Dimmu Borgir Splits With Bassist And Keyboardist

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Dimmu Borgir Splits With Bassist Vortex And Keyboardist Mustis

posted Aug 31, 2009 at 7:17 AM by Diamond Oz. (55 Comments)

Band Photo: Dimmu Borgir (?)

Norwegian black metal group Dimmu Borgir has announced that they have parted ways with their bassist, Vortex, and their keyboard player, Mustis. A message from the band reads as follows:

"We regret to inform you that we have parted ways with both (bassist) Vortex and (keyboardist) Mustis. However, we do want to make it perfectly clear that the creative force in the band is highly intact, perhaps even more so than ever. With that being said, we're currently working on our next album and are excited to start a new chapter in the legacy that is Dimmu Borgir."

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55 Comments on "Dimmu Borgir Splits With Bassist And Keyboardist"

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Member

1. Zukros writes:

Not my favourite band (never been one for black metal, so i didn't really care when they went commercial), but i still wantd to see Dimmu Borgir at some point. doubt they'll be touring again soon after this though. after all, it'll be hard to find a bassist with clean vocals even close to those of Vortex. =/

# Aug 31, 2009 @ 9:09 AM ET | IP Logged

2. indeathsembreca writes:

Dimmu without Mustis is NOTHING.

# Aug 31, 2009 @ 9:57 AM ET | IP Logged

Member

3. Blindgreed1 writes:

Zukros: You'd be surprized at what crawls out of the woodwork when you're as successful as Dimmu. I'm sure replacements have already started auditioning. Dimmu will be just fine.

# Aug 31, 2009 @ 11:22 AM ET | IP Logged

4. AE writes:

Shagrath actually wrote a lot of the older Dimmu keyboard riffs that shaped their sound. If anything maybe it's a good sign that they will go back to their roots. (I hate when people say that haha)

# Aug 31, 2009 @ 12:23 PM ET | IP Logged

Member

5. hater_guy writes:

and then when Guitar Band: Dimmu Borgir comes out they'll be b****ing about what members weren't included in the game! only kidding though.

# Aug 31, 2009 @ 12:35 PM ET | IP Logged

6. indeathsembreca writes:

AE: Maybe, maybe they will go back to the Stormblast ambiance etc. But does anyone still need that kind of stuff? It was great at that time, but could it be a successfull return now? I don't think so..

# Aug 31, 2009 @ 12:41 PM ET | IP Logged

7. stuff writes:

I cant really see them going all the way back to stormblast since thats a big leap from where they are today.

# Aug 31, 2009 @ 12:50 PM ET | IP Logged

8. dimentian writes:

vortex would be hard to replace. They were both prob snortin pills or some s@it. Kings of a carnival creation is melodic a hell !

# Aug 31, 2009 @ 12:52 PM ET | IP Logged

9. RTB writes:

WTF Happend?
Im really fahqn speechless, its hard to imagine DB without those 2....will be very anxious to see what those guys do next with their careers...as for the new DB, as far as them being fine, ill believe it when i see it......this sucks

# Aug 31, 2009 @ 1:43 PM ET | IP Logged

Member

10. That_One_Guy writes:

Wonder what happened. I'm sure they'll be fine, but I really liked what Vortex and Mustis brought to the band. This sucks.

# Aug 31, 2009 @ 2:03 PM ET | IP Logged

Member

11. Jenny writes:

"it'll be hard to find a bassist with clean vocals even close to those of Vortex. =/"

Awwww maaaaan...I think I'm gonna cry! I LOVE Vortex's vocals :( As much as this sucks I hope they'll find a good replacement for him. Much luck to the keyboardist replacement as well.

Definitely gonna see to this upcoming album of theirs.

NP: "Walhall" -Falkenbach

# Aug 31, 2009 @ 2:08 PM ET | IP Logged

Member

12. hater_guy writes:

well hopefully Vortex will either join ormake a band of his own and do what he does best in that.

# Aug 31, 2009 @ 2:26 PM ET | IP Logged

Member

13. Jamez writes:

Well what can you say, except, what does Dimmu Borgir, Megadeth and Anthrax have in common...?

