Universal (Borknagar album)
Encyclopedia
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 postponed as a result of a label decision. It was released on February 22, 2010 in four formats: a regular jewelcase CD, a limited digipack which includes a bonus disc, a CD box with extras, and a gatefold LP with double vinyl.
"We are extremely satisfied with the result! The album turned out even better than we dared to hope for when starting this journey. There is an attitude, energy and nerve to this record that will appeal to the most primal side of man, yet there is complexity and atmosphere that will challenge the most sophisticated parts of mind. The album contains all the elements that made Borknagar the band we are and we are firmly believe [sic] that this album will be a huge piece of candy for those who have followed the band through the years. This is by far the most complete album we have done to date- musically and productionwise- and we are right now just immensely eager to get the album out there!"
Regarding the album title, Brun previously stated: "Universal is the title that shines through and mirrors the essence of the album. Universal is a title that is broad enough and huge enough to project the giant character of this album, both musically and lyrically."
Lars A. Nedland expressed his opinion on the album: "I just listened to the test mastering of two of the new songs, and they sound great. I´m absolutely confident that you will love this album. Both Mr. V and Vortex do such amazing vocal performances, and I´m very happy with the way the songs turned out. It all sounds very fresh and Borknagar-ish."
On January 29, 2010, Borknagar
released the first track, Havoc, exclusively on their myspace page before the release of the album.
Bonus tracks on the box edition and the vinyl version of the album:
Borknagar
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...
. It marks the return of guitarist Jens F. Ryland. The band's former vocalist 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...
performed vocals on the track My Domain. The album was intended to be released in the fall of 2009, but the release date was postponed as a result of a label decision. It was released on February 22, 2010 in four formats: a regular jewelcase CD, a limited digipack which includes a bonus disc, a CD box with extras, and a gatefold LP with double vinyl.
Background
Øystein G. Brun, the founder of the band, notes that:"We are extremely satisfied with the result! The album turned out even better than we dared to hope for when starting this journey. There is an attitude, energy and nerve to this record that will appeal to the most primal side of man, yet there is complexity and atmosphere that will challenge the most sophisticated parts of mind. The album contains all the elements that made Borknagar the band we are and we are firmly believe [sic] that this album will be a huge piece of candy for those who have followed the band through the years. This is by far the most complete album we have done to date- musically and productionwise- and we are right now just immensely eager to get the album out there!"
Regarding the album title, Brun previously stated: "Universal is the title that shines through and mirrors the essence of the album. Universal is a title that is broad enough and huge enough to project the giant character of this album, both musically and lyrically."
Lars A. Nedland expressed his opinion on the album: "I just listened to the test mastering of two of the new songs, and they sound great. I´m absolutely confident that you will love this album. Both Mr. V and Vortex do such amazing vocal performances, and I´m very happy with the way the songs turned out. It all sounds very fresh and Borknagar-ish."
On January 29, 2010, Borknagar
Borknagar
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...
released the first track, Havoc, exclusively on their myspace page before the release of the album.
Track listing
- All Songs Written By Oystein G. Brun, except where noted.
- "Havoc" (6:42)
- "Reason" (6:55) (Brun, Lars Nedland)
- "The Stir of Seasons" (4:01)
- "For a Thousand Years to Come" (6:46)
- "Abrasion Tide" (7:14) (Brun, Vintersorg)
- "Fleshflower" (3:28) (Nedland)
- "Worldwide" (6:59)
- "My Domain" (4:49)
Bonus tracks on the box edition and the vinyl version of the album:
- "Coalition of The Elements" (5:42)
- "Loci" (instrumental) (2:03)
Borknagar
- 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:...
– all vocals (except on My Domain) and choirs - Øystein G. Brun – electric, acoustic, and high-string guitars
- Jens Ryland – lead guitar
- 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...
– 8 string bass guitar - 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...
– synthesizers, hammond organ, grand piano, backing vocals, lead vocals and drums on "Fleshflower" - 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 & percussion
Production
- Arranged & Produced By Borknagar
- Recorded & Engineered By Oystein G. Brun, Borge Finstad, Lars Jensen, Lars Nedland, Erik (Tyr) Tiwaz & Vintersorg
- Mixed By Borknagar & Borge Finstad
- Mastered By Peter in de Betou