Dimmu Borgir’s ‘Inspiratio Profanus’ Marks Prelude to a New Album

Dimmu Borgir, the renowned symphonic black metal ensemble formed in 1993 in Jessheim, Norway, has remained a significant force in the metal scene through its innovative fusion of dark melodies and symphonic opulence. Despite the anticipation surrounding their new original material, it has been a considerable period since their last studio album featuring original compositions, ‘Eonian,’ was released in 2018. This hiatus has left fans and critics alike pondering the reasons behind the delay in unveiling fresh compositions¹.

In a revealing discussion with Silenoz, a pivotal figure within the band, he shed light on the philosophical and artistic considerations guiding Dimmu Borgir’s approach to music production. He articulated a steadfast refusal to succumb to the pressures of rapid content creation that characterize today’s music industry. Instead of following a formulaic path to replicate past successes, such as potentially producing ‘Enthrone Darkness Triumphant: Part Two,’ Dimmu Borgir prioritizes artistic integrity and innovation. Silenoz emphasized the band’s commitment to challenging themselves creatively rather than exploiting their legacy for immediate gains, stating, “But that is not how we have worked ever; we never compromise, and we always take the time we feel is needed to finish an album.”

In the annals of symphonic black metal, Dimmu Borgir stands as a colossus, merging the ferocity of black metal with the majesty of symphonic elements to craft a sound uniquely their own. Hailing from Jessheim, Norway, and founded in 1993 by the visionary trio of Shagrath, Silenoz, and Tjodalv, the band’s name, Dimmu Borgir, originates from a volcanic formation in Iceland, translating to “dark cities” or “dark castles/fortresses” in Icelandic, Faroese, and Old Norse. This name aptly captures the essence of their music: a grandiose landscape of dark, mystical themes and powerful melodies.

Dimmu Borgir’s discography is a testament to their evolution and significant influence on the genre. Their music is characterized by a blend of aggressive metal with orchestral and melodic elements. Throughout their career, they have undergone several transformations, with each album marking a distinct phase in their artistic journey.

The band’s foray into the black metal realm commenced with the issuance of their EP, ‘Inn I Evighetens Mørke’ (‘Into the Darkness of Eternity’), on December 17th, 1994, via No Colours Records. This inaugural release delineated their foundational sound, imbued with the rawness and atmospheric nuances characteristic of early black metal. Comprising two tracks, the EP displayed a promising amalgamation of grim melodies and haunting ambiance.

Following closely, ‘For all tid,’ released on December 4th, 1994, also through No Colours Records, marked their first full-length endeavor. The album expanded upon the themes and sound introduced in their EP, offering a collection of tracks that combined harsh black metal elements with melodic undertones. Notable for its use of clean vocals and keyboards, ‘For all tid’ hinted at the symphonic direction the band would later fully embrace. This debut album further cemented their presence in the genre, showcasing a sound that adeptly merged abrasive, aggressive elements with melodic interludes. The involvement of distinguished figures such as Vicotnik from Ved Buens Ende and Dødheimsgard, alongside Aldrahn of Dødheimsgard and Zyklon-B, significantly contributed to the early works, heralding the band’s evolutionary path.

Dimmu Borgir significantly shifted with ‘Stormblåst,’ released on January 25th, 1996, through Cacophonous Records. This album marked a pivotal moment in their evolution, being the last to feature lyrics entirely in Norwegian. It is often heralded as one of their finest works, bridging their raw black metal roots with a more refined and symphonic approach. ‘Stormblåst’ was the first in their discography to incorporate extensive use of classical instruments and synthesizers, enhancing their music’s atmospheric and melodic aspects.

The release of ‘Enthrone Darkness Triumphant’ on May 30th, 1997, through Nuclear Blast Records, marked a significant turning point for the band, propelling them to international acclaim. This album, recorded at Abyss Studios by producer Peter Tägtgren, signified a shift toward a more symphonic sound that would define their subsequent works. For the first time, the album featured lyrics in English, broadening their appeal to a global audience. The introduction of clean choral passages, a more polished production, and full orchestration established ‘Enthrone Darkness Triumphant’ as a hallmark in the symphonic black metal genre.

However, this deviation from the genre’s orthodox roots was not without detractors. Purists within the black metal community accused Dimmu Borgir of commercialization, arguing that their polished production values and incorporation of symphonic elements diluted the genre’s inherently raw and nihilistic ethos.

The period following ‘Enthrone Darkness Triumphant’ saw the band undergoing several lineup changes, with Shagrath and Silenoz remaining as the core members, joined by Galder as a longstanding member. Despite these changes, Dimmu Borgir continued to push musical boundaries, releasing critically acclaimed albums such as ‘Puritanical Euphoric Misanthropia’ and ‘Death Cult Armageddon,’ which saw the band refine their sound, incorporating even more sophisticated orchestral elements and cleaner production.

