Dimmu Borgir’s Triumphant Return To Minneapolis
Middle of August, the ol’ dog days of summer has us in its sweaty grasp. Might as well hide in a giant dark venue and watch some Norwegians melt some faces off as well. Lots of stuff happening in Minneapolis on a Saturday including a Phillies/Twins game, so popped by Fulton Brewing to score a few of their Philly dollar hot dogs on special for the occasion. A stone’s throw away from Fillmore, great spot to chillax before a show. Also, when it isn’t 80% humidity, their patio is clutch.
Opening support was a new-to-me band, Hulder. Hulder hails from Washington. A blend of Belgian folk and black metal influences, pumped to see what frontwoman lead vocalist and multi-instrumentalist Marz Riesterer’s talent musters. Particularly loved the symbolism that would remind one of the PNW. Even the mic stand was adorned with a bramble nest of branches that mirrored the gesture of her almost knee-length flowing locks. Dark, broody, moody, the band emerged from plumes of fog and red light. The crowd was highly receptive to the mysterious and melodic tones, headbanging along with every note. Sound quality is always pretty solid, and for metal bands with so many elements to wrangle, Fillmore does a solid job. Go, sound techs, go! Since this tour originally had another band on the bill (Hypocrisy had to bail due to Visa issues… thanks America…), was hoping Hulder would play a touch longer than they did but sometimes good things burn bright and fast. Would love to see them next time around with a few more songs in their setlist. Thought I recognized an old face from when Hammerheart Brewing called Lino Lakes, MN home. Minneapolis’s own Tanner Anderson was on guitar. Have had the honor of Tanner serving me some of Hammerheart’s finest brews back in the day. Will check this group out for sure next time they swing through town.
2018… the last year Dimmu Borgir graced the US with their presence. Chit chatting with some in the crowd, many had travelled from outside of the Twin Cities to witness Dimmu’s return. It was a packed house, some with corpse paint adorned and a variety of black metal band shirts represented. When the lights finally dimmed, a haunting ambient background recording was the precursor to a night filled with symphonic moments, beautiful melodies and crushing blast beats.
Fresh off a new album release, “Grant Serpent Rising” Dimmu played “Ulvgjeld & Blodsodel” from that album right off the rip. Frontman Shagrath and company had quite a presence on stage. As they should, having been a staple in their genre for decades. Lead guitarist Kjell Age “Damage” Karlsen handled lead duties exceptionally well. I enjoyed the whammy bar moments he incorporated. We were also treated to a brief guitar solo courtesy of Damage. Dude can shred. Dimmu Borgir covered a lot of ground during their set, going as far back as the “Spiritual Black Dimensions” “Stormblast” and “Enthrone Darkness Triumphant” albums. The band did a great job in my opinion of playing a set that both newer and older fans would enjoy. A small pit was ongoing during most of the set, but wow did it open up during the opening moments of “The Serpentine Offering”. The eight years of anticipation burst out into a frenzy during the breakdown after the first verse (if you know this song, you know what I’m talking about). To ride off the momentum Serpentine Offering built, the band proceeded to cruise right into their banger “Puritania” which was another big crowd pleaser.
It wouldn’t be a proper end to the night without “Progenies of the Great Apocalypse”. The epic orchestration and opening riff that no doubt every Dimmu fan recognizes. This song included, there were other songs throughout the night where the band incorporated recordings of clean vocal parts done by ex-member ICS Vortex. Was a nice touch as his voice was such an identifiable part of the band for so long. Throw in some duo tribal drumming put on by Shagrath and blast beat king Daray and some ram head worshipping, the show was absolutely worth an eight year hiatus. The band took some time to thank the fans at the end which was cool and also did the obligatory group picture which I think is a fun thing bands have done more of. A record of the great time we all shared together. Eight years or not, I will be waiting for Dimmu’s eventual return.