# Aug 31, 2009 @ 2:54 PM ET | IP Logged

14. Blashyrkh writes:

OMG WHY? Dimmu without mustis or vortex is nothing! those fantastic keyboard lines and powerful operatic vocals will be gone forever! what a stupid stupid decision. I hope dimmu go down for this after they realise what a stupid mistake they've made. f***! :(

# Aug 31, 2009 @ 4:11 PM ET | IP Logged

Member

15. Blindgreed1 writes:

Jamez: They all stayed at a Holiday Inn Express last night?

# Aug 31, 2009 @ 4:25 PM ET | IP Logged

Member

16. Jenny writes:

For those of you wondering "WHAT HAPPENED?", all I could find was that their was tension and disagreements within the band for several years. Guess that one day of separation just came, well, now. So yeah.

# Aug 31, 2009 @ 4:38 PM ET | IP Logged

Member

17. metalfan653 writes:

I hope they can find a new bassisst and pianist just as good as Vortex and Mustis

# Aug 31, 2009 @ 5:58 PM ET | IP Logged

18. moonsbloom writes:

not really surprised vortex left...considering its not the first time he's left a band. more shocked at mustis...but whatever. it sucks.

# Aug 31, 2009 @ 7:03 PM ET | IP Logged

19. haha writes:

well that sucks ass.

# Aug 31, 2009 @ 7:14 PM ET | IP Logged

Writer/Reviewer

20. RememberMetal? writes:

Ouch. Those weren't generic, replacable parts. I'm not a raging fan but I'd call this pretty sh**ty news.

Mustis was a creative force--check the writing credits for any given album from when he joined forward.

Vortex was the only source for melodic vocals and also a standup bassist and obviously a creative fountain of input (how many bands has he been in now?!?!).

Dimmu will have alot to prove on the next one.

# Aug 31, 2009 @ 7:36 PM ET | IP Logged

Member

21. MetalFan420 writes:

Sad news but i hope they can continue on making great music..i guess well find out with the next album

# Aug 31, 2009 @ 8:27 PM ET | IP Logged

22. dethmetal dan writes:

who gives a sh** black metal sucks .if all you can do with your creativity is bash others religious beliefs and base your whole career on that ,your a douche bag.being evil aint cool, hitler was evil, pedophiles are evil they sure as f*** aint cool and if thats what you think you suck harder than they do metal is tough heavy and uncompromising not what they try to make it maybe the two guys that quit reconsidered what it was they were doig

# Aug 31, 2009 @ 8:44 PM ET | IP Logged

23. Killcomplete writes:

i agree with indeathsembreca. Without Mustis, i don't know. He made that band. I mean It's not like Dimmu have memorable guitar riffs....it's all driven by keyboards. I think this is a dumb discussion on their part.

# Aug 31, 2009 @ 8:48 PM ET | IP Logged

Member

24. dimmunile writes:

dethmetl dan....you are a queer! what about deicide? they bash on religion every couple of syllabols....they are a brutal a$$ band!!! your a douche bag and should get your head chopped off by a 12 yr old manson fan just to rub it in.

this is terrible news....i've seen dimmu 3 times and the next time will have an empty feeling. vortex was the best stage performance bassist right next to origins bass player, and the melodic keyboards will never sound the same.

this is ALMOST as sh**ty as viteks death.

# Aug 31, 2009 @ 8:56 PM ET | IP Logged

25. Dimmu writes:

Just remember the key writers r still n the band.without silenoz that band is nothing,but he still there,he's the spirit behind dimmu borgir.they will always make good music,as long as he is at the helm.

# Aug 31, 2009 @ 9:34 PM ET | IP Logged

Member

26. Rubyred writes:

I "hate" it when members leave especially if it's a band or group you digg very much. DIMMU BORGIR is just such a band howbeit they "frighten" the d***ens out of me with all that corsepaint. I shall miss Vortex & Mustis very much their a mighty engine in that band as are "all" of them: the founders Shagrath & Silenoz (I know I spelled it wrong/his name is odd spelling anyways..'sorry) chose their band well & I'm sure that they will continue in that same haunting light. Peace!

# Aug 31, 2009 @ 9:35 PM ET | IP Logged

27. CCANNIBAL6666 writes:

what's with black metal lately, first Gaahl now this

# Aug 31, 2009 @ 10:47 PM ET | IP Logged

Member

28. PESTILENCE writes:

Could only hope the rest of the band slit their own throats!!!