‘Spiritual Black Dimensions,’ released on March 2nd, 1999, saw further expansion of their sound. The album introduced more complex compositions, greater use of keyboards, and the addition of female vocals, adding depth to the band’s already rich sonic palette. The lyrical themes delved into mysticism and darkness, complementing the increasingly sophisticated music.

With ‘Puritanical Euphoric Misanthropia,’ released on March 20th, 2001, Dimmu Borgir embraced a more aggressive and technical style. This album marked the first time the band recorded with an actual orchestra, the Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra, integrating orchestral arrangements seamlessly with their black metal roots. The album’s complexity and dynamic range showcased the band’s growing ambition and mastery over their craft.

‘Death Cult Armageddon,’ released on September 9th, 2003, further solidified Dimmu Borgir’s reputation by pushing the boundaries of symphonic black metal. Recording with the Prague Philharmonic Orchestra, the band delivered an epic and cinematic sound, with tracks like ‘Progenies of the Great Apocalypse’ becoming anthems of the genre, featuring grandiose orchestration alongside the band’s signature aggressive metal.

‘In Sorte Diaboli,’ released on April 23rd, 2007, marked a significant moment in the band’s discography as a concept album that narrated a protagonist’s journey through spiritual and physical darkness. Distinguished by its integration of symphonic elements with black metal, the album emphasized storytelling and thematic cohesion, further augmented by the collaboration with the Norwegian Broadcasting Orchestra and Schola Cantorum choir. This approach showcased the band’s technical prowess and willingness to experiment and underscored its dedication to sonic evolution and narrative depth.

The ambition and experimentation evident in ‘In Sorte Diaboli’ continued from their previous work, ‘Death Cult Armageddon,’ and contributed to the album’s success, culminating in it topping the charts in Norway. However, the band’s journey was not without its challenges. In 2009, the departure of ICS Vortex and Mustis, marred by public disputes over songwriting credits and financial compensation, highlighted internal tensions. These events underscored the difficulties inherent in maintaining a cohesive vision amidst evolving artistic ambitions and personalities, demonstrating the complexities of navigating success and collaboration in the music industry.

‘Abrahadabra,’ released on September 22nd, 2010, represented a period of transition and renewal for the band, featuring extensive lineup changes. Inspired by Aleister Crowley’s magical formula, the album’s title hinted at its thematic exploration of transformation and chaos. Musically, it was among their most orchestral works, heavily featuring choir and orchestral arrangements, crafted to symbolize a rebirth of the band’s sound and identity.

‘Abrahadabra’ was followed by performances with full symphony orchestras, including a landmark show at the Oslo Spectrum and the Wacken Open Air festival, highlighting Dimmu Borgir’s ability to bridge the worlds of black metal and classical music.

After an eight-year hiatus, ‘Eonian,’ released on May 4th, 2018, marked the band’s 25th anniversary. The album culminated their musical evolution, blending their trademark symphonic black metal style with thematic elements exploring the illusion of time and the eternal. ‘Eonian’ used choirs and orchestral elements to create a timeless and atmospheric sound, reflecting the band’s legacy while looking forward to the future.

In the interim, Dimmu Borgir has yet to leave their audience with new material. The band announced the release of ‘Inspiratio Profanus’ on December 8th, 2023, a cover album that pays homage to their musical influences while showcasing Dimmu Borgir’s unique interpretive flair. The album features diverse covers, including their rendition of Deep Purple’s ‘Perfect Strangers,’ which Silenoz describes as a blend of respect for the original and Dimmu Borgir’s distinctive twist. This project serves as a bridge between releases and a celebration of the band’s 30th anniversary, reflecting on the artists that have shaped their musical journey.

Their lyrical themes, exploring satanism, misanthropy, and the occult, remain deeply entrenched in black metal’s ideological foundations. Nevertheless, their approach to these themes is often more theatrical and metaphorical, leveraging allegory and narrative to probe the darkness of the human condition rather than advocating for literal interpretation.

As Dimmu Borgir continues to work on their tenth studio album, their legacy as innovators within symphonic black metal remains unchallenged. Their journey, characterized by a constant evolution of sound and a willingness to explore new musical landscapes, underscores their significance in the genre.

Overall, Dimmu Borgir’s musical and thematic evolution reflects the changing dynamics within the band and their pioneering spirit in blending the raw energy of black metal with the grandeur of symphonic music. Their narrative, filled with achievements and controversies, encapsulates the complex essence of their artistry, underscoring their indelible mark on the music world.

Dimmu Borgir’s narrative is of perseverance, artistic integrity, and the relentless pursuit of musical evolution. From their inception in the Norwegian black metal scene to their status as genre pioneers, the band has consistently challenged conventions, blending dark, atmospheric elements with symphonic grandeur, and ss Dimmu Borgir prepares to unveil their next chapter, the anticipation for what lies ahead is a testament to their enduring impact and the depth of their artistic vision.

1. de Borba, Alex. “Dimmu Borgir’s ‘Inspiratio Profanus’ Marks Prelude to a New Album” Atmostfear Entertainment, Edition 13, Issue 161, March 12, 2024. ↩︎