstad
Stian Aarstad is a Norwegian pianist and keyboard player best known for his five-year stint with the black metal band Dimmu Borgir during which he played keyboards and synthesizers while engendering criticism and controversy for appearing onstage and performing in a top-hat-and-cape outfit...
left the band due to his obligation to serve in the Norwegian army, thus being unable to participate in the 1996 recording of Devil's Path
Devil's Path (Dimmu Borgir EP)
Devil's Path is an EP by Norwegian black metal band Dimmu Borgir. It was originally released in 1996 by Hot Records. This album was reissued in 1999 along with the Old Man's Child Split EP In the Shades of Life, eventually becoming known as Sons of Satan Gather for Attack.-Track...
. That period was also marked by the departure of bassist Brynjard Tristan and the arrival of Nagash
Stian Arnesen
Nagash or Lex Icon is a Norwegian black metal musician. He plays guitar, bass, drums, keyboards and does vocals....
. Stian Aarstad returned for the recording of 1997's Enthrone Darkness Triumphant
Enthrone Darkness Triumphant
-Chart performance:The album was a chart hit in a number of countries, in particular, it reached #3 in the German Albums Chart. It also peaked at #26 in the Finnish Albums Chart.-Personnel:*Shagrath - lead vocals, lead guitar...
. While on tour to support the album, he had trouble attending rehearsals and being on tour, and was subsequently fired. Enthrone Darkness Triumphant was a huge success for the band, and was their first release signed to Nuclear Blast
Nuclear Blast
Nuclear Blast is an independent record label and mail order record distributor with subsidiaries in Germany, the United States and Brazil. The record label was founded in 1987 by Markus Staiger in Germany. Originally releasing hardcore punk records, the label moved on to releasing albums by melodic...
, a German record label
Record label
In the music industry, a record label is a brand and a trademark associated with the marketing of music recordings and music videos. Most commonly, a record label is the company that manages such brands and trademarks, coordinates the production, manufacture, distribution, marketing and promotion,...
. The album was recorded in the Abyss Studios, owned by Hypocrisy
Hypocrisy (band)
Hypocrisy is a melodic death metal band from Sweden. It was formed in 1990 in Ludvika, Sweden by Peter Tägtgren.Musically, the band started off with a traditional death metal sound on their first albums, and soon drifted to become a melodic death metal band. The lyrics in their early stages -...
's frontman Peter Tägtgren
Peter Tägtgren
Alf Peter Tägtgren is a Swedish musician and producer. He is the founder, main songwriter, lead vocalist, and guitarist of the death metal band Hypocrisy as well as the industrial metal band PAIN in which he is the only member....
. After the release of Enthrone Darkness Triumphant, the band went on tour with In Flames
In Flames
In Flames is a Swedish heavy metal band from Gothenburg, formed in 1990. Since the band's inception in 1993, they have released ten studio albums and one live DVD...
, Dissection
Dissection (band)
Dissection was a black metal band from Strömstad, Sweden. The band was formed in 1989, by Jon Nödtveidt. The band released its first EP in 1991. They disbanded in 2006, after Nödtveidt's suicide.- Band overview :...
and other bands who had penetrated to the scene at the time.
Spiritual Black Dimensions and Puritanical Euphoric Misanthropia period
After the tour for Enthrone Darkness Triumphant, the band recruited new members MustisMustis
Mustis, the pseudonym of Øyvind Johan Mustaparta, born 10 September 1979, who is a Norwegian keyboardist best known for his work in the symphonic black metal band Dimmu Borgir. Mustis joined Dimmu Borgir in 1998 and contributed to their atmosphere with his melodic keyboard parts...
on keyboards and Astennu
Astennu (musician)
Astennu is the professional name of Australian heavy metal musician Jamie Stinson. His name is derived from a creature in Egyptian mythology.-Biography:...
on lead guitar. Dimmu Borgir's following full-length albums Spiritual Black Dimensions
Spiritual Black Dimensions
-Personnel:Dimmu Borgir*Shagrath - lead vocals*Silenoz - rhythm guitar*Astennu - lead guitar*Nagash - bass, backing vocals*Tjodalv - drums*Mustis - synthesizers, pianoGuests*ICS Vortex - clean vocals on tracks 1,3,7,9*Peter Tagtgren - Engineering and mix...
in 1999 and 2001's Puritanical Euphoric Misanthropia
Puritanical Euphoric Misanthropia
-Band members:*Shagrath – lead vocals, synthesizers*Silenoz – rhythm guitar*Galder – lead guitar*ICS Vortex – bass, clean vocals on tracks 3, 4, 8, 10 & "Burn In Hell" *Nicholas Barker – drums*Mustis – synthesizers, piano-Guests:...
, both met critical acclaim. However, another line-up change occurred between the two albums; Nagash quit and was replaced by new bassist/singer ICS Vortex
ICS Vortex
Simen Hestnæs , also known as I.C.S. Vortex, or just simply Vortex, is a Norwegian musician, best known as the current vocalist of the avant-garde metal band Arcturus, the current vocalist and bass guitarist to the progressive black metal band Borknagar, and the former bass guitarist and backing...
, and Tjodalv left due to his family commitments, and to form the subsequent band Susperia
Susperia
Susperia is a Norwegian black/thrash metal band formed in October 1998 by Tjodalv and Cyrus.The band was originally named Seven Sins, but since there was another band with that name they changed it to the title of the horror film Suspiria, but changed the spelling to avoid copyright issues...
, only to be replaced with Nicholas Barker
Nicholas Barker
Nicholas Howard Barker is an extreme metal drummer .- Biography :He was the original drummer for British metal band Cradle of Filth, playing on the first three albums. After leaving in 1999, he joined Norwegian symphonic black metal band Dimmu Borgir...
