Borknagar
Encyclopedia
Borknagar is a progressive
black metal
band from Bergen, Norway
, founded in 1995 by Øystein Garnes Brun. The band's style combines folk metal
and black metal
with progressive and melodic elements. Borknagar's lyrics often deal with philosophy
, paganism
, nature
, and the cosmos
.
band Molested when then-member Øystein Brun
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.
Borknagar has released seven 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 Dimmu Borgir
, drummer Asgeir Mickelson
, keyboardist Lars Nedland
and more recently by current singer Vintersorg
from Otyg
and his eponymous band
. Bassist Jan Erik Tiwaz
(a.k.a. Tyr) wrote the song 'The View of Everlast'. All of the band's records (excluding the original pressing of the debut album) have been released by the label Century Media. 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 blabbermouth.net
.
In late December 2007, the band signed a three-album deal with the Norwegian label Indie Recordings. 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. 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.". A new drummer, the American David Kinkade
, who has worked with Arsis and Malevolent Creation has joined the band since.
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.
In early June 2010, Jan Erik Tiwaz left the bass guitarist position of Borknagar due to "general disagreements", and ICS Vortex replaced him and Vintersorg on the upcoming tour.
Also in June, 2010, the band announced their first tour of South America, with ICS Vortex
on vocals.
On August 25, 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 March 28, 2011 Borknagar signed a new worldwide 3 album deal with Century Media Records.
On April 22, 2011, the band officially announced the return of ICS Vortex on both bass and vocals.
Drummer Dave Kinkade announced on his official Facebook
page on October 25, 2011 that he had "mutually parted ways with Borknagar" and that he'll "be focussing 100% on Soulfly
now".
Progressive metal
Progressive metal is a subgenre of heavy metal originating in the United Kingdom and North America in the late 1980s...
black metal
Black metal
Black metal is an extreme subgenre of heavy metal music. Common traits include fast tempos, shrieked vocals, highly distorted guitars played with tremolo picking, blast beat drumming, raw recording, and unconventional song structure....
band from Bergen, Norway
Norway
Norway , officially the Kingdom of Norway, is a Nordic unitary constitutional monarchy whose territory comprises the western portion of the Scandinavian Peninsula, Jan Mayen, and the Arctic archipelago of Svalbard and Bouvet Island. Norway has a total area of and a population of about 4.9 million...
, founded in 1995 by Øystein Garnes Brun. The band's style combines folk metal
Folk metal
Folk metal is a sub-genre of heavy metal music that developed in Europe during the 1990s. As the name suggests, the genre is a fusion of heavy metal with traditional folk music...
and black metal
Black metal
Black metal is an extreme subgenre of heavy metal music. Common traits include fast tempos, shrieked vocals, highly distorted guitars played with tremolo picking, blast beat drumming, raw recording, and unconventional song structure....
with progressive and melodic elements. Borknagar's lyrics often deal with philosophy
Philosophy
Philosophy is the study of general and fundamental problems, such as those connected with existence, knowledge, values, reason, mind, and language. Philosophy is distinguished from other ways of addressing such problems by its critical, generally systematic approach and its reliance on rational...
, paganism
Paganism
Paganism is a blanket term, typically used to refer to non-Abrahamic, indigenous polytheistic religious traditions....
, nature
Nature
Nature, in the broadest sense, is equivalent to the natural world, physical world, or material world. "Nature" refers to the phenomena of the physical world, and also to life in general...
, and the cosmos
Universe
The Universe is commonly defined as the totality of everything that exists, including all matter and energy, the planets, stars, galaxies, and the contents of intergalactic space. Definitions and usage vary and similar terms include the cosmos, the world and nature...
.
Biography
Borknagar was founded by a remaining member of the Norwegian death metalDeath metal
Death metal is an extreme subgenre of heavy metal. It typically employs heavily distorted guitars, tremolo picking, deep growling vocals, blast beat drumming, minor keys or atonality, and complex song structures with multiple tempo changes....
band Molested when then-member Øystein Brun
Øystein Brun
Øystein Garnes Brun is the guitarist and founder of the Norwegian black metal supergroup Borknagar. He has been the only permanent member of the group, and is also responsible for writing almost all the music, and is noted for having many albums already written ahead of time.-Biography:After...
