The Serpent Still Reigns: Dimmu Borgir's "Grand Serpent Rising" Delivers Wicked Majesty
For years, Dimmu Borgir has occupied a unique throne in the symphonic black metal landscape, a place where darkness is not just embraced, but orchestrated with a wicked, almost regal, contempt. It's this potent blend of grandeur and melodrama that initially captivated me and has kept me invested through the notoriously long stretches between their releases. Since their inception in 1993, Shagrath and Silenoz have masterfully woven the raw ferocity of second-wave black metal with melodies that evoke a haunting beauty, creating an emotional tapestry that few can replicate. The addition of Galder on lead guitar for a significant quarter-century only seemed to solidify this winning formula. However, with Galder's recent departure in 2024 to return to Old Man's Child, a crucial question arises: can the core duo still conjure that signature magic on "Grand Serpent Rising," or are we facing a pale imitation?
What makes Dimmu Borgir truly special, in my opinion, is their ability to present extravagant theatricality through the stark lens of black metal. "Grand Serpent Rising" is absolutely drenched in this, offering haunting atmospheres and lush orchestrations that feel both intentional and deeply ingrained. Since "Death Cult Armageddon," their symphonic elements have become increasingly dominant, carving out a distinct sonic territory that hovers between the grim intensity of Gorgoroth and the epic scope of Nightwish. While they share a penchant for the baroque with bands like Cradle of Filth, Dimmu Borgir's approach, from my perspective, is one of nuanced sophistication rather than mere garish excess. This latest offering feels like the culmination of their efforts over the past two decades, with Galder's absence seemingly prompting a more deliberate and intricate arrangement of their sound. Thankfully, it builds upon the strengths that have defined their recent success, digging into textural depths and refining the interplay of instruments in a way that "Eonian" perhaps didn't quite reach.
One thing that immediately stands out on "Grand Serpent Rising" is the sheer sonic quality. While Shagrath and Silenoz carry much of the performance load, a few key guests elevate the album significantly, making it one of Dimmu Borgir's best-sounding records to date. The drumming, for instance, feels revitalized. Longtime session and live drummer Daray receives a fantastic boost, with the natural timbres and resonances of his drumheads leaping out of the mix, providing a thunderous dimension that was somewhat lacking on "Eonian." Tracks like "The Qryptfarer" and "Phantom of the Nemesis" truly benefit from this. Furthermore, the orchestrations and keyboards are far more integrated here, feeling less like an add-on and more like an essential thread woven into the fabric of the songs, especially in the absence of Galder's intricate lead work. This doesn't mean the guitars are relegated to the background, mind you. Silenoz and Kjell ‘Damage’ Karlsen (from Chrome Division) deliver performances filled with conviction, whether they're executing soaring melodies like in "Slik Minnes en Alkymist," conjuring crystalline clean passages in "As Seen in the Unseen," or unleashing blistering trem-picked assaults. Shagrath, too, delivers his signature croaks and croons, offering one of the more accessible vocal styles within the black metal genre.
Despite these triumphs, a few familiar quibbles do linger. At sixty-nine minutes, "Grand Serpent Rising" certainly sprawls. Personally, I think this length could have been slightly trimmed. While the album is dynamic and intricate enough that it rarely feels truly repetitive, a reduction of about ten minutes might have sharpened its overall impact. The sheer complexity of the arrangements, while rewarding for dedicated listeners who delve deep over multiple listens, could also present a hurdle for those with shorter attention spans. However, these are minor points when weighed against the sheer triumph Dimmu Borgir achieves here.
Ultimately, "Grand Serpent Rising" is an album that refines Dimmu Borgir's established sound rather than attempting a radical reinvention. If you've followed their recent work and formed an opinion, this album likely won't sway you in a new direction. Instead, it serves as a powerful testament to their enduring skill in crafting opulent symphonic black metal, regardless of the time between releases or significant personnel shifts. Dimmu Borgir endures, and for anyone not philosophically opposed to flamboyant black metal, "Grand Serpent Rising" is a compelling invitation to be stimulated and captivated. What this really suggests is that the core vision of Dimmu Borgir remains incredibly potent, and they are masters at evolving their sound while staying true to their dark, majestic roots. It makes me wonder what further depths they might explore in the future, now that they've so expertly navigated this transition.
