''Universal'' is the eighth studio album by

Norwegian Norwegian, Norwayan, or Norsk may refer to: *Something of, from, or related to Norway, a country in northwestern Europe * Norwegians, both a nation and an ethnic group native to Norway * Demographics of Norway *The Norwegian language, including ...

metal A metal (from Greek μέταλλον ''métallon'', "mine, quarry, metal") is a material that, when freshly prepared, polished, or fractured, shows a lustrous appearance, and conducts electricity and heat relatively well. Metals are typicall ...

band

Borknagar Borknagar is a Norwegian heavy metal band from Bergen, founded in 1995 by Øystein Garnes Brun. The band's style combines black metal and folk metal with progressive and melodic elements. Borknagar's lyrics often deal with philosophy, paganis ...

. It marks the return of guitarist

Jens F. Ryland Jens Fredrik Ryland (born 5 May 1974) is a Norwegian guitarist most notable for his work with the heavy metal band Borknagar. He is known also for being the founder of the Inferno Festival in Oslo. Biography Jens was born in Narvik, Norway and g ...

. The band's former vocalist Simen "ICS Vortex" Hestnæs performs 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 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.

Background

Regarding the album, founding member

Øystein G. Brun Øystein is a Norwegian given name of Old Norse origins. One of its variants is Östen which is mostly used in Sweden. Notable people with the name include: *Øystein Aarseth (1968–1993), Norwegian guitarist (pseudonym Euronymous), co-founder o ...

said: "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 '' ic' 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 production wise- and we are right now just immensely eager to get the album out there!" According to Brun, the album's title "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 29 January 2010

released the first track, "Havoc", exclusively on their MySpace page before the release of the album.

Track listing

Personnel

;Borknagar *

Andreas Hedlund Andreas Hedlund (born 17 September 1973), better known by his stage names Vintersorg and Mr. V, is a Swedish vocalist and multi-instrumentalist who has played in several heavy metal bands. Biography Hedlund's musical career came to be at or aro ...

(credited as "Vintersorg") – lead vocals and choirs (except on "My Domain") *

– acoustic guitar, electric guitar, high-string guitar *

– lead guitar *

Jan Erik Tiwaz Jan Erik Tiwaz, aka Tyr (born 22 June 1972) is the former bassist for the Norwegian black/folk metal band Borknagar. He is known for his progressive playing style in black metal and his use of extended range basses. He also made of use of these in ...

(credited as "Tyr") – fretless bass * Lars A. Nedland – backing vocals, synthesizers, Hammond organ, grand piano, lead vocals and drums (on "Fleshflower") *

David Kinkade David Kinkade (born August 25, 1983) is an American metal drummer. 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. He has become known f ...

– drums, percussion ;Guest Musicians *

Simen Hestnæs Simen Hestnæs (born 4 March 1974), better known by his stage name ICS Vortex or simply Vortex, is a Norwegian musician. He is the vocalist of the similarly named band ICS Vortex, the avant-garde metal band Arcturus and the doom metal band Lamen ...

(credited as "ICS Vortex") – vocals (on "My Domain")

Production

- production, arrangements, mixing, engineering *Borge Finstad - mixing, engineering *Peter - mastering *

Christophe Szpajdel Christophe Szpajdel (; born 29 September 1970) is a Belgian-born international calligraphist and illustrator, principally known for designing band logos. Life Szpajdel was born on 29 September 1970 in Gembloux, Namur, Belgium, and grew up in ...

– logo

References

External links

Universal @ Borknagar official website
{{Authority control 2010 albums Borknagar albums