, of Cradle of Filth
Cradle of Filth
Cradle of Filth are an English extreme metal band, formed in Suffolk in 1991. The band's musical style evolved from black metal to a cleaner and more "produced" amalgam of gothic metal, symphonic black metal, and other extreme metal styles, while their lyrical themes and imagery are heavily...
. Astennu was fired from his guitar duties as well, and was replaced by Galder
Galder
Galder is a Norwegian composer, guitarist, and vocalist whose birth name is Tom Rune Andersen. He is from the small town Jessheim, north of Oslo. He is a founding member of the melodic black metal band Old Man's Child as well as the lead guitarist in Dimmu Borgir. In 1993, under the stage name...
. Puritanical Euphoric Misanthropia is marked as bands one of biggest penetration on wider scene.
Death Cult Armageddon and Stormblåst MMV period
Despite the regular video play on MTV2MTV2
MTV2 is a cable network that is widely available in the United States on digital cable and satellite television, and is progressively being added to analogue cable lineups across the nation...
and Fuse TV
Fuse TV
Fuse is an American national television network dedicated exclusively to music. It features original series and specials, exclusive interviews, live concerts and video blocks....
that their follow-up album would receive, the band stated that they were not "commercially-oriented," and instead, they 'simply wished to spread their message to more people'. In 2003, Dimmu Borgir recorded Death Cult Armageddon
Death Cult Armageddon
-Band members:*Shagrath – vocals*Silenoz – rhythm guitar*Galder – lead guitar*ICS Vortex – bass, clean vocals on tracks 2 & 7*Mustis – grand piano & synth*Nicholas Barker – drums-Guests:* Abbath – vocals on tracks 2 & 11...
. Death Cult Armageddon was recorded with the Prague Philarmonic Orchestra, conducted by Adam Klemens. All orchestrations were arranged by Gaute Storaas (who had previously worked with Dimmu Borgir on the album Puritanical Euphoric Misanthropia
Puritanical Euphoric Misanthropia
-Band members:*Shagrath – lead vocals, synthesizers*Silenoz – rhythm guitar*Galder – lead guitar*ICS Vortex – bass, clean vocals on tracks 3, 4, 8, 10 & "Burn In Hell" *Nicholas Barker – drums*Mustis – synthesizers, piano-Guests:...
) In 2004, Dimmu Borgir performed on the mainstage at Ozzfest
Ozzfest
Ozzfest is an annual festival tour of the United States featuring performances by many heavy metal and hard rock musical groups. It was founded by Ozzy Osbourne and his wife Sharon Osbourne, both of whom also organize each yearly tour with their son Jack Osbourne...
.
In 2005, the band did a complete re-recording of the Stormblåst album, featuring Hellhammer
Jan Axel Blomberg
Jan Axel "Hellhammer" Blomberg is a three time Spellemannprisen award-winning heavy metal drummer. He is most well known for his drumming with the band Mayhem, with which he began his career...
of Mayhem
Mayhem (band)
Mayhem is a Norwegian black metal band formed in 1984 in Oslo, Norway and regarded as one of the pioneers of the influential Norwegian black metal scene...
fame as the session drummer. The album also featured a DVD with a live performance from the 2004 Ozzfest
Ozzfest
Ozzfest is an annual festival tour of the United States featuring performances by many heavy metal and hard rock musical groups. It was founded by Ozzy Osbourne and his wife Sharon Osbourne, both of whom also organize each yearly tour with their son Jack Osbourne...
tour.
In Sorte Diaboli period
Dimmu Borgir's eighth studio album, In Sorte DiaboliIn Sorte Diaboli
In Sorte Diaboli is Norwegian symphonic black metal band Dimmu Borgir's eighth studio album, released in 2007. It is the band's first concept album. A site on the Nuclear Blast website was created for In Sorte Diaboli, in which a new promotional photo can be seen and an audio sample can be heard...
, was released April 24, 2007. A special edition version was released in a boxed case with a DVD, backward-printed lyrics, and a mirror. The album artwork was released on February 14, 2007 on a promotional webpage for the album. This album features the drumming of "Hellhammer" Jan Axel Blomberg
Jan Axel Blomberg
Jan Axel "Hellhammer" Blomberg is a three time Spellemannprisen award-winning heavy metal drummer. He is most well known for his drumming with the band Mayhem, with which he began his career...
of Mayhem
Mayhem (band)
Mayhem is a Norwegian black metal band formed in 1984 in Oslo, Norway and regarded as one of the pioneers of the influential Norwegian black metal scene...
. Blomberg left the band in mid tour in 2007 because of a neck injury that resulted in limited movement of his right arm. With the release of this album, Dimmu Borgir became the first black metal band with a number one album in their native country.
In 2009, members ICS Vortex and Mustis independently announced their departure from Dimmu Borgir. Mustis released a statement claiming his disfavor with the band, stating that he was not properly credited for his writing contributions to the band's music, mentioning possibly taking legal action.
Dimmu Borgir soon after confirmed the pair's dismissal from the band, releasing a statement explaining why the two were fired. Shagrath, Silenoz, and Galder wrote, "Funny then, how the new album is halfway finished written already by the rest of us without any of these guys' input, still having all those elements we're known for."
Abrahadabra period
Dimmu Borgir's ninth studio album, AbrahadabraAbrahadabra (album)
Abrahadabra is Norwegian symphonic black metal band Dimmu Borgir's ninth studio album, released in 2010. The first single from the album, "Gateways", was released on August 20 in Europe and August 24 in North America. On September 14 a video for "Gateways" was released featuring Djerv front-woman,...
