Dimmu Borgir Welcomes New Guitarist as Galder Departs to Focus on Old Man's Child

In August 2024, longtime Dimmu Borgir guitarist and bassist Galder officially stepped away from the band to refocus his creative efforts on Old Man's Child — a project that hasn’t released new material since 2009. Since his departure, Dimmu Borgir has entered a new chapter, beginning work on a fresh record and introducing a new guitarist into the fold.

Joining the ranks is Kjell "Damage" Karlsen, widely recognized as the frontman of Chrome Division — a band that also includes Dimmu Borgir vocalist Shagrath. The band made the announcement via social media, sharing their enthusiasm for the lineup addition:

"We’re thrilled to officially welcome Damage to Dimmu Borgir. Rehearsing and collaborating with him over the past months has been an energizing experience. We're eager to hit the stage together this summer and beyond. We hope all of you will join us in giving him a warm welcome!"

Fans will have multiple opportunities to see Damage live with Dimmu Borgir this August as part of their Chosen Legacy tour. Confirmed dates include:

• August 1 – Wacken, Germany @ Wacken Open Air

• August 3 – Saint Maurice de Gourdans, France @ Sylak Open Air

• August 6 – Tilburg, Netherlands @ O13

• August 8 – Jaroměř, Czech Republic @ Brutal Assault

• August 10 – Kortrijk, Belgium @ Alcatraz

• August 13 – Dinkelsbühl, Germany @ Summer Breeze

• August 15 – Carhaix-Plouguer, France @ Motocultor

• August 17 – Cudrefin, Switzerland @ Rock The Lakes

Dimmu Borgir’s live debut with Damage took place at the Tons of Rock festival in Oslo, Norway this past weekend. The band delivered a powerful set featuring songs like:

• “Puritania”

• “Interdimensional Summit”

• “Gateways”

• “The Serpentine Offering”

• “In Death's Embrace”

• “Grotesquery Conceiled (Within Measureless Magic)”

• “Stormblåst”

• “Council of Wolves and Snakes”

• “Progenies of the Great Apocalypse”

• “Mourning Palace”

With new music in the works and a revitalized lineup, Dimmu Borgir appears poised to usher in an exciting era for fans of symphonic black metal.