On 22 October, black metal giants DIMMU BORGIR and BEHEMOTH brought their massive co-headlining tour to Georg Elser Halle in Hamburg. With DARK FUNERAL joining the bill as special guests, the night promised an unforgettable experience. And honestly, with a production of this scale, this tour is an absolute must-see, even for those who aren't usually the biggest black metal fans.
Every band on the bill delivered a genuinely impressive performance. Kicking off the night, DARK FUNERAL set the bar high from the very first moment. Their relentless set was packed with blistering blast beats, aggressive guitar work, and unrelenting energy, immediately getting the crowd headbanging, including us photographers down in the pit.
Next up were BEHEMOTH, whose stage production was nothing short of spectacular. Frontman Nergal and the rest of the band commanded the stage with an incredibly intense presence, combining striking costumes, massive pyrotechnics, and dark, atmospheric visuals. Their interaction with the crowd was equally impressive, drawing the audience into their commanding and theatrical performance. The floor erupted into chaos as crowdsurfers made their way toward the front, while the band masterfully balanced raw aggression with an immersive, atmospheric spectacle.
Closing out the night, DIMMU BORGIR took over Georg Elser Halle with a massive performance of their own. Seamlessly blending their heavier roots with their signature symphonic elements, they created a sound that felt both crushing and grandiose. Hearing those enormous orchestral arrangements and choral passages fill the hall was a particular highlight. Much like their co-headliners, DIMMU BORGIR paired an imposing stage setup with a commanding presence, transforming their set into a full-scale cinematic experience.
All in all, it was a loud, intense, and visually stunning night that showcased three distinct sides of black metal at its finest. With every band delivering a powerful performance and the production elevating the experience to another level, this co-headlining tour proved to be an outstanding celebration of extreme metal.