, was released on September 24, 2010 in Germany, September 27, 2010 for the rest of Europe, and October 12, 2010 in North America. Silenoz explained that the growing periods of time between albums was because the band had stopped writing music while touring, which was affecting the quality of the music. He described the new album as having an "eerie and haunting feel to it," adding that the material is "epic," "primal," atmospheric and ambient. A promotional image released with the statement showed Shagrath returning to the keyboards. The album features an ensemble orchestra, the Kringkastingsorkestret (the Norwegian Radio Orchestra), as well as the Schola Cantorum choir
Schola Cantorum (Norwegian choir)
Schola Cantorum is a chamber choir from Norway. The choir was founded by the composer and conductor Knut Nystedt in 1964, and has given valuable musical experience to generations of Norwegian musicians. Affiliated with the University of Oslo, Department of Musicology, the choir recruits most of...
, totaling more than 100 musicians and singers.
Gaute Storaas, composer of the orchestral arrangements, released a statement on his role in working on the album. “Their music is epic, thematic and symphonic already from the creation; they are clearly having an orchestral approach to composing. My role in this is sometimes just to transcribe their themes, sometimes to take their ideas, tear them apart and build them back up in ways that are true to the band's intentions. The music must also be both interesting and playable for the musicians, and hopefully, meet the quality standards of the orchestral world.”
On July 8, the band confirmed that they had tapped Swedish multi-instrumentalist Snowy Shaw (Therion
Therion (band)
Therion is a Swedish symphonic metal band founded by Christofer Johnsson in 1987. The word "therion" comes from the Greek therion , meaning "Beast," i.e., that of the Christian Book of Revelation...
, Dream Evil
Dream Evil
Dream Evil is a heavy metal band from Sweden, assembled and integrated by renowned musical producer Fredrik Nordström in 1999.-Biography:Producer Fredrik Nordström had the ambition of creating a power metal band of his own for a long time, but had difficulty finding anyone with musical ideals...
) to replace bassist/clean vocalist ICS Vortex on the band's upcoming album, "Abrahadabra
Abrahadabra (album)
Abrahadabra is Norwegian symphonic black metal band Dimmu Borgir's ninth studio album, released in 2010. The first single from the album, "Gateways", was released on August 20 in Europe and August 24 in North America. On September 14 a video for "Gateways" was released featuring Djerv front-woman,...
", and world tour. On August 25 it was announced that Snowy Shaw has left Dimmu Borgir to rejoin Therion. On September 17, 2010 Dimmu Borgir released the song "Born Treacherous" from their upcoming album Abrahadabra on their official MySpace page. Then on September 24 the band announced they would stream Abrahadabra in its entirety until 7 p.m. EST that evening. The keyboards and bass are currently played by Gerlioz
Geir Bratland
Geir Bratland is the former keyboardist for the Norwegian band Apoptygma Berzerk and session keyboardist for The Kovenant and Satyricon. He is currently a touring keyboardist for Dimmu Borgir, under the stage name of Gerlioz.-External links:...
from Apoptygma Berzerk
Apoptygma Berzerk
Apoptygma Berzerk is a Norwegian musical group. They have achieved success with a brand of synthpop, and ballads backed with electronic rhythms, commonly known within the scene and referring to themselves as "futurepop". Apop has won awards and top-10 spots in Germany and Scandinavia...
and Cyrus of Susperia
Susperia
Susperia is a Norwegian black/thrash metal band formed in October 1998 by Tjodalv and Cyrus.The band was originally named Seven Sins, but since there was another band with that name they changed it to the title of the horror film Suspiria, but changed the spelling to avoid copyright issues...
respectively, and the clean vocals are sampled. On May 28, 2011 Dimmu Borgir gave a very special one-off show at the Oslo Spektrum
Oslo Spektrum
Oslo Spektrum is an indoor multi-purpose arena in east central Oslo, Norway. It opened in December 1990. It is currently owned and operated by Norges Varemesse , who also own and operate the Norges Varemesse conference center in Lillestrøm which is Norway's largest conference center...
with the Norwegian Radio Orchestra and Schola Cantorum choir. A live album and DVD of the show titled "Forces of the Northern Night" with an accompanying documentary is scheduled for release later this year.
Influences
Dimmu Borgir's older releases (since 1992 to 1999) are strongly influenced by DarkthroneDarkthrone
Darkthrone is a Norwegian black metal band. They formed in 1987 as a death metal band, but after embracing the black metal style in 1991, they became a driving force in the Norwegian black metal scene. For most of this period Darkthrone has consisted of just two musicians, Nocturno Culto and...
, Mayhem
Mayhem (band)
Mayhem is a Norwegian black metal band formed in 1984 in Oslo, Norway and regarded as one of the pioneers of the influential Norwegian black metal scene...
, Bathory
Bathory (band)
Bathory was a Swedish heavy metal band, formed by Quorthon in 1983. They are regarded as pioneers of both black metal and viking metal. Quorthon remained the main songwriter and member of Bathory for more than two decades. Bathory was permanently ended after Quorthon's death in 2004...
, Emperor
Emperor (band)
Emperor was a Norwegian black metal band formed in 1991. They dissolved in 2001, but reunited in 2006 and again in 2007 for a few festival dates and brief US tours. The group was founded by Samoth and Ihsahn .-Biography:...
, Celtic Frost
Celtic Frost
Celtic Frost was a metal band from Zürich, Switzerland. They are known for their heavy influence on the extreme metal genres. The group was first active from 1984 to 1993, and re-formed in 2001. Following Tom Gabriel Fischer's departure in 2008, Celtic Frost decided to break up again...
, Immortal
Immortal (band)
Immortal is a black metal band from Bergen, Norway, founded in 1990 by current frontman/guitarist Abbath Doom Occulta and former guitarist Demonaz Doom Occulta...
, Venom
Venom (band)
Venom are an English heavy metal band that formed in 1979 in Newcastle upon Tyne. Coming to prominence towards the end of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal, Venom's first two albums—Welcome to Hell and Black Metal —are considered a major influence on thrash metal and extreme metal in general...
and Iron Maiden. The band became more progressive and symphonic through the years. Significant experimentation started approximately around 2000, during the era of Spiritual Black Dimensions
Spiritual Black Dimensions
-Personnel:Dimmu Borgir*Shagrath - lead vocals*Silenoz - rhythm guitar*Astennu - lead guitar*Nagash - bass, backing vocals*Tjodalv - drums*Mustis - synthesizers, pianoGuests*ICS Vortex - clean vocals on tracks 1,3,7,9*Peter Tagtgren - Engineering and mix...