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
Black metal
Black metal is an extreme subgenre of heavy metal music. Common traits include fast tempos, shrieked vocals, highly distorted guitars played with tremolo picking, blast beat drumming, raw recording, and unconventional song structure....
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
Gorgoroth
Gorgoroth is a Norwegian black metal band based in Bergen. Formed in 1992 by Infernus , the band is named after the dead plateau of evil and darkness in the land of Mordor from J. R. R. Tolkien's fantasy novel The Lord of the Rings. The group is currently signed to Regain Records and have released...
, Grim
Erik Brødreskift
Erik Brødreskift was a Norwegian drummer, who played in several black metal bands during his career...
of Immortal
Immortal (band)
Immortal is a black metal band from Bergen, Norway, founded in 1990 by current frontman/guitarist Abbath Doom Occulta and former guitarist Demonaz Doom Occulta...
and Gorgoroth
Gorgoroth
Gorgoroth is a Norwegian black metal band based in Bergen. Formed in 1992 by Infernus , the band is named after the dead plateau of evil and darkness in the land of Mordor from J. R. R. Tolkien's fantasy novel The Lord of the Rings. The group is currently signed to Regain Records and have released...
, and Ivar Bjørnson
Ivar Bjørnson
Ivar Bjørnson is a Norwegian composer/guitarist for the progressive black/viking metal band Enslaved. He is, along with Grutle Kjellson, one of only two founding members left in the current line-up, being only 13 years old at the time of the band's formation...
of Enslaved
Enslaved (band)
Enslaved is a progressive black metal band formed in June 1991 in Sveio, Norway, and currently based out of Bergen, Norway.-History:Enslaved was formed in June 1991 by Ivar Bjørnson and Grutle Kjellson when they were 13 and 17 years old, respectively. The band name was inspired by an Immortal demo...
. When Garm
Kristoffer Rygg
Kristoffer Rygg , also known as Garm, Trickster G. and recently also God Head is a Spellemannprisen nominated vocalist, musician and producer known as the frontman of Ulver and former vocalist for Arcturus...
of Ulver
Ulver
Ulver is a musical group from Norway. Since their first, folklore-influenced black metal release entitled Bergtatt – Et eeventyr i 5 capitler , Ulver’s musical style has been fluid and increasingly eclectic, blending genres such as rock, electronica, symphonic and chamber traditions, noise and...
, Head Control System
Head Control System
Head Control System is a cross-national groove rock/metal band featuring Portuguese Daniel Cardoso and Norwegian Kristoffer Rygg . Head Control System is currently part of North-American The End Records' roster along with bands such as Voivod, The Gathering, Sleepytime Gorilla Museum and Ulver...
, and Arcturus
Arcturus (band)
Arcturus is an avant-garde metal band formed in Norway in 1987. They named it Arcturus , after the Behenian fixed star Arcturus.-Biography:The band has released four official full-length albums...
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.
Borknagar has released seven albums to date. Their self-titled debut album features lyrics solely in Norwegian
Norwegian language
Norwegian is a North Germanic language spoken primarily in Norway, where it is the official language. Together with Swedish and Danish, Norwegian forms a continuum of more or less mutually intelligible local and regional variants .These Scandinavian languages together with the Faroese language...
; all subsequent albums have featured lyrics written in English
English language
English is a West Germanic language that arose in the Anglo-Saxon kingdoms of England and spread into what was to become south-east Scotland under the influence of the Anglian medieval kingdom of Northumbria...
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
ICS Vortex
Simen Hestnæs , also known as I.C.S. Vortex, or just simply Vortex, is a Norwegian musician, best known as the current vocalist of the avant-garde metal band Arcturus, the current vocalist and bass guitarist to the progressive black metal band Borknagar, and the former bass guitarist and backing...
from Arcturus
Arcturus (band)
Arcturus is an avant-garde metal band formed in Norway in 1987. They named it Arcturus , after the Behenian fixed star Arcturus.-Biography:The band has released four official full-length albums...
and Dimmu Borgir
Dimmu Borgir
Dimmu Borgir is a Norwegian black metal band from Oslo, Norway, formed in 1993. Dimmu borgir means "dark cities" or "dark castles/fortresses" in Icelandic, Faroese and Old Norse. The name is derived from a volcanic formation in Iceland, Dimmuborgir...
