Borknagar is a melodic, progressive black metal-influenced band from Bergen, Norway founded in 1995 by Øystein Garnes Brun. The band's style combines symphonic metal and black metal with viking, medieval, and traditional folk elements. Borknagar's lyrics often deal with philosophy, paganism, nature, and the cosmos. The name Borknagar is a variant form of a character's name from a novel, and has no clear literal meaning.
Borknagar rose out of the ashes 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; he wrote all of the music and lyrics and gathered together an all-star group of black metal musicians to play in his band. Well-known musicians of the black metal scene (such as Infernus of Gorgoroth, Grim of Immortal and Gorgoroth, and Garm of Ulver) joined the project, bringing immediate attention to Borknagar. 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 in Norwegian; all subsequent albums have featured lyrics written in English by both ICS Vortex from Dimmu Borgir and 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 Century Media label. Borknagar has toured with various bands, including the well-known Cradle Of Filth.
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. In May 2008, Øystein released another statement announcing Asgeir's departure as the band's drummer, who was replaced by David Kinkade on October 2008.
Current members:
Vintersorg (Andreas Hedlund) - Vocals - (2000-)
Øystein Brun - Guitar - (1995-)
Lazare (Lars Nedland) - Keyboard - (1999-)
Tyr - Bass - (2000-2003, 2008-)
Jens Ryland - Guitar - (1997-2003, 2008-)
David Kinkade - Drums - (2008-)
Former members:
ICS Vortex (Simen Hestnaes) - Vocals, Bass - (1997-2000)
Garm - Vocals - (1995-1997)
Ivar Bjornson - Keyboard - (1995-1998)
Kai Lie - Bass - (1996-1998)
Infernus - Bass - (1995-1996)
Grim (Erik Brødreskift) - (1995-1998)
Asgeir Mickelson - Drums - (1999-2008)
Borknagar rose out of the ashes 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; he wrote all of the music and lyrics and gathered together an all-star group of black metal musicians to play in his band. Well-known musicians of the black metal scene (such as Infernus of Gorgoroth, Grim of Immortal and Gorgoroth, and Garm of Ulver) joined the project, bringing immediate attention to Borknagar. 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 in Norwegian; all subsequent albums have featured lyrics written in English by both ICS Vortex from Dimmu Borgir and 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 Century Media label. Borknagar has toured with various bands, including the well-known Cradle Of Filth.
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. In May 2008, Øystein released another statement announcing Asgeir's departure as the band's drummer, who was replaced by David Kinkade on October 2008.
Current members:
Vintersorg (Andreas Hedlund) - Vocals - (2000-)
Øystein Brun - Guitar - (1995-)
Lazare (Lars Nedland) - Keyboard - (1999-)
Tyr - Bass - (2000-2003, 2008-)
Jens Ryland - Guitar - (1997-2003, 2008-)
David Kinkade - Drums - (2008-)
Former members:
ICS Vortex (Simen Hestnaes) - Vocals, Bass - (1997-2000)
Garm - Vocals - (1995-1997)
Ivar Bjornson - Keyboard - (1995-1998)
Kai Lie - Bass - (1996-1998)
Infernus - Bass - (1995-1996)
Grim (Erik Brødreskift) - (1995-1998)
Asgeir Mickelson - Drums - (1999-2008)
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