(due to the addition of Vortex
ICS Vortex
Simen Hestnæs , also known as I.C.S. Vortex, or just simply Vortex, is a Norwegian musician, best known as the current vocalist of the avant-garde metal band Arcturus, the current vocalist and bass guitarist to the progressive black metal band Borknagar, and the former bass guitarist and backing...
's clean vocals, and the variety of musical ideas from then-new member Mustis
Mustis
Mustis, the pseudonym of Øyvind Johan Mustaparta, born 10 September 1979, who is a Norwegian keyboardist best known for his work in the symphonic black metal band Dimmu Borgir. Mustis joined Dimmu Borgir in 1998 and contributed to their atmosphere with his melodic keyboard parts...
,) as well as Puritanical Euphoric Misanthropia
Puritanical Euphoric Misanthropia
-Band members:*Shagrath – lead vocals, synthesizers*Silenoz – rhythm guitar*Galder – lead guitar*ICS Vortex – bass, clean vocals on tracks 3, 4, 8, 10 & "Burn In Hell" *Nicholas Barker – drums*Mustis – synthesizers, piano-Guests:...
due to addition of influences from composers such as Antonín Dvořák
Antonín Dvorák
Antonín Leopold Dvořák was a Czech composer of late Romantic music, who employed the idioms of the folk music of Moravia and his native Bohemia. Dvořák’s own style is sometimes called "romantic-classicist synthesis". His works include symphonic, choral and chamber music, concerti, operas and many...
, Enya
Enya
Enya is an Irish singer, instrumentalist and songwriter. Enya is an approximate transliteration of how Eithne is pronounced in the Donegal dialect of the Irish language, her native tongue.She began her musical career in 1980, when she briefly joined her family band Clannad before leaving to...
, Richard Wagner
Richard Wagner
Wilhelm Richard Wagner was a German composer, conductor, theatre director, philosopher, music theorist, poet, essayist and writer primarily known for his operas...
and Frédéric Chopin
Frédéric Chopin
Frédéric François Chopin was a Polish composer and virtuoso pianist. He is considered one of the great masters of Romantic music and has been called "the poet of the piano"....
.
Discography
To see other releases:Full-length albums
- For All TidFor All Tid-Dimmu Borgir:* Silenoz – lead vocals, rhythm guitar* Tjodalv – lead guitar, drums on Glittertind* Stian Aarstad – synthesizers, keyboards, effects* Brynjard Tristan – bass* Shagrath – drums, backing vocals, lead guitar on "Glittertind"...
(1994) - StormblåstStormblåst-Personnel:*Silenoz – lead vocals, lead guitar*Shagrath – rhythm guitar, vocals*Tjodalv – drums*Brynjard Tristan – bass*Stian Aarstad – synthesizers, piano...
(1996) - Enthrone Darkness TriumphantEnthrone Darkness Triumphant-Chart performance:The album was a chart hit in a number of countries, in particular, it reached #3 in the German Albums Chart. It also peaked at #26 in the Finnish Albums Chart.-Personnel:*Shagrath - lead vocals, lead guitar...
(1997) - Spiritual Black DimensionsSpiritual Black Dimensions-Personnel:Dimmu Borgir*Shagrath - lead vocals*Silenoz - rhythm guitar*Astennu - lead guitar*Nagash - bass, backing vocals*Tjodalv - drums*Mustis - synthesizers, pianoGuests*ICS Vortex - clean vocals on tracks 1,3,7,9*Peter Tagtgren - Engineering and mix...
(1999) - Puritanical Euphoric MisanthropiaPuritanical Euphoric Misanthropia-Band members:*Shagrath – lead vocals, synthesizers*Silenoz – rhythm guitar*Galder – lead guitar*ICS Vortex – bass, clean vocals on tracks 3, 4, 8, 10 & "Burn In Hell" *Nicholas Barker – drums*Mustis – synthesizers, piano-Guests:...
(2001) - Death Cult ArmageddonDeath Cult Armageddon-Band members:*Shagrath – vocals*Silenoz – rhythm guitar*Galder – lead guitar*ICS Vortex – bass, clean vocals on tracks 2 & 7*Mustis – grand piano & synth*Nicholas Barker – drums-Guests:* Abbath – vocals on tracks 2 & 11...
(2003) - Stormblåst MMVStormblåst (re-recorded)- Guest appearances :* Mustis – keyboards, piano* Hellhammer – drums- Members featured in bonus DVD :* Shagrath – lead vocals* Silenoz – rhythm guitar* Galder – lead guitar* ICS Vortex – bass, clean vocals* Mustis – keyboards, piano* Tony Laureano– drums...
(2005) - In Sorte DiaboliIn Sorte DiaboliIn Sorte Diaboli is Norwegian symphonic black metal band Dimmu Borgir's eighth studio album, released in 2007. It is the band's first concept album. A site on the Nuclear Blast website was created for In Sorte Diaboli, in which a new promotional photo can be seen and an audio sample can be heard...
(2007) - AbrahadabraAbrahadabra (album)Abrahadabra is Norwegian symphonic black metal band Dimmu Borgir's ninth studio album, released in 2010. The first single from the album, "Gateways", was released on August 20 in Europe and August 24 in North America. On September 14 a video for "Gateways" was released featuring Djerv front-woman,...
