Single Slam – Interdimensional Summit by Dimmu Borgir (Eonian)

In the year that marks the 25th anniversary of the band, Norwegian symphonic black metallers Dimmu Borgir have released their first piece of new music in 8 years. That comes in the form of a single, Interdimensional Summit. Interdimensional Summit will feature on the band’s tenth studio album, Eonian.

Eonian is due for release on the 4th of May via Nuclear Blast Records. Lead vocalist Shagrath says “Eonian represents the illusion of time, everything that is and always has been. For us, it also marks the 25th anniversary of Dimmu Borgir and the album itself is a tribute to our own history and the Norwegian black metal history”.

The last album released by Dimmu Borgir was 2010’s Abrahadabra. A solid album, but one that saw the band switch their sound up a little with a heavier focus on orchestral arrangements and lyrics that in part dealt with redemption and rebirth. Something not everyone loved but it is a really strong album so an 8 year wait for a follow up is excessive.

Dimmu Borgir in 2018 are Stian Tomt Thoresen (Shagrath) on vocals with Tom Rune Andersen (Galder) on guitars. Joining Galder on guitar duties is Sven Atle Kopperud (Silenoz) and Dariusz Brzozowsk (Daray) is on drums. Last but by no means least on keyboards is Geir Bratland (Gerlioz).

On to Interdimensional Summit which is around 4 minutes and 40 seconds long in total. The song is driven by a pretty basic sounding keyboard line which is catchy enough. Mixed with the heavier guitars and drums it gives the keys a church organ like sound at times adding a touch of drama and darkness. The song really sounds quite huge once the vocals and everything kick in. There are tons of symphonic nods and a big choir singing section joining in with the chorus.

The epic sounding beginning verse and chorus is followed by a slower, rhythmic section with a solid sounding slowed down guitar solo and some nice drum fills, though again nothing too mesmerising. It is a bit odd in that nothing stands out as being exceptional individually. Not vocals, guitars, keys or drums but as a whole song, patched with symphonic and choir backing, it just sounds huge and infectious. The song builds again with some dark growls from Shagrath that lead into an awesome section that could be power metal if it wasn’t for the corpse paint and ominous undertone.

Interdimensional Summit is a solid song and a welcome return from a band that obviously still have a lot to offer. I can definitely already hear people creeping out to their keyboards to claim it to be commercial and not heavy enough. Maybe they have a point as Interdimensional Summit is very polished and clean but it is also a really enjoyable track and a great lead single for Eonian. I really like it and am excited to hear more. Interdimensional Summit definitely sticks in your mind. I have had the main keyboard riff going round in my head for about 6 hours now. Welcome back Dimmu Borgir. You have been missed.

Check it out for yourself, with accompanying music video, here. You can grab a physical copy of the single from Nuclear Blast in 7inch vinyl here. You can also grab Interdimensional Summit and more from Dimmu Borgir at the links below. Stay up to date with Dimmu’s releases and more by connecting with them at their Facebook page or on Twitter.

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