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Borknagar

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Borknagar is a Norwegian heavy metal band from Bergen, founded in 1995 by Øystein Garnes Brun. The band's style combines black metal and folk metal with progressive and melodic elements. Borknagar's lyrics often deal with philosophy, paganism, nature and the cosmos.

Borknagar
Borknagar performing in 2024
Borknagar performing in 2024
Background information
OriginBergen, Norway
Genres
Years active1995–present
LabelsCentury Media
MembersØystein G. Brun
ICS Vortex
Lars A. Nedland
Bjørn Dugstad Rønnow
Jostein Thomassen
Past membersVintersorg
Ivar Bjørnson
Erik "Grim" Brødreskift
Kristoffer Rygg
Infernus
Kai Lie
Justin Greaves
Asgeir Mickelson
Tyr
David Kinkade
Jens F. Ryland
Baard Kolstad
Websiteborknagar.com

History

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Borknagar was founded by Øystein Brun, then a member of the Norwegian death metal band Molested, when he became tired of the brutal aspects of the band's music. Øystein formed Borknagar to explore a more melodic outlet of expression, inspired by the burgeoning black metal movement Norway was experiencing and looking to push the boundaries of what was considered "traditional" black metal music. He wrote all of the music and lyrics and gathered together an all-star group of black metal musicians to play in his band, such as Infernus of Gorgoroth, Grim of Immortal and Gorgoroth and Ivar Bjørnson of Enslaved. When Garm of Ulver, Head Control System and Arcturus joined the project, it brought the band immediate attention. The band never even recorded a demo; they simply asked for a record contract on Malicious Records and were granted their request based on the strength of this lineup. Borknagar's music instantly gained fans and received positive press attention. In 1999, Grim died. He was replaced by Justin Greaves who left shortly after to be replaced by Asgeir Mickelson.

Borknagar has released twelve albums to date. Their self-titled debut album features lyrics solely in Norwegian; all subsequent albums have featured lyrics written in English exclusively (however, The Olden Domain featured an instrumental track titled in Norwegian). Aside from Brun's lyrical contributions, the band has featured lyrics by other members as well: ICS Vortex from Arcturus and ex-Dimmu Borgir, drummer Asgeir Mickelson, keyboardist Lars Nedland and by vocalist Vintersorg from Otyg and his eponymous band. Bassist Jan Erik Tiwaz (a.k.a. Tyr) wrote the song 'The View of Everlast'. Borknagar has toured with various bands including Emperor, Peccatum, In Flames, Morbid Angel and Cradle of Filth.

Borknagar released a lighter album, Origin, which is "an acoustic effort based entirely on the epic and progressive aspect of the band", according to Øystein G. Brun's statement on heavy metal website Blabbermouth.net.[1]

In late December 2007, the band signed a three-album deal with the Norwegian label Indie Recordings.[2] In March 2008, Asgeir posted an announcement from Øystein on UltimateMetal forums stating that Erik Tiwaz and Jens F. Ryland had again become official members of the band, and that the band were aiming for a January 2009 release.[3] In May 2008, Øystein released another statement announcing Asgeir's departure as the band's drummer, due to "evolving differences in musical ideas and visions [...] The split happens in friendly manner and with mutual respect for the decision that he has made. He will remain a good friend of the band."[4] A new drummer, the American David Kinkade, who had worked with Arsis and Malevolent Creation joined the band.[5]

In April 2009, the band announced that their upcoming album is titled Universal. The album, scheduled for a September release was postponed to a February 2010 release.[6]

In early June 2010, Jan Erik Tiwaz left the bass guitarist position of Borknagar due to "general disagreements",[7] and ICS Vortex replaced him and Vintersorg on the upcoming tour.[8]

Also in June 2010, the band announced their first tour of South America, with ICS Vortex on vocals.[9] On 25 August 2010, the band announced that they were forced to cancel the South American tour due to reasons beyond their control.

In January 2011, the deal with Indie Recordings were terminated and on 28 March 2011 Borknagar signed a new worldwide 3 album deal with Century Media Records.[10]

On 22 April 2011, the band officially announced the return of ICS Vortex on both bass and vocals.[11]

Drummer Dave Kinkade announced on his official Facebook page on 25 October 2011 that he had "mutually parted ways with Borknagar" and that he'll "be focusing 100% on Soulfly now".