(2010)
Band members
| For All Tid For All Tid -Dimmu Borgir:* Silenoz – lead vocals, rhythm guitar* Tjodalv – lead guitar, drums on Glittertind* Stian Aarstad – synthesizers, keyboards, effects* Brynjard Tristan – bass* Shagrath – drums, backing vocals, lead guitar on "Glittertind"... |
|
|---|---|
| Stormblåst Stormblåst -Personnel:*Silenoz – lead vocals, lead guitar*Shagrath – rhythm guitar, vocals*Tjodalv – drums*Brynjard Tristan – bass*Stian Aarstad – synthesizers, piano... |
Shagrath Shagrath is a Norwegian musician best known as the vocalist of Dimmu Borgir.-Biography:Stian Thoresen was born on November 18, 1976 in Jessheim, outside of Oslo, Norway.... – guitars, vocals Silenoz Silenoz , is a Norwegian guitarist who is a founding member, along with Shagrath and Tjodalv, of the Norwegian symphonic black metal band Dimmu Borgir which he is the primary songwriter... – guitars, vocals Brynjard Tristan Ivar Tristan Lundsten is a Norwegian bassist and songwriter, presently living in Oslo, but originally hails from the nearby municipalities of Nesodden and Jessheim.... – bass Stian Aarstad Stian Aarstad is a Norwegian pianist and keyboard player best known for his five-year stint with the black metal band Dimmu Borgir during which he played keyboards and synthesizers while engendering criticism and controversy for appearing onstage and performing in a top-hat-and-cape outfit... – keyboards Tjodalv Tjodalv is a Norwegian drummer. He is a founding member of both Dimmu Borgir and Old Man's Child. He now plays in Black Comedy and Susperia. Tjodalv played guitar on the first Dimmu Borgir albums Inn I Evighetens Mørke and For All Tid. He then switched to drumming for them on Stormblåst and... – drums |
| Enthrone Darkness Triumphant Enthrone Darkness Triumphant -Chart performance:The album was a chart hit in a number of countries, in particular, it reached #3 in the German Albums Chart. It also peaked at #26 in the Finnish Albums Chart.-Personnel:*Shagrath - lead vocals, lead guitar... |
Shagrath Shagrath is a Norwegian musician best known as the vocalist of Dimmu Borgir.-Biography:Stian Thoresen was born on November 18, 1976 in Jessheim, outside of Oslo, Norway.... – vocals, guitars Silenoz Silenoz , is a Norwegian guitarist who is a founding member, along with Shagrath and Tjodalv, of the Norwegian symphonic black metal band Dimmu Borgir which he is the primary songwriter... – guitars, vocals Stian Arnesen Nagash or Lex Icon is a Norwegian black metal musician. He plays guitar, bass, drums, keyboards and does vocals.... – bass, vocals Stian Aarstad Stian Aarstad is a Norwegian pianist and keyboard player best known for his five-year stint with the black metal band Dimmu Borgir during which he played keyboards and synthesizers while engendering criticism and controversy for appearing onstage and performing in a top-hat-and-cape outfit... – keyboards Tjodalv Tjodalv is a Norwegian drummer. He is a founding member of both Dimmu Borgir and Old Man's Child. He now plays in Black Comedy and Susperia. Tjodalv played guitar on the first Dimmu Borgir albums Inn I Evighetens Mørke and For All Tid. He then switched to drumming for them on Stormblåst and... – drums |
| Godless Savage Garden Godless Savage Garden Godless Savage Garden is a compilation album by Norwegian black metal band Dimmu Borgir. It was released in 1998 by Nuclear Blast and re-released on 3 October 2006 with 2 bonus tracks.... |
Shagrath Shagrath is a Norwegian musician best known as the vocalist of Dimmu Borgir.-Biography:Stian Thoresen was born on November 18, 1976 in Jessheim, outside of Oslo, Norway.... – vocals, guitars Silenoz Silenoz , is a Norwegian guitarist who is a founding member, along with Shagrath and Tjodalv, of the Norwegian symphonic black metal band Dimmu Borgir which he is the primary songwriter... – guitars, vocals Astennu In Egyptian mythology, Astennu refers to a baboon associated with Thoth. It was also stated that Astennu was merely another aspect of Thoth, as the god could take the form of a baboon... – guitars Stian Arnesen Nagash or Lex Icon is a Norwegian black metal musician. He plays guitar, bass, drums, keyboards and does vocals.... – bass, vocals Stian Aarstad Stian Aarstad is a Norwegian pianist and keyboard player best known for his five-year stint with the black metal band Dimmu Borgir during which he played keyboards and synthesizers while engendering criticism and controversy for appearing onstage and performing in a top-hat-and-cape outfit... – keyboards Mustis Mustis, the pseudonym of Øyvind Johan Mustaparta, born 10 September 1979, who is a Norwegian keyboardist best known for his work in the symphonic black metal band Dimmu Borgir. Mustis joined Dimmu Borgir in 1998 and contributed to their atmosphere with his melodic keyboard parts... – keyboards, piano Tjodalv Tjodalv is a Norwegian drummer. He is a founding member of both Dimmu Borgir and Old Man's Child. He now plays in Black Comedy and Susperia. Tjodalv played guitar on the first Dimmu Borgir albums Inn I Evighetens Mørke and For All Tid. He then switched to drumming for them on Stormblåst and... – drums |
| Spiritual Black Dimensions Spiritual Black Dimensions -Personnel:Dimmu Borgir*Shagrath - lead vocals*Silenoz - rhythm guitar*Astennu - lead guitar*Nagash - bass, backing vocals*Tjodalv - drums*Mustis - synthesizers, pianoGuests*ICS Vortex - clean vocals on tracks 1,3,7,9*Peter Tagtgren - Engineering and mix... |
