Dimmu Borgir Live at The Novo Theater in Los Angeles, CA 8/23/2026

Dimmu Borgir make their triumphant return to Los Angeles after a sixteen year absence, bringing the Grand Serpent Rising in all its dark glory to the masses.

They played a massive set, touching on every album from their back catalog with the exception of their 1995 debut For All Tid. The amazing new album, Grand Serpent Rising received special emphasis with three songs woven into the performance, while most of their other releases were represented by at least one if not two tracks.

I have been a fan of Dimmu Borgir for over two decades and have been waiting impatiently for them to return to the States. This concert absolutely delivered, not only were Shagrath and Silenoz on point, they picked a nearly perfect set list to encompass fans new and old alike.

Silenoz was joined by newcomer Damage, stepping into the formidable role once held by Galder, who returned to Old Man’s Child last year. Gerlioz—known for his work in Apoptygma Berzerk and The Kovenant—has now held down keyboard duties for sixteen years, while Daray (Vader, among others) has been behind the kit for eighteen. Victor Brandt (Satyricon, Entombed) has anchored the low end for the past eight. Together, they make a formidable lineup capable of bringing both the new album and this tour to life with precision and force.

Shagrath may well have the best vocals and delivery of any black metal front-man around. His presence is powerful and carries the weight of a dark sermon containing mysterious philosophies and vital knowledge - steeped in esoteric gravitas.

I was excited when the first three singles with accompanying videos dropped, hinting at the grandeur of the new album. I have listened to those three songs many times prior and hearing those tracks live had me singing along without hesitation.

Every song was met with a roar of anticipation as the opening notes revealed what was coming next. The venue was at full capacity—barely room to move, let alone grab a drink—and the energy held strong even after the band took their final bows. No one wanted the night to end.

Of course, there are more songs I’d love to hear again— Ritualist and Spellbound (By the Devil) to name only two—but I’m grateful I caught those classics in past tours. I hope Dimmu Borgir return again soon; I’d see them again in a heartbeat.

Dimmu Borgir Setlist:

Ulvgjeld & Blodsodel

Mourning Palace

Kings of the Carnival Creation

Drum Solo

Council of Wolves and Snakes

As Seen in the Unseen

Ascent

Guitar Solo

Stormblåst

Reptile

The Insight and the Catharsis

The Serpentine Offering

Puritania

Gateways

Progenies of the Great Apocalypse

Perfection or Vanity (Outro)





				Dimmu Borgir Live at The Novo Theater Los Angeles, CA August 23rd, 2026 Review and photos by Travis Baumann Dimmu Borgir make their triumphant return to Los Angeles after a sixteen year absence, bringing the Grand Serpent Rising in all its dark glory to the masses. They played a massive set, touching on every album from their back catalog with the exception of their 1995 debut For All Tid. The amazing new album, Grand Serpent Rising received special emphasis with three songs woven into the performance, while most of their other releases were represented by at least one if not two tracks. I have been a fan of Dimmu Borgir for over two decades and have been waiting impatiently for them to return to the States. This concert absolutely delivered, not only were Shagrath and Silenoz on point, they picked a nearly perfect set list to encompass fans new and old alike. Silenoz was joined by newcomer Damage, stepping into the formidable role once held by Galder, who returned to Old Man’s Child last year. Gerlioz—known for his work in Apoptygma Berzerk and The Kovenant—has now held down keyboard duties for sixteen years, while Daray (Vader, among others) has been behind the kit for eighteen. Victor Brandt (Satyricon, Entombed) has anchored the low end for the past eight. Together, they make a formidable lineup capable of bringing both the new album and this tour to life with precision and force. Shagrath may well have the best vocals and delivery of any black metal front-man around. His presence is powerful and carries the weight of a dark sermon containing mysterious philosophies and vital knowledge - steeped in esoteric gravitas. I was excited when the first three singles with accompanying videos dropped, hinting at the grandeur of the new album. I have listened to those three songs many times prior and hearing those tracks live had me singing along without hesitation. Every song was met with a roar of anticipation as the opening notes revealed what was coming next. The venue was at full capacity—barely room to move, let alone grab a drink—and the energy held strong even after the band took their final bows. No one wanted the night to end. Of course, there are more songs I’d love to hear again— Ritualist and Spellbound (By the Devil) to name only two—but I’m grateful I caught those classics in past tours. I hope Dimmu Borgir return again soon; I’d see them again in a heartbeat. Dimmu Borgir Setlist: Ulvgjeld & Blodsodel Mourning Palace Kings of the Carnival Creation Drum Solo Council of Wolves and Snakes As Seen in the Unseen Ascent Guitar Solo Stormblåst Reptile The Insight and the Catharsis The Serpentine Offering Puritania Gateways Progenies of the Great Apocalypse Perfection or Vanity (Outro)



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