, drummer Asgeir Mickelson
Asgeir Mickelson
Asgeir Mickelson is a Norwegian musician, artist, photographer and music reviewer. Although primarily a drummer, Mickelson has stated that he considers himself a musician above a drummer, and is also a guitarist and bassist....
, keyboardist Lars Nedland
Lars Nedland
Lars Are Nedland , known also as Lazare, from Kristiansand, Norway, is the vocalist, drummer and keyboardist for acclaimed avant-garde black metal band Solefald. He is also keyboardist for the progressive black metal act Borknagar...
and more recently by current singer Vintersorg
Andreas Hedlund
Andreas Hedlund , also known as Vintersorg and Mr. V, is a Swedish vocalist and multi-instrumentalist who has played in several heavy metal bands.-Biography:...
from Otyg
Otyg
Otyg was a folk metal band from Sweden, featuring Andreas Hedlund, the frontman for Vintersorg.During their existence, Otyg released two albums with songs written in traditional Scandinavian folk style, featuring traditional Scandinavian instruments not frequently heard in heavy metal, such as the...
and his eponymous band
Vintersorg
Vintersorg is a Swedish band from Skellefteå, formed in 1994 under the name Vargatron . Musically, Vintersorg has covered a wide number of heavy metal genres; while the band is mostly rooted in extreme metal styles, particularly black metal and Viking/folk metal, it has also expanded into...
. Bassist Jan Erik Tiwaz
Jan Erik Tiwaz
Jan Erik Tiwaz, aka Tyr is the former bassist for the Norwegian black/folk metal band Borknagar. Tyr is known for his progressive playing style in black metal and his use of erb's . Tyr made of use erb's in his later work with Borknagar, namely a 6 string fretless on 'Origin' and a custom 8 string...
(a.k.a. Tyr) wrote the song 'The View of Everlast'. All of the band's records (excluding the original pressing of the debut album) have been released by the label Century Media. Borknagar has toured with various bands including Emperor
Emperor (band)
Emperor was a Norwegian black metal band formed in 1991. They dissolved in 2001, but reunited in 2006 and again in 2007 for a few festival dates and brief US tours. The group was founded by Samoth and Ihsahn .-Biography:...
, Peccatum
Peccatum
Peccatum was an avant-garde metal band from Norway. Their influences range from black metal, progressive metal, industrial music, symphonic metal and gothic metal to European classical music and contemporary music.-Biography:...
, In Flames
In Flames
In Flames is a Swedish heavy metal band from Gothenburg, formed in 1990. Since the band's inception in 1993, they have released ten studio albums and one live DVD...
, Morbid Angel
Morbid Angel
Morbid Angel is an American death metal band based in Tampa, Florida. UK music magazine Terrorizer ranked one Morbid Angel album in its “Top 40 greatest death metal albums”, with their 1989 debut Altars of Madness appearing at number 1...
, and Cradle of Filth
Cradle of Filth
Cradle of Filth are an English extreme metal band, formed in Suffolk in 1991. The band's musical style evolved from black metal to a cleaner and more "produced" amalgam of gothic metal, symphonic black metal, and other extreme metal styles, while their lyrical themes and imagery are heavily...
.
Borknagar released a lighter album, Origin
Origin (Borknagar album)
Origin is Borknagar's seventh studio album, and is primarily an acoustic effort. Origin explores the band's more progressive and traditional elements....
, which is "an acoustic effort based entirely on the epic and progressive aspect of the band", according to Øystein G. Brun's statement on blabbermouth.net
Blabbermouth.net
Blabbermouth.net is a website dedicated to heavy metal and hard rock news, as well as album and music DVD reviews. Blabbermouth.net was founded and is run by Borivoj Krgin. The first version of the website was officially launched in March 2001...
.
In late December 2007, the band signed a three-album deal with the Norwegian label Indie Recordings. 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. 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.". A new drummer, the American David Kinkade
David Kinkade
-History:David Kinkade was born in New Jersey in 1983. At the age of three, he started picking up drums after his Grandfather gave him his first drum kit....
, who has worked with Arsis and Malevolent Creation has joined the band since.
In April 2009, the band announced that their upcoming album is titled Universal
Universal (Borknagar album)
Universal is the eighth full-length album by the Norwegian metal band Borknagar. It marks the return of guitarist Jens F. Ryland. The band's former vocalist ICS Vortex performed vocals on the track My Domain. The album was intended to be released in the fall of 2009, but the release date was...
