Dimmu Borgir

Dimmu Borgir started as a Satanic melodic black metal band in 1993. Formed by Shagrath, Silenoz, and Tjodalv, the band released an EP in 1994 entitled Inn i evighetens mørke ("Into the Darkness of Eternity" in English). This short EP sold out within weeks, and the band followed up with the 1994 full length album For all tid ('For all Time' in English) This album featured vocal contributions by Vicotnik of Ved Buens Ende and Dødheimsgard and Aldrahn of Dødheimsgard and Zyklon-B. The initial lineup consisted of Shagrath playing drums with Tjodalv on guitar and Silenoz contributing backing vocals. This line-up changed before the release of Stormblåst (translates to "Storm Blown") on Cacophonous Records in 1996. Stormblåst received high praise from many melodic black metal fans, and is often regarded as a highlight of the band's career[citation needed]. It is also the last album which features all lyrics written and sung in Norwegian.

After Stormblåst, Keyboardist Stian Aarstad left the band due to his obligation to serve in the Norwegian army, thus being unable to participate in the 1996 recording of Devil's Path. That period was also marked by the departure of bassist Brynjard Tristan and the arrival of Nagash. Stian Aarstad returned for the recording of 1997's Enthrone Darkness Triumphant. While on tour to support the album, he had trouble attending rehearsals and being on tour, and was subsequently fired[citation needed]. Enthrone Darkness Triumphant was a huge success for the band, and was their first release signed to Nuclear Blast, a German record label. The album was recorded in the Abyss Studios, owned by Hypocrisy's frontman Peter Tägtgren
Dimmu Borgir is scheduled to release their ninth studio album in 2010.Silenoz explained that the growing periods of time between albums was because the band had stopped writing music while touring, which affected the quality of the music. He said the new album will have an "eerie and haunting feel to it," further describing the material as "epic," "primal," atmospheric and ambient.

A promotional image released with the statement showed Shagrath returning to the keyboards.

In April 2010, Galder gave an interview to Kerrang! When asked about possible new members of the band, he stated: "We're pretty close with like all of the musicians in the heavy metal scene. I'd personally like a real fast drummer like Emilio Márquez (Sadistic Intent) or Tim Yeung (Divine Heresy) but we'll have to see. And with regards to bass, anyone who really wants the job!"