After eight long years, Dimmu Borgir have risen once again.
With Grand Serpent Rising set for release on May 22 via Nuclear Blast Records, the Norwegian titans aren’t just returning — they’re delivering one of the most expansive and deliberate records of their career. Across 13 tracks, the band explores everything from their rawer roots to their more cinematic, symphonic heights, creating what feels like a culmination of every era they’ve built.
I caught up with guitarist Silenoz to talk about the long road to the new album, the band’s creative process, and why sometimes… perfection just takes time.
“It Just Takes the Time It Takes”
For fans, the gap between Eonian and Grand Serpent Rising has felt massive. For the band, it’s just part of the process.
“We sure take our time,” Silenoz admits. “But that’s just how we make songs. It’s about perfecting every little detail — and that takes as long as it takes.”
While the timeline stretches back to writing sessions in 2018 and 2019, the creative process was anything but linear. Like many artists, the band worked in waves — periods of intense creativity followed by time away, letting ideas breathe before returning to refine them.
And refine they did.
“We go back, tweak things, edit… nothing is finished until the master is sent off. You can change things right up until the last minute.”
A More Organic, Raw Approach
One of the biggest surprises on Grand Serpent Rising is how it feels — less polished in the modern sense, but more alive.
Rather than leaning fully into layered orchestration, the band intentionally pulled things back in places to create something more dynamic.
“We wanted it to sound as organic as possible,” Silenoz explains. “Like a band playing together in the studio.”
That meant actually rehearsing and jamming the songs — something that’s becoming increasingly rare in the digital age.
“We made sure everything sits right — the tempo, the feeling. It has to hit you in the body.”
The result is an album that breathes. Where some moments explode with symphonic grandeur, others strip things back to something far more immediate and raw — giving the entire record a stronger sense of movement and contrast.
A Album That Spans Every Era
If Grand Serpent Rising feels like a journey, that’s because it was designed that way.
“There are hints of the early albums, the mid-era, and the newer stuff,” Silenoz says. “It captures the whole sound of the band.”
That sense of identity was key. Even with new twists and evolving ideas, the goal wasn’t to reinvent Dimmu Borgir — it was to refine and expand what they already are.
And with 13 tracks to work with, the band had more than enough material to shape that vision.
“We could have done a double album,” he reveals. “But it’s not about quantity — it’s about quality.”
Built Like a Movie
Listening front to back, Grand Serpent Rising feels almost cinematic in structure — something Silenoz confirms wasn’t accidental.
From its brooding intro to the explosive early tracks, through shifting tempos and moods, and into a powerful closing section, the album unfolds with intent.
Even choosing the track order proved to be one of the biggest challenges.
“It was difficult to even decide on a first single,” he says. “We had so many options.”
Instead of playing it safe, the band leaned into unpredictability — releasing a track that throws listeners straight into the deep end, rather than easing them in.
No Social Media, No Noise
In a world where bands are more online than ever, Silenoz has taken the opposite approach — stepping away from social media entirely.
“I haven’t been on it for six or seven years,” he says.
Rather than engaging digitally, he prefers real-world interaction.
“When I’m on tour, I’m there for the fans. That’s where I connect — face to face.”
It’s a mindset that feels increasingly rare, but one that aligns perfectly with the band’s philosophy: authenticity over convenience.
Australia… It’s Coming
For Australian fans, there’s good news — even if patience is still required.
While a return isn’t locked in for 2026, plans are already in motion for the near future.
“It’s in the works,” Silenoz confirms. “Hopefully sooner rather than later. We’ve always loved it there.”
Considering the band’s history with Australian audiences, it’s a return that feels long overdue.
A Band Still Evolving After 30 Years
More than three decades into their career, Dimmu Borgir aren’t slowing down — they’re refining.
“We’ve achieved things we never even dreamed of,” Silenoz reflects. “But to still be able to do this, uncompromisingly, that means everything.”
And with Grand Serpent Rising, that uncompromising vision is clearer than ever.
Whether you connect with it instantly or it takes time to fully sink in, one thing is certain — this is a record built to last.
Final Thoughts
With Grand Serpent Rising, Dimmu Borgir haven’t just returned — they’ve delivered a statement.
It’s heavier in places, more restrained in others, and ultimately more dynamic because of it. A record that respects their past while pushing forward, without ever losing sight of what makes the band who they are.
And if there’s one takeaway from this conversation, it’s simple:
Good things take time — and this one was worth the wait.
Pre-order the album
https://dimmuborgir.bfan.link/grandserpentrising
