Borknagar is a Norwegian progressive metal band with black metal and folk influences. It was founded in Bergen in 1995 by Øystein Garnes Brun primarily as a black metal band before later switching to a more melodic and progressive style. Borknagar's lyrics often deal with philosophy, paganism, nature and the cosmos.

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 F. Ryland had again become official members of the band, and that the band were aiming for a January 2009 release. 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." A new drummer, the American David Kinkade, who had worked with Arsis and Malevolent Creation joined the band.

In April 2009, the band announced that their upcoming album is titled Universal. The album, scheduled for a September release was postponed to a February 2010 release.

In early June 2010, Jan Erik Tiwaz left the bass guitarist position of Borknagar due to "general disagreements", and ICS Vortex replaced him and Vintersorg on the upcoming tour.

Also in June 2010, the band announced their first tour of South America, with ICS Vortex on vocals. On 25 August 2010, the band announced that they were forced to cancel the South American tour due to reasons beyond their control.

In January 2011, the deal with Indie Recordings were terminated and on 28 March 2011 Borknagar signed a new worldwide 3 album deal with Century Media Records.

On 22 April 2011, the band officially announced the return of ICS Vortex on both bass and vocals.

Drummer Dave Kinkade announced on his official Facebook page on 25 October 2011 that he had "mutually parted ways with Borknagar" and that he'll "be focusing 100% on Soulfly now".

On 22 February 2012, it was announced on the Norwegian website Artisan that the new drummer for the band would be Baard Kolstad.

thumb|Borknagar performing in 2014

Throughout 2014 and into 2015, the band had been hard at work writing and recording their next full-length album, Winter Thrice. Production had to be delayed due to injuries vocalist Vintersorg suffered in late 2014 but the recording was concluded in June. Original vocalist Kristoffer Rygg provided guest vocals on the aforementioned record.

In early 2019, it was reported that long-time vocalist Vintersorg has parted ways with the band due to conflicting issues with his work and family, as well as the after effects of his 2014 injuries. The split was amicable and he has not ruled out being a guest on a future album. As well, drummer Baard Kolstad also parted ways due to lack of time due to his other in-demand projects. ICS Vortex has since reassumed the role of lead vocalist and Kolstad was replaced by Bjørn Dugstad Rønnow (at Kolstad's recommendation). Despite these setbacks, Borknagar released their eleventh album, True North, on 27 September 2019.

On 15 December 2023, the band announced that their twelfth studio album Fall would be released on 23 February 2024. At the same time, they released the lead single "Summits" along with a visualizer video.

Members

Current members

  • Øystein G. Brun – guitars
  • ICS Vortex (Simen Hestnæs) – vocals ; bass
  • Lazare (Lars A. Nedland) – keyboards, vocals
  • Bjørn Dugstad Rønnow – drums
  • Jostein Thomassen – guitars

Former members

  • Infernus (Roger Tiegs) – bass
  • Garm (Kristoffer Rygg) – vocals
  • Ivar Bjørnson – keyboards
  • Grim (Erik Brødreskift) – drums
  • Kai K. Lie – bass
  • Jens F. Ryland – guitars
  • Justin Greaves – drums
  • Asgeir Mickelson – drums ; bass and additional guitars
  • Tyr (Jan Erik Tiwaz) – bass
  • Vintersorg (Andreas Hedlund) – vocals, additional guitars and keyboards
  • David Kinkade – drums
  • Baard Kolstad – drums
  • Athera (Pål Mathiesen) – vocals

Timeline

Discography

Studio albums

  • Borknagar (1996, Malicious, Century Black)
  • The Olden Domain (1997, Century Black)
  • The Archaic Course (1998, Century Media)
  • Quintessence (2000, Century Media)
  • Empiricism (2001, Century Media)
  • Epic (2004, Century Media)
  • Origin (2006, Century Media)
  • Universal (2010, Indie Recordings)
  • Urd (2012, Century Media)
  • Winter Thrice (2016, Century Media)
  • True North (2019, Century Media)
  • Fall (2024, Century Media)

Compilation albums

  • For the Elements (1996–2006) (2008, Century Media)

References

  • Borknagar official forum (at UltimateMetal)
  • Borknagar (Inside Articles at ArtisanNorway)