Dimmu Borgir | METALSITES.net

Biography

Dimmu Borgir is a melodic black metal band hailing from Norway. Shagrath, Silenoz and Tjodalv initiated the band in 1993. Shortly after, Brynjard Tristan joined to play bass, and Stian Aarstad joined for keyboard duties. Dimmu Borgir was born. They are a band which success is measured with such bands as Emperor, Kreator and Cradle of Filth. I will without a doubt say that Dimmu Borgir is the best black metal band in the world today (webmaster's comment).
Haunting keyboard melodies, aggressive guitar work, destructive drums, grim/raw vocals and a touch of melodic/operatic vocals characterize Dimmu Borgir's sound. They are musically inspired by 80's black metal and heavy metal. Classic composers, like Wagner and Dvorak, also inspire them.

Dimmu Borgir began their career by releasing a 7" EP entitled "Inn I Evighetens Morke" ("Into the Eternity of Darkness") on Necromantic Gallery Productions in 1994. It sold out within a few weeks, marking the start of a successful and magnificent band. Dimmu Borgir existed in the black metal scene for quite some time but did not get the recognition they deserved until late 1994, when they released their debut full length album "For All Tid"--a slow, dark and atmospheric recording--on No Colour Records. The album features contributions by Aldrahn from Dødheimsgard and Vicotnik from Ved Buens Ende. The lineup on their debut album was: Shagrath - Drums & Vocals (Guitar on track 5), Erkekjetter Silenoz - Guitar & Vocals, Tjodalv - Guitar, Brynjard Tristan - Bass, Stian Aarstad - Synthesizers, Piano & Effects.

In 1996 they released one of the most important albums in black metal history, "Stormblåst", on a new label, Cacophonous records. During that time period, this album showed that Dimmu Borgir was one of the better melodic black metal bands. They took a big step forwards, towards the distinctive sound in which Dimmu Borgir is known for today. Mature song writing, with good variance of tempos, a strong classical influence and one of the best black metal sounds out there. "Stormblåst" showed an increase in speed, yet maintained the melody and atmosphere. Lineup on this recording was: Shagrath - Lead Guitar & Vocals, Erkekjetter Silenoz - Rhythm Guitar & Vocals, Tjodalv - Drum & Percussion, Brynjard Tristan - Bass Guitar, Stian Aarstad - Synthesizers & Piano.

For the first two full lengths, Dimmu Borgir wrote their lyrics in Norwegian, however after the release of "Stormblåst", they changed the lyrics into English. The main reason was that the majority of the audience did not understand the lyrics and so Dimmu Borgir wanted use a popular language to communicate their message--to reach a broader audience.

Source: website

Dimmu = Foggy/dark
Borgir = Castle/fortress.