For all tid cover

For all tid

Dimmu Borgir · 1995

69 min · 15 tracks · symphonic black metal

Epic orchestral textures intertwine with harsh vocals, creating a dark and atmospheric landscape that defines melodic black metal.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Det nye riket Start here — This opening track sets the stage with bombastic orchestration and ferocious guitar work, immediately establishing the album’s epic tone.
  • →
    For all tid — The title track embodies the album’s atmospheric depth, blending melancholic melodies with intense vocal delivery that showcases Dimmu Borgir's signature sound.
  • →
    Over bleknede blåner til dommedag — This track highlights intricate arrangements and dynamic shifts, illustrating the band's ability to meld melody with darkness effectively.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

50 /100
Foothills
Higher than 23% of albums we've rated

Dimmu Borgir's debut showcases a blend of orchestral and black metal elements, establishing their distinct sound in the genre.

What we noticed

  • The album opens with a symphonic intro that sets a dark tone, followed by tracks that alternate between orchestral arrangements and aggressive guitar riffs.
  • Harsh vocals are layered over melodic instrumentation, creating a contrast that defines the sound throughout the record.
  • Several tracks feature extended instrumental sections, allowing orchestral elements to develop before returning to more traditional black metal structures.
Composition 25% of the score
6/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
5/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • dynamic ebb and flow experience
  • hauntingly atmospheric soundscapes
  • immersive listening for deep focus
  • epic arrangements with fierce intensity

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer instant gratification tracks
  • seek straightforward, upbeat energy

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Breakthrough — This debut album helped establish Dimmu Borgir's reputation in the symphonic black metal scene.
Career context
For All Tid is Dimmu Borgir's debut studio album, released in 1995 when the band was establishing itself within the Norwegian black metal scene. This release marked their transition from underground notoriety to wider recognition, showcasing their unique blend of symphonic elements and traditional black metal aggression.
Stylistic neighbors
Cradle of Filth· Emperor· Nightwish

Tracklist

  • 1 Det nye riket Start here 5:04
  • 2 Under korpens vinger 6:00
  • 3 Over bleknede blåner til dommedag 4:05
  • 4 Stien 2:00
  • 5 Glittertind 5:15
  • 6 For all tid 5:52
  • 7 Hunnerkongens sorgsvarte ferd over steppene 3:22
  • 8 Raabjørn speiler Draugheimens skodde 5:01
  • 9 Den gjemte sannhets hersker 6:20
  • 10 Inn i evighetens mørke, Part 1 5:25
  • 11 Inn i evighetens mørke, Part 2 2:14
  • 12 Spellbound (live) 4:00
  • 13 Tormentor of Christian Souls (live) 4:21
  • 14 Master of Disharmony (live) 5:36
  • 15 Metal Heart (live) 4:40

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata