Borknagar - Urd

I didn't realize how long it's been since I've listened to Borknagar until I put this one on. I recall being slightly uninterested in "Quintessence", and when vocalist ICS Vortex left for Dimmu Borgir, that pretty much sealed the deal for me. Looking back, I can't remember if I actually listened to any of "Empiricism", their debut with vocalist Vintersorg, but if I did, it clearly made zero impression on me. Since 2000 or so, hardcore became the dominant force in my musical life, and I was pretty much unaware Borknagar even existed for a while.

So now, I am presented with their new record, which, to my surprise, sees Vortex return to share vocal duties with Vintersorg. I believe the Stereokiller-ism would be "interested.jpg". But wait a second, this is black metal after all. If I know my history well enough, time should not have been kind to this band. Some kind of techno/industrial influence should have taken over, or the band will probably just sound like mellow dark rock, ala Sentenced. How wrong I was.

This sounds like classic Borknagar, but, dare I say, even better. I'm honestly not sure what has gone on with the band since "The Archaic Course", but you could easily stick this record immediately after, and I would know no difference. The writing, structure, sound and epic flow are the same, and the melodies and songwriting is an improvement, rather than a sidestep.

The dual vocal slot is the icing on the cake here. What is achieved is a beautiful effect with layers, contrast, and an overall edge to the music that makes this record stand out among the multitude of attempts at "progressive black metal". Vortex has always been a standout artist to me, and to hear him paired off with someone on his same level is fantastic.

The music itself is equally awesome, and each track is better than the next. Borknagar has never been one for the more primitive elements of black metal, instead allowing influences from all over the spectrum slip in. You can hear progressive rock akin to Yes and Rush. You can hear slow, melodic doom akin to Saint Vitus and Cathedral. You can hear massive classical elements, especially in the operatic singing. Mix all this together with an eye for tasteful and pointed songwriting, and you have a record that I bet even non metal fans could appreciate. At times, and this sounds weird I know, I kept thinking to myself that this is what "Angel Dust" would have sounded like if Faith No More was a black metal band. Take that comparison how you will. It makes sense to me.....somehow....

The bonus cover of Metallica's "My Friend Of Misery" takes the record to the next level for me. Over the years, that track became my favorite cut on the Black Album, and until now I have yet to hear a band do it any justice. Borknagar seems pretty ideal for it, as the atmosphere of the original seems in line with theirs; dark, melodic and powerful. A great bonus addition.

Overall favorite cut: Frostrite

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