Borknagar

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Borknagar
Origin Bergen, Norway
Genre(s) Progressive black metal
Viking metal
Folk metal
Years active 1995–present
Label(s) Indie
Century Media
Malicious
Associated acts Arcturus
Cronian
Dimmu Borgir
Enslaved
Gorgoroth
Immortal
Solefald
Ulver
Vintersorg
Age of Silence
Website www.borknagar.com
Members
Øystein G. Brun
Jens F. Ryland
Lars A. Nedland
Vintersorg
Tyr
Former members
Infernus
Garm
Ivar Bjørnson
Grim
Kai K. Lie
ICS Vortex
Asgeir Mickelson

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.

Contents

[edit] Biography

Borknagar was founded by a remaining member of the Norwegian death metal 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. 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. Borknagar's majestic, melodic sound was instantly liked by many 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 and more recently by current singer Vintersorg from Otyg and his eponymous band. 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.

The most recent Borknagar album, Origin, 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[1].

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 Ryland had again become official members of the band, and that the band were aiming for a January 2009 release[2]. 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."[3]

[edit] Discography

[edit] Members

[edit] Current members

[edit] Former members

[edit] External links

v • d • e
Borknagar
Andreas Hedlund | Øystein Brun | Lars Nedland | Jan Erik Torgersen | Jens Ryland
Former members
ICS Vortex | Garm | Ivar Bjørnson | Kai Lie | Infernus | Grim | Justin Greaves | Asgeir Mickelson
Studio Albums
Borknagar (1996) | The Olden Domain (1997) | The Archaic Course (1998) | Quintessence (2000) | Empiricism (2001) | Epic (2004) | Origin (2006)