. The album, scheduled for a September release was postponed to a February 2010 release.
In early June 2010, Jan Erik Tiwaz left the bass guitarist position of Borknagar due to "general disagreements", and ICS Vortex replaced him and Vintersorg on the upcoming tour.
Also in June, 2010, the band announced their first tour of South America, with ICS Vortex
ICS Vortex
Simen Hestnæs , also known as I.C.S. Vortex, or just simply Vortex, is a Norwegian musician, best known as the current vocalist of the avant-garde metal band Arcturus, the current vocalist and bass guitarist to the progressive black metal band Borknagar, and the former bass guitarist and backing...
on vocals.
On August 25, 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 March 28, 2011 Borknagar signed a new worldwide 3 album deal with Century Media Records.
On April 22, 2011, the band officially announced the return of ICS Vortex on both bass and vocals.
Drummer Dave Kinkade announced on his official Facebook
Facebook
Facebook is a social networking service and website launched in February 2004, operated and privately owned by Facebook, Inc. , Facebook has more than 800 million active users. Users must register before using the site, after which they may create a personal profile, add other users as...
page on October 25, 2011 that he had "mutually parted ways with Borknagar" and that he'll "be focussing 100% on Soulfly
Soulfly
Soulfly is a heavy metal band formed in 1997 based in Phoenix, Arizona. The original lyrical content revolved around spirituality and religious themes, with later albums encompassing other themes including war, violence, aggression, hatred and anger. Soulfly is led by former Sepultura frontman Max...
now".
Discography
- BorknagarBorknagar (album)Borknagar is the debut album by the Norwegian band of the same name. It is their only album to feature lyrics in the Norwegian language, as well as their only pure black/viking metal album, as they would progress on to a somewhat more melodic/progressive black metal sound on their later albums...
(1996, Malicious, Century Black) - The Olden DomainThe Olden DomainThe Olden Domain is Borknagar's second studio album, and their first to feature English lyrics. It also marks the beginning of the band's transition to its trademark progressive/folk/black metal sound featured on later records....
(1997, Century Black) - The Archaic CourseThe Archaic CourseThe Archaic Course is Borknagar's third studio album and their first to feature ICS Vortex on vocals replacing Garm , along with the addition of guitarist Jens F. Ryland...
(1998, Century MediaCentury Media RecordsCentury Media Records is an Independent record label with offices in the United States, Germany, Australia, France, Italy, Sweden, Finland, and the United Kingdom.- Background :...
) - Quintessence (2000, Century Media)
- EmpiricismEmpiricism (album)Empiricism is the fifth studio album by Borknagar, and their first studio album to feature Vintersorg on vocals, along with the addition of Tyr on bass. This would mark the last album appearance of Jens F...
(2001, Century Media) - Epic (2004, Century Media)
- OriginOrigin (Borknagar album)Origin is Borknagar's seventh studio album, and is primarily an acoustic effort. Origin explores the band's more progressive and traditional elements....
(2006, Century Media) - For the Elements (1996–2006) (2008, Century Media)
- UniversalUniversal (Borknagar album)Universal is the eighth full-length album by the Norwegian metal band Borknagar. It marks the return of guitarist Jens F. Ryland. The band's former vocalist ICS Vortex performed vocals on the track My Domain. The album was intended to be released in the fall of 2009, but the release date was...
(2010, Indie Recordings) - TBA (2012)
Current members
- VintersorgAndreas HedlundAndreas Hedlund , also known as Vintersorg and Mr. V, is a Swedish vocalist and multi-instrumentalist who has played in several heavy metal bands.-Biography:...
– vocals (2000-present) - Øystein G. BrunØystein BrunØystein Garnes Brun is the guitarist and founder of the Norwegian black metal supergroup Borknagar. He has been the only permanent member of the group, and is also responsible for writing almost all the music, and is noted for having many albums already written ahead of time.-Biography:After...
– guitarGuitarThe guitar is a plucked string instrument, usually played with fingers or a pick. The guitar consists of a body with a rigid neck to which the strings, generally six in number, are attached. Guitars are traditionally constructed of various woods and strung with animal gut or, more recently, with...
