For All Tid (1994) - Dimmu Borgir

 

1. Det Nye Riket  

2. Under Korpens Vinger  

3. Over Bleknede Blåner Til Dommedag  

4. Stien  

5. Glittertind  

6. For All Tid  

7. Hunnerkongens Sorgsvarte Ferd Over Steppene  

8. Raabjørn Speiler Draugheimens Skodde  

Additional Tracks (from re-releases):

9. Den Gjemte Sannhets Herskar  

10. Inn I Evighetens Mørke Part I  

11. Inn I Evighetens Mørke Part II  

Album Duration: 50:33  

Genre: Black Metal, Symphonic Black Metal  

Lineup:  

- Shagrath – Drums, vocals  

- Silenoz – Guitar, vocals  

- Tjodalv – Guitar  

- Brynjard Tristan – Bass  

- Stian Aarstad – Keyboards  

Released in 1994, For All Tid marks the debut of Dimmu Borgir and represents a foundational album in the symphonic black metal genre. This record captures the essence of Norway's early black metal movement, combining raw, unpolished aggression with symphonic elements that add depth and atmosphere. The album's production retains a lo-fi quality, which enhances its haunting, eerie feel and reflects the raw, underground black metal aesthetic that defined Norway’s early black metal scene.

Thematically, For All Tid is steeped in Norse mythology and dark, introspective imagery. Lyrically, it’s introspective and explores the beauty of nature, melancholy, and mysticism. The prominent use of keyboards by Stian Aarstad introduces a layer of melodic sophistication that adds contrast to the harsh guitars and abrasive vocals, an approach that would later become a hallmark of Dimmu Borgir's style.

Det Nye Riket – The opening track sets a solemn and dark tone, featuring an instrumental atmosphere that slowly immerses the listener in the world of Dimmu Borgir. It feels like an invocation, establishing a foreboding atmosphere that hints at the thematic depths the album will explore.

Under Korpens Vinger – Translating to "Under the Raven’s Wing," this track delves into the symbolism of the raven in Norse mythology, often associated with omens and death. The song’s raw intensity is enhanced by haunting keyboard melodies and Shagrath’s icy vocals, creating a feeling of ancient ritualistic reverence.

Over Bleknede Blåner Til Dommedag – This track's title, meaning "Over Faded Blue Mountains Until Doomsday," emphasizes the grandeur and mysticism of Norway's landscape. The somber, evocative lyrics paired with Silenoz's guitar work evoke an image of the natural world as an eternal witness to humanity's journey toward an inevitable end.

Stien – The track’s Norwegian title translates to "The Path," hinting at themes of life, death, and fate. Here, the rawness of the composition, combined with the melancholy of the lyrics, suggests a journey into the unknown, where nature and the spiritual realm intertwine.

Glittertind – Named after one of Norway’s highest mountains, the song portrays a connection to the rugged beauty of the Norwegian landscape. This instrumental showcases Dimmu Borgir’s symphonic elements and foreshadows the expansive soundscapes the band would explore in later albums.

Raabjørn Speiler Draugheimens Skodde – This track became one of the band's signature songs and would later appear in multiple re-recordings. With a title meaning "Raabjørn Reflects the Fog of Draugheim," it is a deeply atmospheric piece, blending eerie, melodic keyboards with bleak, ghostly imagery of fog-covered lands haunted by spirits, or "draugr," from Norse folklore.

Additional Tracks:  

Den Gjemte Sannhets Herskar translates to "The Hidden Truth's Ruler" in English. This title suggests themes of concealed power, secrets, and the manipulation of truth or knowledge. The song likely conveys ideas related to authority, control, and hidden forces that influence society and individuals consistent with the band's focus on dark and philosophical themes. The "ruler" in the title can be seen as a symbol of a force or entity that dictates reality or perception, often hidden in the shadows.

Inn I Evighetens Mørke Parts I & II – These two parts, added in later re-releases, translate to "Into the Darkness of Eternity" and expand on the album's themes of spiritual and physical darkness. They deepen the atmosphere, portraying a descent into eternal night, with stirring, melancholic melodies interwoven into their relentless black metal core.

For an album that stands as Dimmu Borgir's first full-length release, For All Tid showcases the foundational elements of their sound while capturing the raw, unrefined passion that characterizes the Norwegian black metal scene. Its haunting atmosphere, mythological references, and dark introspective lyrics make it a unique entry within black metal’s history. The album’s journey through Norse-inspired themes and dark fantasy resonated deeply with fans, tracks like Raabjørn Speiler Draugheimens Skodde and Under Korpens Vinger continue to be regarded as classic pieces.