# Aug 31, 2009 @ 11:23 PM ET | IP Logged

29. d34dst0rm writes:

Mustis had a very important role in Dimmu Borgir. What would've In Sorte Diaboli been without him!? Think about The Serpentine Offering Intro. The first minute is all Mustis keyboard work!! and Kings of the Carnival Creation won't be the same live now that Vortex is gone. f***!!!!!

Well wtv. This band was falling apart anws. Still sucks for them.

# Aug 31, 2009 @ 11:31 PM ET | IP Logged

30. Holly276465 writes:

Lame

# Sep 1, 2009 @ 2:50 AM ET | IP Logged

Member

31. systemsdown writes:

NOOOOOOOOOOOOO Not Vortex!!

# Sep 1, 2009 @ 2:52 AM ET | IP Logged

32. Shoe Police writes:

Scar Symmetry loses their main vocalist....
American Head Charge breaks up.......
Mustis and Vortex leaving Dimmu.......

I should start liking Linkin Park so they can disband.

# Sep 1, 2009 @ 5:36 AM ET | IP Logged

Member

33. Zukros writes:

This sucks. Look at what Mustis sdaid about it:

"DIMMU BORGIR keyboardist Mustis comments on his departure from the band:

Attention to all the worldwide fans of my work with Dimmu Borgir I feel that I must begin my note to you all by saying that your dedication and interest in my musical work with Dimmu Borgir has been greatly appreciated by me for many, many years and you all have motivated me to continue to push the creative envelope farther each and every day. You might be able to see where this note is heading and if you are thinking correctly you will know that I am informing you all that I am no longer associated with the band and have left the ranks of Dimmu Borgir effective immediately.

My departure was not entirely of my own accord and while I had felt this change was something imminent for my future, my time had been spent addressing the fact that many songs written by me had not been registered properly under my name in their credits. Without naming every single track, let us just say that a good majority of albums like Spiritual Black Dimensions, Puritanical Euphoric Misanthropia and In Sorte Diaboli would have been vastly different had I not composed and created as much as I actually did. Sadly, based on terrible gaps in the communication process and a failure to find logical rationale for why this had been done this way found me hitting wall after wall as opposed to finding a professional and reasonable solution to the problem. My inquiries and investigation into the issues which I wished to resolve and move on from would in the end find me being fired from the group. No discussions about it, just 'goodbye' (via text message).

I can say to you that this was not a new dispute and is something that has been going on for some years and since these are my individual creative rights and work that are being denied of me, we shall now let the resolution come from the lawyers instead of dealing with more dishonesty and lies on a one on one personal level. On this I cannot say anymore because we will be walking into sticky legal territory. I mentioned earlier that my fans have motivated me to create great music again and again and they should know that I will continue to do this and shall return to them in the not too distant future with material that I hope will keep their musical needs fed. In advance I will say that I thank you for notes and texts of support and ask that you please understand that there is not much more I can say on this, nor will be able to answer every single message that I get. I ask you to please keep tabs on my official MySpace page. I will do my best to post what I am legally allowed to share with you so you remain informed."

# Sep 1, 2009 @ 5:45 AM ET | IP Logged

Member

34. Jamez writes:

BG1, well that can be as well, dont know for sure, but what IS for sure is that none of these guys knows how to keep a band together.
Hmm... just saying... Mustaine´s a twat and so are Scott Ian and Benante: Why dont they just start something together! Its a logical match. Anthrax cant keep a singer, Mustaine cant keep a band and no one can stand them. Megarax, Antdeth... Perfect! ;)

# Sep 1, 2009 @ 6:05 AM ET | IP Logged

Member

35. Analguest writes:

his is indeed a very sad news,gess tha guys couldn't agree on how melodical the new album should b....

# Sep 1, 2009 @ 1:42 PM ET | IP Logged

36. indeathsembreca writes:

Just as I thought.. when you don't know the reason, the reason is money..:/

# Sep 1, 2009 @ 2:02 PM ET | IP Logged

Member

37. Zukros writes:

Vortex said Mustis was the real creative force according to blabbermouth, and seems to suggest that the reason was similar to going 'Metallica' - money and commercial stuff. i wonder if those two guys were more there for the metal than commerce, and the others vice versa.

well, as both of those were the real reason for me liking dimmu (good bass and keyboard line coupled with awesome vocals, harsh and clean), i haven't got much confidence in their next album ...

