Who is Dimmu Borgir

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Dimmu Borgir (pronounced Dim-moo-bore-gear, ) is a black metal band from Norway. "Dimmu Borgir" means "Dark Cities" or "Dark Fortresses" in Icelandic and Old Norse; the name is derived from a volcanic formation found in Iceland, Dimmuborgir.

Dimmu Borgir started as a melodic black metal band in 1993. Formed by Shagrath, Silenoz, and Tjodalv, the band released an EP in 1994 entitled Inn I Evighetens Mørke (in English:"Into The Darkness of Eternity"). This short EP sold out within weeks, and the band followed up with the 1994 full length album For All Tid. This album featured musical contributions by members of Dødheimsgard and Ved Buens Ende. The initial lineup consisted of Shagrath playing drums with Tjodalv on guitar and Silenoz covering vocals, however this changed before the release of Stormblåst (translates to "Storm Blown") on Cacophonous Records in 1996. Stormblåst received high praise from many melodic black metal fans, and is often regarded as a highlight of the band's career. It is also the last album which features all lyrics written and sung in Norwegian.

After Stormblåst, Dimmu Borgir's lineup took a sharp turn. Keyboardist Stian Aarstad left the band due to his obligation to serve in the Norwegian army, thus being unable to participate in the 1996 recording of Devil's Path. That period was also marked by the leave of their bassist Brynjard Tristan and the arrival of Nagash. Stian Aarstad returned for the recording of 1997's Enthrone Darkness Triumphant. While on tour to support the album, he had trouble attending rehearsals and being on tour, and was subsequently fired. Enthrone Darkness Triumphant was a huge success for the band, and was their first release signed to Nuclear Blast, a well-known German record label. The album was recorded in the Abyss Studios, owned by Hypocrisy's frontman Peter Tägtgren.

After the tour for Enthrone Darkness Triumphant, the band recruited new members Mustis on keyboards and Astennu on second guitar, for Shagrath to concentrate on vocals. Dimmu Borgir's following full-length albums Spiritual Black Dimensions in 1999 and 2001's Puritanical Euphoric Misanthropia, both met critical acclaim.

Despite regular video play on MTV2 and Fuse TV that their follow-up album would receive, the band has stated that they are not "commercially-oriented," and instead, they 'simply wish to spread their message to more people'. In 2003, Dimmu Borgir used their major record label financial leverage to record an album titled Death Cult Armageddon. Sections of the album were recorded with the Prague Philharmonic Orchestra to enhance the classical arrangements which have always augmented the band's style. In 2004, Dimmu Borgir headlined Ozzfest.

In 2005, the band did a complete re-recording of the Stormblåst album, featuring Hellhammer of Mayhem fame as the session drummer.

Dimmu Borgir's new album, In Sorte Diaboli, was released April 24, 2007. A special edition version comes in a boxed case with a DVD, backward lyrics and a mirror. The album artwork was released on February 14, 2007 on a promotional webpage for the album. This album features the drumming of Hellhammer (Mayhem), who had to leave the band in mid tour (2007) because of a neck injury, resulting in limited movement of his right arm. With the release of this album, Dimmu Borgir became the first black metal band with a number one album in their native country.

Shagrath (Stian Thoresen) - vocals, guitar, bass guitar, drums, keyboards, synth (1993-present)
Silenoz (Sven Atle Kopperud) - guitar (1993-present)
Mustis (Øyvind Mustaparta) - keyboards, synth, drums (1998-present)
ICS Vortex (Simen Hestnæs) - bass guitar, clean vocals (1999-present)
Galder (Thomas Rune Andersen) - guitar (2000-present)
Hellhammer (Jan Axel Blomberg) - drums (2005-on hiatus)

Former Members:
Stian Aarstad - keyboard (1993-1997)
Tjodalv (Kenneth Åkesson) - drums (1993-1999)
Brynjard Tristan (Ivar Tristan Lundsten) - bass guitar (1994-1996)
Nagash (Stian Arnesen) - bass guitar (1996-1999)
Jens Peter - guitar (live) (1996 - 1997)
Kimberly Goss - keyboard (live) (1997-1998)
Astennu (Jamie Stinson) - guitar (1997-1999)
Aggressor (Carl-Michael Eide) - drums (live) (1997)
Nicholas Barker - drums (1999-2004)
Reno Kiilerich - drums (live) (2004)

In 1994, the band recorded their now-classic debut full-length, "For All Tid", followed two years later by one of the most important albums in Black Metal history, "Stormblåst". Album number two instantly turned DIMMU BORGIR into the hottest Black Metal Underground act with its mature songwriting, tempo variances, strong classical influences and overall unique sound.

The "Devil's Path" MCD was next, before the recording sessions for a true and immortal melodic Black Metal masterpiece commenced. "Enthrone Darkness Triumphant" was produced by Peter Tagtgren (Hypocrisy) and released in 1997. The band`s Nuclear Blast debut marked their big international breakthrough achieving chart entries all over the world and playing the huge European music festivals such as Dynamo Open Air and Wacken Open Air.

Shortly following their world tour for "Enthroned Darkness Triumphant", DIMMU BORGIR recorded the "Godless Savage Garden" MCD to hold fans over while waiting for the next full-length, "Spiritual Black Dimensions". This one was unleashed in March 1999, taking record stores by storm and proving yet again that DIMMU BORGIR are the kings of the dark throne.

With a new-formed line-up, consisting of Shagrath (vocals), Silenoz (guitar), Vortex (bass & vocals), Galder (guitar), Mustis (keyboard) and Nick Barker (drums), Dimmu Borgir entered Sweden's Fredman Studio in Fall 2000 to record their highly anticipated album "Puritanical Euphoric Misanthropia". Once again the band created a masterpiece in aggressive music with outstanding atmosphere and audibly evil songs. 2003`s "Death Cult Armageddon" even outdid that high level. This opus set a new standard for Black Metal with its complexity, brutality and catchy feel. The majestic orchestral parts on the record remain unchallenged in Black Metal history to this very day.

In 2005, the band decided to fully re-record the classic "Stormblåst", since this fan favourite lacked appropriate sound and arrangements in the eyes of the DIMMU BORGIR guys. Living legend Hellhammer (MAYHEM) joined them on drums for this occasion - and he is also part of "In Sorte Diaboli".

Combining all DIMMU BORGIR trademarks such as brutal highspeed parts, catchy hooks, ethereal melodies and complex song arrangements, "In Sorte Diaboli" certainly was worth the wait. Recorded in the famous Fredman Studios, this album will certainly see the band grow larger than life and definitely larger than Black Metal itself!