On 22 February 2012, it was announced on the Norwegian website Artisan that the new drummer for the band would be Baard Kolstad.[12]

Throughout 2014 and into 2015, the band had been hard at work writing and recording their next full-length album, Winter Thrice. Production had to be delayed due to injuries vocalist Vintersorg suffered in late 2014 but the recording was concluded in June.[13] Original vocalist Kristoffer Rygg provided guest vocals on the aforementioned record.[14]

In early 2019, it was reported that long-time vocalist Vintersorg has parted ways with the band due to conflicting issues with his work and family, as well as the after effects of his 2014 injuries. The split was amicable and he has not ruled out being a guest on a future album. As well, drummer Baard Kolstad also parted ways due to lack of time due to his other in-demand projects. ICS Vortex has since reassumed the role of lead vocalist and Kolstad was replaced by Bjørn Dugstad Rønnow (at Kolstad's recommendation). Despite these setbacks, Borknagar released their eleventh album, True North, on 27 September 2019.

On 15 December 2023, the band announced that their twelfth studio album Fall would be released on 23 February 2024. At the same time, they released the lead single "Summits" along with a visualizer video.[15]

Musical style

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Their musical style has been described as progressive metal,[16] black metal,[17] folk metal,[18] Viking metal[18] and avant-garde metal.[17]

Members

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Timeline

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Discography

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Studio albums

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Compilation albums

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  • For the Elements (1996–2006) (2008, Century Media)

References

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  1. ^ "Borknagar To Record Acoustic Album". Blabbermouth.net. 15 February 2005. Retrieved 30 March 2009.
  2. ^ "BORKNAGAR Signs With INDIE RECORDINGS". Blabbermouth.net. 16 January 2008. Retrieved 19 May 2020.
  3. ^ "Official Borknagar news". Ultimate Metal Forum. 22 March 2008. Retrieved 19 August 2011.
  4. ^ "Drummer Asgeir Mickelson Quits Borknagar". Blabbermouth.net. 22 May 2008. Retrieved 30 March 2009.
  5. ^ "Borknagar Entering Studio in 2009, Announce New Drummer". SMN News. 30 October 2008. Archived from the original on 28 September 2011. Retrieved 19 August 2011.
  6. ^ "Borknagar: New Album Title Revealed". Blabbermouth.net. 12 April 2009. Retrieved 12 April 2009.
  7. ^ "Borknagar Parts Ways With Bassist". Blabbermouth.net. 1 June 2010. Retrieved 2 June 2010.
  8. ^ "ICS Vortex rejoins Borknagar". Blabbermouth.net. 10 June 2010. Retrieved 10 June 2010.
  9. ^ "Borknagar To Tour South America In September". Blabbermouth.net. 21 June 2010. Retrieved 19 August 2011.
  10. ^ Sciarretto, Amy (31 March 2011). "Borknagar Re-sign with Century Media for Next Three Albums". Noisecreep. Retrieved 19 May 2020.
  11. ^ Ryland, Jens F. (22 April 2011). "ICS Vortex back with Borknagar". Artisannorway. Archived from the original on 11 November 2013. Retrieved 19 August 2011.
  12. ^ Ryland, Jens F. (22 February 2012). "New Borknagar drummer announced". Artisannorway. Archived from the original on 10 November 2013. Retrieved 22 February 2012.
  13. ^ "Borknagar". Facebook. Retrieved 20 April 2018.
  14. ^ "ULVER's KRISTOFFER RYGG To Guest On New BORKNAGAR Album". Blabbermouth.net. 29 April 2015. Retrieved 20 April 2018.
  15. ^ Greg Kennelty (15 December 2023). "BORKNAGAR Announces First Album In Five Years, Streams "Summits"". Metal Injection. Metal Injection. Retrieved 15 December 2023.
  16. ^ DaRonco, Mike. "Borknagar | Biography & History". AllMusic. Retrieved 2 January 2021.
  17. ^ a b Hartmann, Graham (2 August 2019). "Borknagar Announce New Album 'True North,' Unveil New Song". Loudwire. Retrieved 2 January 2021.
  18. ^ a b Patterson, Dayal (2013). Black Metal: Evolution of the Cult. Feral House. p. 404. ISBN 978-1-936239-76-4.
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