Photo by Stephanie Cabral
In August of 2024, longtime Dimmu Borgir guitarist Galder announced his departure from the band in order to focus his creativity on Old Man’s Child.
It was an exciting moment for black metal fans who’d been following the band’s sporadic output over the last thirty years.
Now, there is nothing holding Galder back from funneling all his time and energy into this project that has been a part of him for almost as long as he’s been playing music. Most importantly, the band has returned to the stage for the first time since 1996, recently performing at both Sweden Rock Festival and Tons of Rock in Norway to officially herald their return.
KNOTFEST spoke with Galder ahead of Old Man’s Child’s first-ever performance in America at Fire in the Mountains to discuss his exit from Dimmu Borgir, bringing Old Man's Child to America for the first time, why the festival appealed to the band, and what it’s been like to return to the stage after a decade and a half.
How has it felt to be able to fully devote time to Old Man’s Child and get back to jamming with Tjodalv?
GALDER: Leaving Dimmu Borgir and devoting my full attention to Old Man’s Child has been a long time coming, and it feels incredibly liberating. There’s a sense of creative freedom and clarity now that I haven’t felt in years. Tjodalv was a natural choice for this festival run – we go way back to our school days, and have kept in touch for all these years.
On that note, the clips I saw from Sweden and Norway sounded incredible. How do you think the first performances went and what was it like to return to the stage after so long? Do you feel like you shook off 26 years of cobwebs?
G: (Laughs) – well, I’ve been active on stage for the past 26 years, so stepping up there again felt very natural. That said, bringing Old Man’s Child back to life on stage has been something different – a kind of homecoming. The energy at those first shows was intense, both from the band and the crowd. It’s been a great way to reintroduce this project live. Things have happened very fast this year, and with just a few rehearsals - it's a good start.
Why did Fire in the Mountains appeal to you? What drew you to accept their invitation to play?
G: We heard nothing but great things about Fire in the Mountains from other bands who’ve played there before – not just about the setting, but also about the people behind the festival. It’s run by genuinely good people who clearly care about what they’re creating. Not just for the fans, but also for the local community.
From the start, it was clear this isn’t just a festival – it’s an experience.
READ THE KNOTFEST.com FEATURE ON FIRE IN THE MOUNTAINS - HERE
Of course, FITM marks OMC’s first and (so far) only show in America. What excites you most about playing in the States? What can you say about debuting at such a unique festival and location?
G: It’s exciting on many levels – finally bringing OMC to the U.S., meeting American fans who have followed the band for years, and doing it all in such an extraordinary place. Debuting in a setting like this adds depth to the moment.
The festival explicitly aims to reconnect people with nature, and curates bands that “embodies and exemplifies the primal wonder of the natural world.” What’s your connection with nature and how does that influence the music of Old Man’s Child?
G: Nature is a powerful force – both chaotic and ordered, beautiful and terrifying.
A lot of riffs have actually come to me while being out in nature – just walking, disconnected from everything. There’s something about the rawness and unpredictability of the natural world that mirrors what I try to capture in Old Man’s Child. The beauty in the darkness, the stillness before the storm, the feeling of something ancient just beneath the surface.
The vistas at Red Eagle Campground are described as literally “jaw-dropping.” Have you thought about what it will be like to pull up to the site for the first time?
G: Absolutely – the whole band is really looking forward to experiencing the nature out there. Coming from Norway, we’re surrounded by mountains and fjords, so there’s a natural connection to dramatic landscapes. But seeing that kind of scenery in a different part of the world, with its own character and atmosphere, is something we’re genuinely excited about.
It’s clear that this festival appeals on a deeper level than one held in a typical big city – it’s not just about playing a show, but about being immersed in a place that adds meaning and intensity to the entire experience.
What do you hope your experience at the festival brings you and American fans of Old Man’s Child?
G: I hope it becomes something unforgettable – for both sides. A moment of real connection through music, in a setting that strips away the noise of everyday life. For fans who’ve waited a long time to see OMC live, I hope it’s worth the wait.
-----
