Universal (Borknagar album)
| Universal | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | ||||
| Studio album by Borknagar | ||||
| Released | 22 February 2010 | |||
| Recorded | 2009 in Toproom Studio[1] | |||
| Genre | Progressive metal, folk metal, viking metal | |||
| Length | 46:54 | |||
| Label | Indie | |||
| Producer | Borknagar[1] | |||
| Borknagar chronology | ||||
| ||||
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.[2] 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.[3] It was released on 22 February 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.[1]
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!"[4]
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."[5]
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." [6]
On 29 January 2010 Borknagar 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.
| No. | Title | Writer(s) | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Havoc" | 6:42 | |
| 2. | "Reason" | Brun, Lars Nedland | 6:55 |
| 3. | "The Stir of Seasons" | 4:01 | |
| 4. | "For a Thousand Years to Come" | 6:46 | |
| 5. | "Abrasion Tide" | Brun, Vintersorg | 7:14 |
| 6. | "Fleshflower" | Nedland | 3:28 |
| 7. | "Worldwide" | 6:59 | |
| 8. | "My Domain" | 4:49 | |
| Total length: | 46:54 | ||
Personnel
Borknagar
- Vintersorg – lead vocals and choirs (except on My Domain)
- Øystein G. Brun – electric, acoustic, and high-string guitars
- Jens Ryland – lead guitar
- Tyr – 8 string fretless bass
- Lars A. Nedland – synthesizers, hammond organ, grand piano, backing vocals, lead vocals and drums on "Fleshflower"
- David Kinkade – drums & percussion
Guest musicians
- ICS Vortex – vocals on "My Domain"
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
References
- 1 2 3 Borknagar: 'Universal Release Date Announced' blabbermouth.net. 2009-10-20. Retrieved on 2009-10-20.
- ↑ "Borknagar: Universal artwork, track listing revealed". Blabbermouth. 2009-11-26. Retrieved 2009-11-26.
- ↑
- ↑ "New Album Finished And European Live Dates Confirmed - Ultimate Metal Forum". Ultimatemetal.com. Retrieved 2012-03-13.
- ↑
- ↑ "The title for the new album is - Page 3 - Ultimate Metal Forum". Ultimatemetal.com. Retrieved 2012-03-13.