Dimmu Borgir finally working on new album, says Silenoz

During this year’s Wacken Open Air festival in Germany, Dimmu Borgir guitarist Silenoz confirmed that the band is finally working on new material. The upcoming release will be their first studio album since 2018’s “Eonian”, and according to Silenoz, the creative process is in full swing. While the band is known for taking its time, he emphasized that eventually, every song has to be let go and sent out into the world—no matter how long they’ve lived with it.

Silenoz detailed their meticulous process, saying that the band crafts demos down to the smallest little detail, living with the songs for months or even years and tweaking them until they’re dialed before entering the studio. When asked about creative leadership in the group, he noted that he and frontman Shagrath align on nearly everything, sharing drive and respect for the band’s legacy. If tough decisions arise, they make them together.

This upcoming album marks a turning point in the lineup. In June 2025, the band officially welcomed guitarist Kjell Åge “Damage” Karlsen—best known from Chrome Division—as a permanent member, and he made his live debut with the band in Oslo on June 27 at Tons of Rock. His arrival follows the departure of longtime guitarist Galder, who played his final show in August 2024 at Dynamo Metal Fest in Eindhoven before stepping away to relaunch his Old Man’s Child project.

Currently Dimmu Borgir is officially a duo—Shagrath on vocals and Silenoz on rhythm guitar—supported by session and touring musicians: Daray on drums (since 2008), Gerlioz on keyboards (since 2010), Victor Brandt on bass (since 2018), and Karlsen on guitar (since 2025).

Their previous studio album “Eonian” came out in 2018, ending an eight-year gap after “Abrahadabra” (2010) and marking the band’s 25th anniversary. In December 2023, the band released a covers collection called “Inspiratio Profanus” via Nuclear Blast, featuring interpretations of songs by Venom, Deep Purple, Twisted Sister, and Celtic Frost among others.

Silenoz stressed that while fans are eager, the band insists on taking the time necessary to get it right. The careful preparation, new lineup, and their shared dedication suggest that this next release could be one of Dimmu Borgir’s most refined efforts yet.