Album Review: Borknagar - Fall

The Frostbitten Elegy: Borknagar’s ‘Fall’ Album Review

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

Here are some key points about Borknagar:

• Origin: Bergen, Norway
• Genres: Progressive metal, black metal, folk metal, Viking metal, avant-garde metal
• Years Active: 1995–present
• Current Members: Øystein G. Brun, ICS Vortex, Lars A. Nedland, Bjørn Dugstad Rønnow, Jostein Thomassen
• Past Members: Include notable musicians like Vintersorg, Ivar Bjørnson, Erik “Grim” Brødreskift, Kristoffer Rygg, and others.

The band was initially formed by Øystein Brun as an outlet to create more melodic music, pushing the boundaries of what was considered “traditional” black metal music. Borknagar has released twelve albums to date, with their self-titled debut album featuring lyrics solely in Norwegian; all subsequent albums have featured lyrics written in English.

Borknagar has toured with various bands including Emperor, Peccatum, In Flames, Morbid Angel, and Cradle of Filth. They have also released a lighter, acoustic album titled “Origin,” which focuses on the epic and progressive aspects of the band.

The album “Fall” by the Norwegian heavy metal band Borknagar was released on 23 February 2024. Here are some details about the album:

• Genre: Progressive metal, black metal, folk metal
• Length: 54:27
• Label: Century Media
• Producer: Øystein G. Brun, the band’s guitarist
• Singles: “Summits” released on 15 December 2023, “Nordic Anthem” on 16 January 2024, and “Moon” on 6 February 2024.

The album has received generally positive reviews from critics:

• Blabbermouth.net: 8.5/10
• Distorted Sound: 9/10
• Ghost Cult: 7/10
• Infoburst USA: 8/10

The track listing for “Fall” is as follows:

1. “Summits” – 7:58
2. “Nordic Anthem” – 5:14
3. “Afar” – 6:54
4. “Moon” – 5:51
5. “Stars Ablaze” – 8:26
6. “Unraveling” – 4:33
7. “The Wild Lingers” – 5:34
8. “Northward” – 9:54

The album also charted in several countries:

• Austrian Albums (Ö3 Austria): Peak position 21
• German Albums (Offizielle Top 100): Peak position 23
• Swiss Albums (Schweizer Hitparade): Peak position 26

It’s noted for its vast array of sound and mood, capturing the wonders and wilds of the band’s homeland.

“Fall” by Borknagar is a testament to the band’s evolution and their ability to blend genres seamlessly. The album is a journey through the band’s signature soundscapes, with each track offering a unique experience that is both familiar and fresh.

The opening track, “Summits,” starts with a powerful black metal assault, showcasing the band’s roots. However, midway through, it transitions into a serene atmosphere with clean guitars and a spacey ambiance. This duality captures the essence of Borknagar’s music—intense yet melodic, aggressive yet contemplative.

“Moon,” another highlight of the album, begins with a shredding blackened introduction before giving way to beautiful atmospheres and powerful vocals. The track features old-school solos that display the band’s technical prowess and ends with an anthemic finish, driven by hyped-up drums.

The album’s balance is one of its strengths, combining the heavier elements of Borknagar’s past with the blooming atmospheres of their more recent work. The result is a well-rounded record that offers both the weight of heavy metal and the introspection of progressive music.

Tracks like “The Wild Lingers” and “Northward” stand out for their memorable choruses and dark, brooding attitudes. The former brings a sense of calm before the storm, while the latter closes the album with a frenzy of riffs reminiscent of Dimmu Borgir, yet it still retains the epic atmospheres Borknagar is known for.

“Fall” is an album that is not just to be heard but to be experienced. It’s a thinker’s album, inviting listeners to delve into its depths and explore the rich tapestry of sounds and emotions it weaves. It’s a record that showcases Borknagar’s maturity as musicians and their unwavering commitment to their art.

For fans of the band and newcomers alike, “Fall” is a compelling addition to Borknagar’s discography and a shining example of what modern metal can be when it’s crafted with passion and vision.

Borknagar’s album “Fall” is seen as a significant evolution from their earlier work, reflecting a maturation in their sound and composition. Critics have noted that “Fall” has the same commanding charisma as previous high points like 2010’s “Universal” and “True North,” but with a transcended sound that brings a new realm of progged-out glory. It’s described as a masterful culmination of nearly three decades of work, showcasing the band’s dedication to pushing the boundaries of black metal.

Compared to their 2019 release “True North,” “Fall” incorporates more elements, greater progression, and better continuity. The memorability of the songs, such as “Summits” and “The Wild Lingers,” is highlighted, with these tracks expected to leave a lasting impression on listeners. The album is also noted for its dynamic assortment of music and emotions, giving each moment substance and reminding listeners of Borknagar’s unmatched cadence in albums.

In terms of musical direction, if “True North” was gearing towards a hooks-and-bangers rock-oriented approach, then “Fall” is aiming for power metal levels of catharsis with a greater emphasis on cathartic snarls, grandeur, louder clean vocals, faster blast beats, and more power chords. This shift indicates a band that is not only evolving but also refining its craft to create a more profound and impactful musical experience.

This album is seen as a continuation and perfection of the ideas found in “True North” and earlier works, creating a rich tapestry that is both a nod to the past and a step into the future for Borknagar.

Borknagar’s album “Fall” stands in contrast to their acoustic work, particularly the album “Origin,” which was released in 2006. “Origin” was an exploration of the band’s softer, more melodic side, featuring predominantly acoustic instruments and clean vocals. It was a departure from their typical metal sound, showcasing the band’s versatility and their ability to craft music that is both epic and intimate.

“Fall” marks a return to the band’s heavier and more complex sound. While it retains the melodic and atmospheric elements that Borknagar is known for, it reintroduces the intensity and aggression of their metal roots. The album weaves together black metal, folk metal, and progressive elements, creating a rich and dynamic soundscape that is both powerful and evocative.

“Fall” is characterized by its grandeur and epicness, with tracks like “Summits” and “Northward” delivering a black metal assault complemented by soaring clean vocals and atmospheric passages. The album’s production also reflects a more electric and amplified approach, as opposed to the organic and raw sound of “Origin.”

The official video for “Nordic Anthem” by Borknagar is a visually captivating piece that complements the song’s powerful message. Here are some details about the video and the song:

Release Date: The video was released on January 16, 2024.

Production: The video was created by Marius Martinsen, Kenneth Williams, and Lars A. Nedland, under the production company High & Low.

The song “Nordic Anthem” itself is a standout track from Borknagar’s album “Fall”. It’s a song that resonates with themes of freedom and identity, rejecting any form of doctrine, religious or political. The lyrics emphasize the importance of going back to one’s nature, finding strength and freedom in one’s own values and heritage.

The band describes “Nordic Anthem” as a collective anthem, a firm stance that is universally applicable. It’s about standing up against gods and authorities trying to control or corrupt individuals. This theme is reflected in the lyrics, which speak of a time when all gods must fall and the northern spirit’s resilience.

This album is a testament to Borknagar’s growth as musicians and their commitment to pushing the boundaries of their genre. It’s a bold statement that pays homage to their past while forging ahead with new ideas and sounds.

Tags: Borknagar “Fall” album review, Black metal progressive albums, Atmospheric black metal music, Norwegian metal band Borknagar, Epic metal vocal performances, Borknagar 2024 album insights

If you’ve listened to “Fall” album by Borknagar, I’d love to hear your thoughts. Did the albums all song’s, lyrics, and video resonate with you? What emotions and reflections did it stir within you? Share your perspective with me, and let me know how all the song echoed in your heart.