New Borknagar Album To Feature Ulver Vocalist
Borknagar is one of the most original black metal bands out there. I mean that in two ways – they’ve been around long enough to have been one of the OG black metal bands, and they have arguably the most original sound of the lot. Their album Epic is one of my all-time genre favorites, and they’ve churned out lots of good stuff since then (especially with the return of former Dimmu Borgir bassist/singer ICS Vortex).
For their new album, they’re combining their powerful new lineup with a bit of nostalgia for the time when Ulver singer Garm was a member of the band, as guitarist Øystein G. Brun has announced that Garm (AKA Kristoffer Rygg) will contribute some vocals (including a full song on lead) to the new album:
“These days, 20 years ago, Kristoffer and I hooked up for the very first time in Bergen to record vocals for the Borknagar debut album. Glorious days, indeed. Last night I was barely asleep as I got the first vocal samples from Kristoffer late yesterday evening and have been listening to the songs repeatedly since then.
“Being a former bandmate and a huge fan of his work ever since we parted ways back in the days, I certainly did expect a lot, but what he sent over this time around surpasses every expectations. Really! Still trying to get my jaw back in position and the goosebumps seem to have turned chronic on me.
“Kristoffer performs the lead vocals for one full song called ‘Winter Thrice’ and does additional vocals for another opus called ‘Terminus’. Being a profoundly nostalgic person, this makes me reflect about how damn lucky I am to have been able to work with some of the finest vocalists in the world throughout the years. Musically, the upcoming album will be a celebration of just that.
“Along with the vocals of Vintersorg, ICS Vortex and Lazare, it should be needless to argue that this will be a very special album! Massively so!”
I bet these guys are just stoked off their ass to have it be like the old days again, and so am I. Let’s just hope none of them get too nostalgic and end up in jail for burning a church or killing one another, also like the old days.
