Review by Shadowdoom9 (Andi) for Dimmu Borgir - Grand Serpent Rising (2026)
Black metal is a genre which may be problematic for the more conservative listeners due to its anti-religious satanic lyrical themes. However, if any open-minded metalhead can give it a try, they're bound to get some rewards from the music. Dimmu Borgir is known to some as the go-to band for starting their black metal journey.
I've barely had any experience with Dimmu Borgir, and I didn't dare to because... well, black metal. They've always have been. More specifically symphonic black metal. Upon listening to their new album Grand Serpent Rising, I gotta say, it's very strong! And the emphasis on symphonics and a bit of classic heavy metal elements almost makes it Guardians-worthy. When the symphonic are blended with the guitars and drums, it's more than just symphonic black metal. It's an amazing cinematic experience!
"Tridentium" is the 4-minute intro. Despite being a little long for an intro, the dramatic orchestration leading into the metal instrumentation should get you pumped. The furious "Ascent" is a killer start to the symphonic black metal action. The raspy harsh vocals are accompanied by fast guitars and drums, even having some shredtastic soloing. Variation can be heard in the different moods and pacing. Very well done! The different elements each have their own standing point in the 7-minute "As Seen in the Unseen". Then "The Qryptfarer" has some early black metal from Celtic Frost, blended with the deathly progressiveness of later Job for a Cowboy, plus more symphonics.
When I first heard "Ulvgjeld & Blodsodel", i thought it started underwhelming, though it gets better as it goes on. "Repository of Divine Transmutation" is another highlight that builds up throughout all the way to the climax. Another special track, "Slik Minnes en Alkymist" has a hard rock-sounding intro that then paves the way for dark epicness, especially in the chorus and bridge. The song's lyrics are all in Norwegian. That and its heavier yet atmospheric sound may have some think of their first two albums that were entirely in Norwegian. Incredible symphonics, never too overpowering! "Phantom of the Nemesis" cranks up the dark symphonics expected in Guardians bands like Nightwish and Powerwolf. "The Exonerated" punches through with a more straight sound.
Then comes "Recognizant" which may just be the best song of the album. The blend of aggression and epicness is on point, and that's what I've heard this band has in albums like Death Cult Armageddon, which I should check out later. In saying that, choirs don't appear much, which I'm OK with, since too much of that would've ruined the broth. The tempo is sometimes lower to counterbalance with the speed, and there's also atmospheric piano, memorable guitarwork, and eerie vocals that are sometimes spoken. Everything's rightly balanced in that majestic song. "At the Precipice of Convergence" is a little more deathly with the symphonics of Starkill and the progressiveness of Obscura. "Shadows of a Thousand Perceptions" also has some deathly progressiveness from Pestilence, but their symphonic black metal sound is still around. The band ends this part of their journey with the 4-minute outro, "Gjoll". It's one of the best instrumentals I've heard in this genre, and well-deserving of a highlight.
Symphonic black metal is best executed when majesty is blended equally with aggression, with some bits of heavy/death/progressive metal here and there. I might just be up to checking out Dimmu Borgir earlier material at some point to give more justice to their legacy. Give this album a spin and be rewarded just like I have!
Favorites: "Ascent", "As Seen in the Unseen", "Repository of Divine Transmutation", "Slik Minnes en Alkymist", "Phantom of the Nemesis", "Recognizant", "Gjoll"