Shagrath Shagrath is a Norwegian musician best known as the vocalist of Dimmu Borgir.-Biography:Stian Thoresen was born on November 18, 1976 in Jessheim, outside of Oslo, Norway.... – vocals Silenoz Silenoz , is a Norwegian guitarist who is a founding member, along with Shagrath and Tjodalv, of the Norwegian symphonic black metal band Dimmu Borgir which he is the primary songwriter... – guitars Astennu In Egyptian mythology, Astennu refers to a baboon associated with Thoth. It was also stated that Astennu was merely another aspect of Thoth, as the god could take the form of a baboon... – guitars Stian Arnesen Nagash or Lex Icon is a Norwegian black metal musician. He plays guitar, bass, drums, keyboards and does vocals.... – bass, vocals Mustis Mustis, the pseudonym of Øyvind Johan Mustaparta, born 10 September 1979, who is a Norwegian keyboardist best known for his work in the symphonic black metal band Dimmu Borgir. Mustis joined Dimmu Borgir in 1998 and contributed to their atmosphere with his melodic keyboard parts... – keyboards Tjodalv Tjodalv is a Norwegian drummer. He is a founding member of both Dimmu Borgir and Old Man's Child. He now plays in Black Comedy and Susperia. Tjodalv played guitar on the first Dimmu Borgir albums Inn I Evighetens Mørke and For All Tid. He then switched to drumming for them on Stormblåst and... – drums ICS Vortex Simen Hestnæs , also known as I.C.S. Vortex, or just simply Vortex, is a Norwegian musician, best known as the current vocalist of the avant-garde metal band Arcturus, the current vocalist and bass guitarist to the progressive black metal band Borknagar, and the former bass guitarist and backing... – clean vocals |
| Puritanical Euphoric Misanthropia Puritanical Euphoric Misanthropia -Band members:*Shagrath – lead vocals, synthesizers*Silenoz – rhythm guitar*Galder – lead guitar*ICS Vortex – bass, clean vocals on tracks 3, 4, 8, 10 & "Burn In Hell" *Nicholas Barker – drums*Mustis – synthesizers, piano-Guests:... |
Shagrath Shagrath is a Norwegian musician best known as the vocalist of Dimmu Borgir.-Biography:Stian Thoresen was born on November 18, 1976 in Jessheim, outside of Oslo, Norway.... – vocals Silenoz Silenoz , is a Norwegian guitarist who is a founding member, along with Shagrath and Tjodalv, of the Norwegian symphonic black metal band Dimmu Borgir which he is the primary songwriter... – guitars Galder Galder is a Norwegian composer, guitarist, and vocalist whose birth name is Tom Rune Andersen. He is from the small town Jessheim, north of Oslo. He is a founding member of the melodic black metal band Old Man's Child as well as the lead guitarist in Dimmu Borgir. In 1993, under the stage name... – guitars ICS Vortex Simen Hestnæs , also known as I.C.S. Vortex, or just simply Vortex, is a Norwegian musician, best known as the current vocalist of the avant-garde metal band Arcturus, the current vocalist and bass guitarist to the progressive black metal band Borknagar, and the former bass guitarist and backing... – bass, vocals Mustis Mustis, the pseudonym of Øyvind Johan Mustaparta, born 10 September 1979, who is a Norwegian keyboardist best known for his work in the symphonic black metal band Dimmu Borgir. Mustis joined Dimmu Borgir in 1998 and contributed to their atmosphere with his melodic keyboard parts... – keyboards, piano Nicholas Barker Nicholas Howard Barker is an extreme metal drummer .- Biography :He was the original drummer for British metal band Cradle of Filth, playing on the first three albums. After leaving in 1999, he joined Norwegian symphonic black metal band Dimmu Borgir... – drums |
| Death Cult Armageddon Death Cult Armageddon -Band members:*Shagrath – vocals*Silenoz – rhythm guitar*Galder – lead guitar*ICS Vortex – bass, clean vocals on tracks 2 & 7*Mustis – grand piano & synth*Nicholas Barker – drums-Guests:* Abbath – vocals on tracks 2 & 11... |
Shagrath Shagrath is a Norwegian musician best known as the vocalist of Dimmu Borgir.-Biography:Stian Thoresen was born on November 18, 1976 in Jessheim, outside of Oslo, Norway.... – vocals Silenoz Silenoz , is a Norwegian guitarist who is a founding member, along with Shagrath and Tjodalv, of the Norwegian symphonic black metal band Dimmu Borgir which he is the primary songwriter... – guitars Galder Galder is a Norwegian composer, guitarist, and vocalist whose birth name is Tom Rune Andersen. He is from the small town Jessheim, north of Oslo. He is a founding member of the melodic black metal band Old Man's Child as well as the lead guitarist in Dimmu Borgir. In 1993, under the stage name... – guitars ICS Vortex Simen Hestnæs , also known as I.C.S. Vortex, or just simply Vortex, is a Norwegian musician, best known as the current vocalist of the avant-garde metal band Arcturus, the current vocalist and bass guitarist to the progressive black metal band Borknagar, and the former bass guitarist and backing... – bass, vocals Mustis Mustis, the pseudonym of Øyvind Johan Mustaparta, born 10 September 1979, who is a Norwegian keyboardist best known for his work in the symphonic black metal band Dimmu Borgir. Mustis joined Dimmu Borgir in 1998 and contributed to their atmosphere with his melodic keyboard parts... – keyboards, piano Nicholas Barker Nicholas Howard Barker is an extreme metal drummer .- Biography :He was the original drummer for British metal band Cradle of Filth, playing on the first three albums. After leaving in 1999, he joined Norwegian symphonic black metal band Dimmu Borgir... – drums |
| Stormblåst MMV |
