Norwegian extreme metal legends Dimmu Borgir have officially announced their long-awaited new studio album, Grand Serpent Rising, set for release on May 22 via Nuclear Blast.
Returning to the studio in Gothenburg, the band once again teamed up with acclaimed producer Fredrik Nordström, the mastermind behind some of DIMMU BORGIR’s most revered works, including Puritanical Euphoric Misanthropia and Death Cult Armageddon. The result is a record that captures the band’s signature blend of symphonic grandeur and unrelenting aggression while pushing their sound into darker, more commanding territory.
Today, DIMMU BORGIR unveil the second single from the album, “Ascent”. Striking like lightning across a frozen northern sky, the track is a statement of intent—aggressive, vicious, and twistedly beautiful. It serves as a chilling reminder that DIMMU BORGIR remain at the height of their powers, embodying the intensity, menace, and authenticity that have defined their legacy.
The song arrives alongside a visually arresting, in-your-face music video that amplifies its raw energy and atmospheric darkness.
Watch the video for “Ascent”:
Listen to “Ascent” on all platforms
Pre-order Grand Serpent Rising
Frontman Shagrath comments:
“Musically, ‘Ascent’ is more ferocious and direct than the first single, ‘Ulvgjeld & Blodsødel.’ Together, the two tracks showcase the musical scope of the album in a great way. From the outset, we’ve said that Grand Serpent Rising stands as one of our most diverse records to date, and these songs underline exactly that.”
Guitarist Silenoz adds:
“‘Ascent’ is about the grand serpent rising through your spinal cord. It is not a pretty experience but it is a necessary one—in order to reach higher consciousness and levels of understanding. It’s a voyage of transformation and surrender.
‘Only he who knows fear but overcomes it can be fearless; he who sees the abyss with pride. He who sees the abyss with eagle eyes; he who grasps the abyss with eagle claws; he is courageous.’ — Friedrich Nietzsche”
Grand Serpent Rising will be available in multiple formats, including CD, deluxe mediabook editions, and a wide range of limited vinyl variants.
The band will also return to North America for their first headlining tour since 2018, joined by Hypocrisy, Suffocation, and Hulder.
Grand Serpent Rising North America 2026 Tour Dates:
- Aug 07 – New York, NY – The Palladium
- Aug 08 – Worcester, MA – The Palladium
- Aug 10 – Toronto, ON – HISTORY
- Aug 11 – Montreal, QC – M Telus
- Aug 13 – Cleveland, OH – The Agora Theatre
- Aug 14 – Chicago, IL – The Vic
- Aug 15 – Minneapolis, MN – The Fillmore
- Aug 18 – Denver, CO – The Mission Ballroom
- Aug 21 – San Francisco, CA – The Warfield
- Aug 23 – Los Angeles, CA – The Novo
Tickets and more info:
www.dimmu-borgir.com/tour