(1995-present) - Jens F. Ryland – guitar (1997–2003, 2007-present)
- ICS Vortex – vocals, bass (1997–2000, 2010 tour, 2011-present)
- Lars A. NedlandLars NedlandLars Are Nedland , known also as Lazare, from Kristiansand, Norway, is the vocalist, drummer and keyboardist for acclaimed avant-garde black metal band Solefald. He is also keyboardist for the progressive black metal act Borknagar...
– keyboardKeyboard instrumentA keyboard instrument is a musical instrument which is played using a musical keyboard. The most common of these is the piano. Other widely used keyboard instruments include organs of various types as well as other mechanical, electromechanical and electronic instruments...
, backing vocalsBacking vocalistA backing vocalist or backing singer is a singer who provides vocal harmony with the lead vocalist or other backing vocalists...
(1999-present)
Former members
- Infernus – bass (1995–1996)
- Performed on BorknagarBorknagar (album)Borknagar is the debut album by the Norwegian band of the same name. It is their only album to feature lyrics in the Norwegian language, as well as their only pure black/viking metal album, as they would progress on to a somewhat more melodic/progressive black metal sound on their later albums...
.
- Performed on Borknagar
- Kristoffer "Garm" RyggKristoffer RyggKristoffer Rygg , also known as Garm, Trickster G. and recently also God Head is a Spellemannprisen nominated vocalist, musician and producer known as the frontman of Ulver and former vocalist for Arcturus...
– vocals (1995–1997)- Performed on Borknagar and The Olden DomainThe Olden DomainThe Olden Domain is Borknagar's second studio album, and their first to feature English lyrics. It also marks the beginning of the band's transition to its trademark progressive/folk/black metal sound featured on later records....
.
- Performed on Borknagar and The Olden Domain
- Ivar BjørnsonIvar BjørnsonIvar Bjørnson is a Norwegian composer/guitarist for the progressive black/viking metal band Enslaved. He is, along with Grutle Kjellson, one of only two founding members left in the current line-up, being only 13 years old at the time of the band's formation...
– keyboard (1995–1998)- Performed on Borknagar, The Olden Domain and The Archaic CourseThe Archaic CourseThe Archaic Course is Borknagar's third studio album and their first to feature ICS Vortex on vocals replacing Garm , along with the addition of guitarist Jens F. Ryland...
.
- Performed on Borknagar, The Olden Domain and The Archaic Course
- Erik "Grim" BrødreskiftErik BrødreskiftErik Brødreskift was a Norwegian drummer, who played in several black metal bands during his career...
– drums (1995–1998)- Performed on Borknagar, The Olden Domain and The Archaic Course.
- Kai Lie – bass (1996–1998)
- Performed on The Olden Domain and The Archaic Course.
- Justin Greaves – drums (1998–1999)
- Did not perform on any albums.
- Asgeir MickelsonAsgeir MickelsonAsgeir Mickelson is a Norwegian musician, artist, photographer and music reviewer. Although primarily a drummer, Mickelson has stated that he considers himself a musician above a drummer, and is also a guitarist and bassist....
– drums (1999–2008), also bass guitar and some guitar parts on Epic- Performed on Quintessence, EmpiricismEmpiricism (album)Empiricism is the fifth studio album by Borknagar, and their first studio album to feature Vintersorg on vocals, along with the addition of Tyr on bass. This would mark the last album appearance of Jens F...
, Epic and OriginOrigin (Borknagar album)Origin is Borknagar's seventh studio album, and is primarily an acoustic effort. Origin explores the band's more progressive and traditional elements....
.
- Performed on Quintessence, Empiricism
- TyrJan Erik TiwazJan Erik Tiwaz, aka Tyr is the former bassist for the Norwegian black/folk metal band Borknagar. Tyr is known for his progressive playing style in black metal and his use of erb's . Tyr made of use erb's in his later work with Borknagar, namely a 6 string fretless on 'Origin' and a custom 8 string...
– bass guitar (2000–2004, 2007–2010)- Performed on Empiricism, Origin, and Universal
- David KinkadeDavid Kinkade-History:David Kinkade was born in New Jersey in 1983. At the age of three, he started picking up drums after his Grandfather gave him his first drum kit....
– drums (2008-2011)- Performed on Universal, and upcoming album 2012
External links
- Borknagar official forum (at UltimateMetal)
- Borknagar (Inside Articles at ArtisanNorway)