Shagrath Shagrath is a Norwegian musician best known as the vocalist of Dimmu Borgir.-Biography:Stian Thoresen was born on November 18, 1976 in Jessheim, outside of Oslo, Norway.... – vocals, guitars Silenoz Silenoz , is a Norwegian guitarist who is a founding member, along with Shagrath and Tjodalv, of the Norwegian symphonic black metal band Dimmu Borgir which he is the primary songwriter... – guitars, bass Galder Galder is a Norwegian composer, guitarist, and vocalist whose birth name is Tom Rune Andersen. He is from the small town Jessheim, north of Oslo. He is a founding member of the melodic black metal band Old Man's Child as well as the lead guitarist in Dimmu Borgir. In 1993, under the stage name... – guitars ICS Vortex Simen Hestnæs , also known as I.C.S. Vortex, or just simply Vortex, is a Norwegian musician, best known as the current vocalist of the avant-garde metal band Arcturus, the current vocalist and bass guitarist to the progressive black metal band Borknagar, and the former bass guitarist and backing... – bass, vocals Mustis Mustis, the pseudonym of Øyvind Johan Mustaparta, born 10 September 1979, who is a Norwegian keyboardist best known for his work in the symphonic black metal band Dimmu Borgir. Mustis joined Dimmu Borgir in 1998 and contributed to their atmosphere with his melodic keyboard parts... – keyboards, piano Hellhammer Hellhammer was an influential extreme metal band from Switzerland, active during 1982–1984. They are regarded as being one of the first extreme metal bands and are a key influence on later black metal and death metal bands.-Biography:... – drums |
| In Sorte Diaboli In Sorte Diaboli In Sorte Diaboli is Norwegian symphonic black metal band Dimmu Borgir's eighth studio album, released in 2007. It is the band's first concept album. A site on the Nuclear Blast website was created for In Sorte Diaboli, in which a new promotional photo can be seen and an audio sample can be heard... |
Shagrath Shagrath is a Norwegian musician best known as the vocalist of Dimmu Borgir.-Biography:Stian Thoresen was born on November 18, 1976 in Jessheim, outside of Oslo, Norway.... – vocals Silenoz Silenoz , is a Norwegian guitarist who is a founding member, along with Shagrath and Tjodalv, of the Norwegian symphonic black metal band Dimmu Borgir which he is the primary songwriter... – guitars Galder Galder is a Norwegian composer, guitarist, and vocalist whose birth name is Tom Rune Andersen. He is from the small town Jessheim, north of Oslo. He is a founding member of the melodic black metal band Old Man's Child as well as the lead guitarist in Dimmu Borgir. In 1993, under the stage name... – guitars ICS Vortex Simen Hestnæs , also known as I.C.S. Vortex, or just simply Vortex, is a Norwegian musician, best known as the current vocalist of the avant-garde metal band Arcturus, the current vocalist and bass guitarist to the progressive black metal band Borknagar, and the former bass guitarist and backing... – bass, vocals Mustis Mustis, the pseudonym of Øyvind Johan Mustaparta, born 10 September 1979, who is a Norwegian keyboardist best known for his work in the symphonic black metal band Dimmu Borgir. Mustis joined Dimmu Borgir in 1998 and contributed to their atmosphere with his melodic keyboard parts... – keyboards, piano Hellhammer Hellhammer was an influential extreme metal band from Switzerland, active during 1982–1984. They are regarded as being one of the first extreme metal bands and are a key influence on later black metal and death metal bands.-Biography:... – drums |
| Abrahadabra Abrahadabra (album) Abrahadabra is Norwegian symphonic black metal band Dimmu Borgir's ninth studio album, released in 2010. The first single from the album, "Gateways", was released on August 20 in Europe and August 24 in North America. On September 14 a video for "Gateways" was released featuring Djerv front-woman,... |
Shagrath Shagrath is a Norwegian musician best known as the vocalist of Dimmu Borgir.-Biography:Stian Thoresen was born on November 18, 1976 in Jessheim, outside of Oslo, Norway.... – vocals, keyboards Silenoz Silenoz , is a Norwegian guitarist who is a founding member, along with Shagrath and Tjodalv, of the Norwegian symphonic black metal band Dimmu Borgir which he is the primary songwriter... – guitars Galder Galder is a Norwegian composer, guitarist, and vocalist whose birth name is Tom Rune Andersen. He is from the small town Jessheim, north of Oslo. He is a founding member of the melodic black metal band Old Man's Child as well as the lead guitarist in Dimmu Borgir. In 1993, under the stage name... – guitars Snowy Shaw Snowy Shaw, born Tommie Helgesson in 25 July 1968, is a Swedish heavy metal musician , based in the port city of Gothenburg in the west coast of Sweden. He has played with many heavy metal bands, like King Diamond, Dream Evil, Mercyful Fate, IllWill, Notre Dame and Memento Mori... – bass, vocals |
| Recent line-up |
Shagrath Shagrath is a Norwegian musician best known as the vocalist of Dimmu Borgir.-Biography:Stian Thoresen was born on November 18, 1976 in Jessheim, outside of Oslo, Norway.... – vocals Silenoz Silenoz , is a Norwegian guitarist who is a founding member, along with Shagrath and Tjodalv, of the Norwegian symphonic black metal band Dimmu Borgir which he is the primary songwriter... – guitars Galder Galder is a Norwegian composer, guitarist, and vocalist whose birth name is Tom Rune Andersen. He is from the small town Jessheim, north of Oslo. He is a founding member of the melodic black metal band Old Man's Child as well as the lead guitarist in Dimmu Borgir. In 1993, under the stage name... – guitars Geir Bratland Geir Bratland is the former keyboardist for the Norwegian band Apoptygma Berzerk and session keyboardist for The Kovenant and Satyricon. He is currently a touring keyboardist for Dimmu Borgir, under the stage name of Gerlioz.-External links:... – keyboards |
Current
- ShagrathShagrathShagrath is a Norwegian musician best known as the vocalist of Dimmu Borgir.-Biography:Stian Thoresen was born on November 18, 1976 in Jessheim, outside of Oslo, Norway....
(Stian Tomt Thoresen) – vocals (since 1995), drums (1992–1995), guitars (1995–1997), bass (2005) - SilenozSilenozSilenoz , is a Norwegian guitarist who is a founding member, along with Shagrath and Tjodalv, of the Norwegian symphonic black metal band Dimmu Borgir which he is the primary songwriter...
