Norwegian symphonic black metal powerhouse Dimmu Borgir has officially expanded its live lineup, welcoming Kjell Åge “Damage” Karlsen as their new guitarist. Karlsen made his explosive debut with the band on Friday, June 27, at Norway’s Tons Of Rock festival in Oslo—marking a fresh chapter for the legendary group.
Though Karlsen may be a new face to Dimmu Borgir fans, his connection to the band runs deeper as he previously collaborated with frontman Shagrath in the hard-hitting Norwegian rock band Chrome Division.
The band broke the news through their official social media channels, sharing a behind-the-scenes photo and the following message: “We’re excited to proudly welcome Damage to the team, and we’re all looking forward to sharing the stage with him this summer and onwards. It’s already been a pleasure working and rehearsing with Damage over the last couple of months and we hope that you, the fans, will join us in welcoming him to the line up!”
Karlsen enters the fold following the departure of longtime guitarist Galder (Thomas Rune Andersen), who parted ways with Dimmu Borgir in mid-2024. Galder’s final appearance with the band took place on August 17, 2024, when they headlined Dynamo Metal Fest in the Netherlands. After over 20 years with Dimmu Borgir, Galder stepped down to refocus on his solo project, Old Man’s Child—a band that helped define the Norwegian black metal underground.
With Karlsen now in place, the current DIMMU BORGIR lineup is as follows:
- Shagrath – vocals
- Silenoz – rhythm guitar
- Damage – lead guitar
- Dariusz “Daray” Brzozowski – drums
- Geir “Gerlioz” Bratland – keyboards
- Victor Brandt – bass
Dimmu Borgir is currently storming through a string of European summer festival dates. Here’s where you can catch them next:
01 August – Wacken, Germany @ Wacken Open Air
03 August – Saint-Maurice-de-Gourdans, France @ Sylak Open Air
06 August – Tilburg, Netherlands @ O13
08 August – Jaroměř, Czech Republic @ Brutal Assault
10 August – Kortrijk, Belgium @ Alcatraz Festival
13 August – Dinkelsbühl, Germany @ Summer Breeze
15 August – Carhaix-Plouguer, France @ Motocultor Festival
17 August – Cudrefin, Switzerland @ Rock The Lakes