# Sep 1, 2009 @ 2:53 PM ET | IP Logged

38. morten writes:

i've been watching dimmu DVDs and videos on youtube and noticed that vortex and mustis really often are together than any of the band. Maybe they have planned it. IMO

# Sep 2, 2009 @ 6:56 AM ET | IP Logged

Member

39. AHRIMAN writes:

AS LONG SHAGRATH IN THE BAND NA THIN IS GONNA CHANGE

# Sep 2, 2009 @ 8:01 AM ET | IP Logged

Member

40. Analguest writes:

mstis got kicked out so don't think they've planned it to leave together

# Sep 2, 2009 @ 8:02 AM ET | IP Logged

Member

41. wilco writes:

like what blindgreed says
you should be amazed what he is upto

i am not a real fan of his music
but he is good with his black metal

# Sep 2, 2009 @ 9:02 AM ET | IP Logged

Member

42. -JustAnotherNumber- writes:

My two favorite memebers from the band gone? Dimmu is going to go to sh** man

# Sep 2, 2009 @ 8:24 PM ET | IP Logged

Supporter

43. MetalFodder writes:

Sorry I couldn't read it all past the part where he said "now lets get right to the point." And there was like 15 pages left.

# Sep 2, 2009 @ 11:55 PM ET | IP Logged

Supporter

44. Valentine_no_more writes:

Why would they part some members out of the band? What The F**k?

# Sep 3, 2009 @ 6:09 PM ET | IP Logged

Member

45. dimmunile writes:

Read what the band members posted on their website. I would have kicked them out too if that was case. The keyboardist did try to sell his coat from the serpentine offering music video on ebay.....signed by him with a autographed cd.....signed ONLY by him........thats a pretty cheap way to make a buck! The coat had bids on it too and it sold for quite a large ammount of money. What ever those two do in the future im sure will still be amazing work...but dimmu will never fail to produce nothign short but brutal music!

# Sep 4, 2009 @ 12:27 PM ET | IP Logged

46. HE HE HE HE writes:

Bad move by Dimmu...very bad move

# Sep 4, 2009 @ 7:58 PM ET | IP Logged

Member

47. Necrovomit writes:

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!! they were one of the first bands i got into. i really liked death cult armageddon. but vortex was definitely one of the better members of the group. coupled with the keyboards and his voice it sounded amazing. now idk if dimmu will still have it.

# Sep 5, 2009 @ 12:14 AM ET | IP Logged

Member

48. JasonMasque13 writes:

This is the worst year ever! I hope Dimmu can get it back together, maybe they could get Stian back and another clear vocalist/bassist. I just don't know.... AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

# Sep 5, 2009 @ 11:19 PM ET | IP Logged

49. faia writes:

The only black metal band I ever liked, and they lose the only two members that make me like them so much? Vortex's had such powerful vocals, and Mustis had amazing keyboard lines! This is so disappointing... All I can hope is that they will form a new band (together, hopefully) and do it for the music, not the money. Very bad for Dimmu...

# Sep 7, 2009 @ 5:46 PM ET | IP Logged

Member

50. GORECUNT writes:

Shoe Police: Post 32 is hilarious!

# Sep 8, 2009 @ 9:27 PM ET | IP Logged

Member

51. ButtEr writes:

awTx...

# Sep 11, 2009 @ 1:51 AM ET | IP Logged

Member

52. PANDA writes:

Wow, that effing sucks, bro. Also, I agree with post 32. I cracked up when I read that sh*t. xD

# Sep 11, 2009 @ 1:18 PM ET | IP Logged

53. Suffer in truth writes:

I'm speechless and I agree with post 49.

(laughing at post 32)

# Sep 11, 2009 @ 7:01 PM ET | IP Logged

54. Satan In The Flesh writes:

Listen to Arcturus...vortex does vocals...amazing black/avant-garde metal! \m/

# Sep 15, 2009 @ 7:08 PM ET | IP Logged

55. Hmf writes:

OMG I can't believe it this is very sad to hear. I love this band

# Sep 16, 2009 @ 7:56 PM ET | IP Logged

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