Borknagar

Infobox Musical artist
Name = Borknagar


Img_capt =
Img_size =
Landscape =
Background = group_or_band
Alias =
Origin = Bergen, Norway
Genre = Progressive metal Black metal
Viking metal
Folk metal
Years_active = 1995–present
Label = Indie Recordings
Century Media Records
Malicious Records
Associated_acts = Age of Silence
Arcturus
Cronian
Dimmu Borgir
Enslaved
Fission
Gorgoroth
Havayoth
Immortal
Otyg
Solefald
Spiral Architect
Ulver
Vintersorg
Waterclime
URL = [http://www.borknagar.com/ www.borknagar.com]
Current_members = Øystein Brun
Jens F. Ryland
Lars Nedland
Andreas Hedlund
Jan Erik Torgersen
Past_members = Infernus
Kristoffer Rygg
Ivar Bjørnson
Erik Brødreskift
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.

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, apparently inspired by the burgeoning black metal movement Norway was experiencing. 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, keyboardist Lars Nedland 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 [http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=32887] .

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 [http://www.ultimatemetal.com/forum/borknagar/378991-official-borknagar-news.html] . 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." [http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=97471]

Discography

*"Borknagar" (1996, Malicious Records, Century Black)
*"The Olden Domain" (1997, Century Black)
*"The Archaic Course" (1998, Century Media Records)
*"Quintessence" (2000, Century Media Records)
*"Empiricism" (2001, Century Media Records)
*"Epic" (2004, Century Media Records)
*"Origin" (2006, Century Media Records)
*"Untitled 8th studio album (2009)

Members

Current members

* Øystein G. Brun - guitar (1995-)
* Andreas "Vintersorg" Hedlund - vocals (2000-)
* Lars "Lazare" Nedland - keyboard, backing vocals (1999-)
* Jens F. Ryland - guitar (1997-2003, 2007-)
* Erik "Tyr" Tiwaz - bass guitar (2000-2004, 2007-)

Former members

* Roger "Infernus" Tiegs - bass (1995-1996)
** Performed on "Borknagar".
* Kristoffer "Garm" Rygg - vocals (1995-1997)
** Performed on "Borknagar" and "The Olden Domain".
* Ivar Bjørnson - keyboard (1995-1998)
** Performed on "Borknagar", "The Olden Domain" and "The Archaic Course".
* Erik "Grim" Brødreskift - 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".
* Simen "ICS Vortex" Hestnæs - vocals, bass (1997-2000)
** Performed on "The Archaic Course" and "Quintessence".
* Justin Greaves - drums (1998-1999)
** Did not perform on any albums.
* Asgeir Mickelson - drums (1999-2008), bass guitar on "Epic"
** Performed on "Quintessence", "Empiricism", "Epic" and "Origin".

External links

* [http://www.borknagar.com Borknagar Official Homepage]
* [http://www.myspace.com/borknagar Borknagar Official Myspace]
* [http://ultimatemetal.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=157 Borknagar Official Forum (At UltimateMetal)]
*musicbrainz artist|id=8df2629f-8ae9-4687-9207-4cf3c22cc763|name=Borknagar