Published: April 24, 2026
The new single continues the rollout of the band’s upcoming studio album, expanding their symphonic black metal direction
DIMMU BORGIR have released the official video for “Ascent”, taken from their upcoming studio album “Grand Serpent Rising”, set for release via Nuclear Blast Records.
The track follows earlier material from the album, as previously reported by Rockum in Dimmu Borgir Share ‘Ulvgjeld & Blodsodel’ Video and Reveal ‘Grand Serpent Rising’ Album, continuing the band’s current release cycle.
“Ascent” presents a more direct and aggressive approach, emphasizing the band’s signature combination of symphonic elements and extreme metal intensity.
According to the band, the track reflects a darker and more forceful side of the album, highlighting the range between compositions within the record .
Lyrically, the song explores themes of transformation and inner evolution, framed through symbolic imagery connected to ascension and confrontation.
“Grand Serpent Rising” marks the band’s return with new material, recorded in Gothenburg in collaboration with producer Fredrik Nordström .
The album builds on the band’s established sound while expanding into a more intense and atmospheric direction, combining orchestral arrangements with extreme metal structures.
The recording process reunites DIMMU BORGIR with a producer associated with earlier releases such as:
“Puritanical Euphoric Misanthropia”
“Death Cult Armageddon”
The collaboration reinforces continuity in the band’s sonic identity while introducing new elements.
FORMATS
CD Jewelcase
2LP + 1CD Mediabook Edition
Gatefold Vinyl Editions (multiple variants)
LIVE — NORTH AMERICA 2026
August 7 — New York, NY — The Palladium
August 8 — Worcester, MA — The Palladium
August 10 — Toronto, ON — HISTORY
August 11 — Montreal, QC — MTelus
August 13 — Cleveland, OH — The Agora Theatre
August 14 — Chicago, IL — The Vic
August 15 — Minneapolis, MN — The Fillmore
August 18 — Denver, CO — The Mission Ballroom
August 21 — San Francisco, CA — The Warfield
August 23 — Los Angeles, CA — The Novo
TOUR — EUROPE / UK 2026
October 9 — Zurich, CH — Halle 622
October 10 — Zwickau, DE — Sparkassen-Arena
October 11 — Esch-sur-Alzette, LU — Rockhal
October 13 — Milan, IT — Alcatraz
October 14 — Munich, DE — Zenith
October 16 — Paris, FR — Zenith
October 17 — London, UK — Brixton Academy
October 18 — Den Bosch, NL — Mainstage
October 20 — Cologne, DE — Palladium
October 22 — Hamburg, DE — Inselpark Arena
October 23 — Berlin, DE — Columbiahalle
October 24 — Brno, CZ — Hala Vodova
October 27 — Helsinki, FI — Ice Hall
October 29 — Stockholm, SE — B-K
October 30 — Copenhagen, DK — K.B. Hallen
October 31 — Oslo, NO — Oslo Spektrum (“Unholy Halloween”)
LINEUP
Shagrath — Vocals
Silenoz — Guitars
Damage — Guitars
Victor — Bass
Gerlioz — Keyboards
Daray — Drums
With “Ascent,” DIMMU BORGIR continue introducing material from “Grand Serpent Rising”, presenting a more aggressive perspective within the album’s broader scope.
Written by Gino Alache – Music Journalist
Photo Credit: Stian Andersen
Watch “Ascent” below:
