Dimmu Borgir unleash ferocious new single "Ascent"

Norwegian extreme metal titans Dimmu Borgir have officially announced their long-awaited new studio album, “Grand Serpent Rising”, set for release on the 22nd May via Nuclear Blast Records.

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.

Today, Dimmu Borgir unveil the second single from the album: 'Ascent'. Striking like lightning across a frozen northern sky, the song is a ferocious statement of intent - aggressive, vicious, and twistedly beautiful. Ascent 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.

The track arrives alongside a visually arresting, “in your face” music video that amplifies the song’s raw energy and atmospheric darkness. You can stream Ascent now on your preferred platform HERE, and watch the official video on YouTube below:

Shagrath comments 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."

Silenoz adds: "'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

The new album “Grand Serpent Rising” is out on 22nd May via Nuclear Blast Records and will be available in a number of formats as follows:

CD Jewelcase

2LP + 1CD, 24-Page Mediabook, Transparent Green with Black + 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
2LP Gatefold Gold with Black Marble Vinyl (Revolver Exclusive)

It is available to pre-order / pre-save now HERE.

And 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. As special guests, the Swedish black metal icons Dark Funeral will add even more ferocity to an already devastating lineup.

’In League With Satan’ European 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