Galder leaves Dimmu Borgir after 25 years to focus on Old Man’s Child

In a surprising turn of events for the black metal community, renowned guitarist Galder, whose real name is Thomas Rune Andersen, has announced his departure from the iconic band Dimmu Borgir. After nearly a quarter of a century of contributing to the band’s influential sound, the 47-year-old musician broke the news via social media on Sunday, August 18th. He revealed that his final performance with the band took place just a day earlier at the Dynamo Metal Fest in Eindhoven, Netherlands.

Galder’s decision to leave Dimmu Borgir marks the end of an era for the band, which has been a cornerstone of the black metal scene for decades. His tenure with the group saw him play a pivotal role in shaping their music, helping to solidify their status as one of the most influential acts in the genre. In his heartfelt message to fans, Galder expressed gratitude for his time with the band and explained his decision: “Yesterday, I played my last concert with Dimmu Borgir. After almost 25 years of making music and playing with Dimmu Borgir, I have decided to leave the band.” He further elaborated on his future plans, stating, “I’ve been thinking about this for years, and as many of you have pointed out, it’s time for Old Man’s Child to take the stage again and finalize the new album.”

With his departure, Galder shifts his focus to Old Man’s Child, the melodic black metal project he founded in 1993. Despite releasing seven studio albums and an EP between 1994 and 2009, the project has remained largely dormant in recent years due to Galder’s commitments to Dimmu Borgir. Now, with renewed energy and focus, he aims to breathe new life into Old Man’s Child, much to the anticipation of fans who have long awaited their return.

Galder’s exit from Dimmu Borgir undoubtedly leaves a significant void, but it also opens an exciting new chapter in his musical journey. As he turns his attention back to Old Man’s Child, the black metal world eagerly watches to see how this seasoned artist will continue to innovate and inspire within the genre he has helped define.