Reviews for Borknagar - Empyricism:
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Borknagar makes a thunderous return to the epic metal scene with this excellent piece of metal. This album sees Vintersorg take over the vocals job from Simen Hestnæs, who left earlier this year to join up with Dimmu Borgir. Vintersorg does quite the fine job actually, his voice being most fitting to the style of epic music Borknagar plays. Another newcomer on this album is Tyr, who took up bass after Hestnaes left, who does an awesome job at it. Tasty little bass solos are sprinkled throughout the whole album, which is definitely a first for the whole genre: an epic black metal album with not only audible bass, but actual bass SOLOS. What is the world coming to these days? Despite the label, though, the music has only a few traces of black metal left. There are a few blast beats here, a few "faster" sections there to remind the listener that this is supposed to be a black metal album, but the focus is definitely not on that. In fact, if one is to compare this album to last year's Quintessence, he would see that the difference between these albums is huge. While Quintessence was aggressive and menacing (Rivalry Of Phantoms, The Presence Is Ominous, Revolt, etc.), with the instruments creating a chaotic "wall of sound" effect, Empiricism has a beautiful, crystal-clear production where every single instrument is audible. The atmosphere is also centered towards more "grandiose" things such as the cosmos and astral powers (obvious Vintersorg influence) instead of choosing the Viking route once again. It is a newer, fresher Borknagar, that's for sure. Perhaps the reason they sound so fresh is because the band has improved their songwriting skills once again. After all, they are an all-star band. They have members of Solefald (Lazarus - a.k.a. Lars Nedland) and Spiral Architect (Asgeir Mickelson), not to mention Øystein G. Brun who is basically the brain behind the band. Vintersorg is also an excellent songwriter, so they're definitely in no short supply of creativity. Also worthy of mention is Vintersorg's vocals. The man's voice seems to get stronger and stronger with each new release. When it was first announced that he'd join Borknagar, there was a lot of skepticism of whether he'd be able to match Simen Hestnæs' vocal prowess. Needless to say, not only did he match those expectations, he totally surpassed them. His vocal delivery on this album is just excellent. His clean voice is better than ever, with some amazing techniques, and his growls are as good as they ever were. All in all, Borknagar really exceeded expectations with this one. Superb production, high levels of musicianship and creativity, not to mention Vintersorg's vocal deliverance make this one of the best albums I've heard in years. They really topped themselves with this one. It'll be interesting to see what musical path they'll choose from here. Review by: Smekermann after their 4 album...empyricism is a brilliant album ! ((but i must said their 2000 album quintessence is a great album)). empyricism makes borknagar an immortal and ultimate great band. i think vintersorg vocals is the end of epic black metal vocals. his epical choirs and dark black metal screams is a unique kind of epic black metal vocals. in the 1st time when i heard this album i think that we can't believe this is borknagar music !!! because the sound bits gone slower and all the songs have more melodic and folklore parts. but when you hear more than 1 time than you reached the topic that this album make borknagar a powerful and great band... all right borknagar...keep on your majestic and powerful way of epic black metal. hail to you......! rating: 10/10 Review by: demafire A masterpiece......one of the most beatfull viking black metal albuns there I heave here in my life..... and the vintersorg vocals are great too..... Review by: Sad Spirit black metal at its best borknagar have unleashed another morbid symphony. darkness depression bleakness. clear vocals at the throat of vintersorg. moody riffs blend into an abyss of noriegen style black metal cradel of filth better watch out for. if you like dimmu borgir on the lighter side this is one for your collection. pianos great riffs our addiquit vocals soar bass and drums do the trick art works exelent the mood is set bring the sacrifice light the candels and make the mark 8/10 Review by: bill Truly spectacular, Vintersorgs vocals own this album Review by: deathshandbag borknagar, one of the classical black metal band... if you know this band is'nt satanic, no need to being, his banner is his music, is excellent, wonderful nordic metal, first song of album ¨genuine pulse¨, makes me fly to the longer north horizons, to the begining of the creation and times... hail BORKNAGAR, excellent band!!! 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