(Sven Atle Kopperud) – rhythm guitars (since 1992), lead vocals (1992–1995), bass (2005) - GalderGalderGalder is a Norwegian composer, guitarist, and vocalist whose birth name is Tom Rune Andersen. He is from the small town Jessheim, north of Oslo. He is a founding member of the melodic black metal band Old Man's Child as well as the lead guitarist in Dimmu Borgir. In 1993, under the stage name...
(Tom Rune Andersen) – lead guitars (since 2000) - Daray (Dariusz Brzozowski) – drums, percussion (since 2008)
- Cyrus (Terje Andersen) – bass guitar (since 2010)
- GerliozGeir BratlandGeir Bratland is the former keyboardist for the Norwegian band Apoptygma Berzerk and session keyboardist for The Kovenant and Satyricon. He is currently a touring keyboardist for Dimmu Borgir, under the stage name of Gerlioz.-External links:...
(Geir Bratland) – keyboards, synthesizer (since 2010)
Former
- TjodalvTjodalvTjodalv is a Norwegian drummer. He is a founding member of both Dimmu Borgir and Old Man's Child. He now plays in Black Comedy and Susperia. Tjodalv played guitar on the first Dimmu Borgir albums Inn I Evighetens Mørke and For All Tid. He then switched to drumming for them on Stormblåst and...
(Ian Kenneth Åkesson) – lead guitars (1992–1995), drums, percussion (1995–1999) - Stian AarstadStian AarstadStian Aarstad is a Norwegian pianist and keyboard player best known for his five-year stint with the black metal band Dimmu Borgir during which he played keyboards and synthesizers while engendering criticism and controversy for appearing onstage and performing in a top-hat-and-cape outfit...
– keyboards, piano (1992–1997) - Brynjard TristanBrynjard TristanIvar Tristan Lundsten is a Norwegian bassist and songwriter, presently living in Oslo, but originally hails from the nearby municipalities of Nesodden and Jessheim....
(Ivar Tristan Lundsten) – bass (1992–1996) - NagashStian ArnesenNagash or Lex Icon is a Norwegian black metal musician. He plays guitar, bass, drums, keyboards and does vocals....
(Stian Arnesen) – bass, backing vocals (1996–1999) - AstennuAstennu (musician)Astennu is the professional name of Australian heavy metal musician Jamie Stinson. His name is derived from a creature in Egyptian mythology.-Biography:...
(Jamie Stinson) – lead guitars (1997–1999) - MustisMustisMustis, the pseudonym of Øyvind Johan Mustaparta, born 10 September 1979, who is a Norwegian keyboardist best known for his work in the symphonic black metal band Dimmu Borgir. Mustis joined Dimmu Borgir in 1998 and contributed to their atmosphere with his melodic keyboard parts...
(Øyvind Mustaparta) – keyboards, piano (1998–2009) - ICS VortexICS VortexSimen Hestnæs , also known as I.C.S. Vortex, or just simply Vortex, is a Norwegian musician, best known as the current vocalist of the avant-garde metal band Arcturus, the current vocalist and bass guitarist to the progressive black metal band Borknagar, and the former bass guitarist and backing...
(Simen Hestnæs) – bass (1999–2009), clean vocals (1998–2009) - Nicholas BarkerNicholas BarkerNicholas Howard Barker is an extreme metal drummer .- Biography :He was the original drummer for British metal band Cradle of Filth, playing on the first three albums. After leaving in 1999, he joined Norwegian symphonic black metal band Dimmu Borgir...
– drums, percussion (1999–2005) - HellhammerJan Axel BlombergJan Axel "Hellhammer" Blomberg is a three time Spellemannprisen award-winning heavy metal drummer. He is most well known for his drumming with the band Mayhem, with which he began his career...
(Jan Axel Blomberg) – drums, percussion (2005–2007)
Session
- Jens Petter – lead guitars (1996–1997)
- Kimberly GossKimberly GossKimberly Goss is the vocalist and founding member of the Finnish band Sinergy.-Early life:She was born in Los Angeles to a Korean father and a German-American mother, who was a jazz singer...
– keyboards (1997–1998) - AggressorCarl-Michael EideCarl-Michael Eide is a Norwegian black metal musician, multi-instrumentalist , and vocalist. He is also known under stage names Aggressor, Czral and Exhurtum. He has played in various black metal and avant-garde metal bands...
(Carl-Michael Eide) – drums, percussion (1997) - Archon – lead guitars (2000)
- Reno KiilerichReno KiilerichReno Hilligsø Kiilerich - is a heavy metal drummer from Denmark. Kiilerich has played with such bands as Panzerchrist, Evil Morgan, Kobeast, 12Gauge, Chthonic, Downlord, Exmortem, Hate Eternal, Strangler, Old Man's Child, Vile, Human Erupt, and Dimmu Borgir.-References:...
– drums, percussion (2003–2004) - Tony LaureanoTony LaureanoTony Laureano is a heavy metal drummer originally from Puerto Rico. He has been playing for a number of metal bands including Dimmu Borgir, Nile, Angelcorpse, Malevolent Creation, God Dethroned, Acheron, Aurora Borealis, Belphegor, Nachtmystium, 1349 and Brujeria...
– drums, percussion (2004–2005, 2007–2008) - Secthdamon (Odd Tony Ingebrigtsen) – bass (2007)
- Snowy ShawSnowy ShawSnowy Shaw, born Tommie Helgesson in 25 July 1968, is a Swedish heavy metal musician , based in the port city of Gothenburg in the west coast of Sweden. He has played with many heavy metal bands, like King Diamond, Dream Evil, Mercyful Fate, IllWill, Notre Dame and Memento Mori...
(Tommie Helgesson) – bass, clean vocals (2010)