Norwegian extreme metal titans announce May 22 release via Nuclear Blast, reveal North American tour and European co-headline run with Behemoth
Norwegian extreme metal titans ‘Dimmu Borgir‘ have unveiled “Ascent,” the second single from their long-awaited new studio album “Grand Serpent Rising,” set for release on May 22 via Nuclear Blast Records. The track arrives alongside a visually arresting music video that amplifies the song’s raw energy and atmospheric darkness.
Striking like lightning across a frozen northern sky, “Ascent” is described as a ferocious statement of intent, aggressive, vicious, and twistedly beautiful. The song delivers a chilling reminder that ‘Dimmu Borgir’ remain at the height of their powers, embodying the intensity, menace, and authenticity that have defined their legacy.
Vocalist Shagrath commented on the track: “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 expanded on the song’s lyrical themes: “‘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.’ – Nietzsche”
Returning to the studio in Gothenburg, the band once again joined forces 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.
The album will be available in multiple formats including CD jewelcase, 2LP plus 1CD 24-page mediabook with transparent green with black and white marble vinyl, 2LP gatefold black vinyl, 2LP gatefold dark green vinyl, 2LP gatefold gold vinyl (Norway exclusive), 2LP gatefold crystal clear vinyl (Sweden Rock exclusive), 2LP gatefold pearl flip waterfall vinyl, and 2LP gatefold gold with black marble vinyl (Revolver exclusive).
The Grand Serpent Rising North America 2026 tour marks the legendary return of ‘Dimmu Borgir’ to North American soil for their first headlining trek since 2018, featuring special guests ‘Hypocrisy‘, ‘Suffocation‘, and ‘Hulder‘.
Grand Serpent Rising North America 2026:
07 Aug 2026 New York, NY – The Palladium
08 Aug 2026 Worcester, MA – The Palladium
10 Aug 2026 Toronto, ON – HISTORY
11 Aug 2026 Montreal, QC – M Telus
13 Aug 2026 Cleveland, OH – The Agora Theatre
14 Aug 2026 Chicago, IL – The Vic
15 Aug 2026 Minneapolis, MN – The Fillmore
18 Aug 2026 Denver, CO – The Mission Ballroom
21 Aug 2026 San Francisco, CA – The Warfield
23 Aug 2026 Los Angeles, CA – The Novo
In October 2026, two of the most influential forces in extreme metal join together for a monumental live assault. ‘Dimmu Borgir’ and ‘Behemoth’ will embark on the “In League With Satan” co-headline tour, storming across Europe and the UK. Swedish black metal icons ‘Dark Funeral’ will add even more ferocity to the lineup as special guests.
IN LEAGUE WITH SATAN TOUR 2026
09 Oct 2026 – Zurich, Switzerland – Halle 622
10 Oct 2026 – Zwickau, Germany – Sparkassen-Arena Zwickau
11 Oct 2026 – Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg – Rockhal
13 Oct 2026 – Milan, Italy – Alcatraz
14 Oct 2026 – Munich, Germany – Zenith
16 Oct 2026 – Paris, France – Zenith
17 Oct 2026 London, UK – Brixton Academy
18 Oct 2026 – Den Bosch, Netherlands – Mainstage
20 Oct 2026 – Cologne, Germany – Palladium
22 Oct 2026 – Hamburg, Germany – Inselpark Arena
23 Oct 2026 – Berlin, Germany – Columbiahalle
24 Oct 2026 – Brno, Czech Republic – Hala Vodova
27 Oct 2026 – Helsinki, Finland – Ice Hall
29 Oct 2026 – Stockholm, Sweden – B-K
30 Oct 2026 – Copenhagen, Denmark – K.B. Hallen
The tour culminates with a monumental “Unholy Halloween” event on October 31 at Oslo Spektrum featuring special guests ‘Enslaved‘ and ‘Satyricon’, marking a historic night of Norwegian black metal.
‘Dimmu Borgir’ are: Shagrath – Vocals Silenoz – Guitars Damage – Guitars Victor – Bass Gerlioz – Keyboards Daray – Drums
