As such, the band's most known style would be that of progressive black metal, with most of their albums taking from this style. Borknagar's lyrics often deal with philosophy, paganism, nature, and the cosmos. Øystein Brun stated once that the name was inspired by a Scottish legend about a man who climbed Lochnagar, a mountain in Scotland.
Borknagar rose out of the ashes of the Norwegian death metal band Molested when then-member Øystein G. 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, Ivar Bjørnson from Enslaved, Garm of Ulver, Head Control System, and ex-Arcturus) 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 ten 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 Arcturus and Dimmu Borgir and later by current singer, Vintersorg from Otyg and his eponymous band (Vintersorg). All of the band's records (excluding the original pressing of the debut album via Malicious Records) have been released by the Century Media label. Borknagar has toured with various bands, including the well-known Cradle of Filth.
Simen Hestnæs rejoined the band in 2010. Since then he and Vintersorg have shared lead vocal duties.
Discography:
1996 - Borknagar
1997 - The Olden Domain
1998 - The Archaic Course
2000 - Quintessence
2001 - Empiricism
2002 - Urd
2004 - Epic
2006 - Origin
2010 - Universal
2012 - Urd
2016 - Winter Thrice
2019 - True North
Members:
Current Members
* Vintersorg (Andreas Hedlund) - Vocals
* Øystein G. Brun - Guitar
* Lazare (Lars Nedland) - Keyboard
* Jens Ryland - Guitar
* ICS Vortex (Simen Hestnæs) - Vocals, Bass
* Baard Kolstad - Drums
Former Members
* Garm (Kristoffer Rygg) - Vocals
* Asgeir Mickelson - Drums
* Kai Lie - Bass
* Infernus - Bass
* Ivar Bjørnson - Keyboard
* Grim (Erik Brødreskift) - Drums (Causa mortis: Suicide. 1969 - 1999.10.04.)
* Tyr (Jan Erik Tiwaz) - Bass - Session Member for Origin album
* David Kinkade - Drums
Future Reminiscence
Borknagar Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Precession of the planetary relations.
Cosmology, a linear or circular cast?
Restitution of a genuine consciousness.
Return to the haven of the first and the last.
Beware, stare towards the horizon new.
Sear, tear the sensation of distant propinquity.
Through the secret moments I flew.
As one among the very few.
The everlasting zero, a glimpse of a million.
The forever million, yet a ubiquitous presence.
Coronate the path of the Gods, the Elder.
I am a remnant of the forever origin.
I am the soul of every phantom fallen.
I am rising as I am falling, silent as calling.
"The precise prelude of the cataclysm".
Apocalyptic visions of the future fall.
The aberrant taste of the conceiving past.
As a slave of the next moment of presence.
The ones among the very few.
Restitution - summons the sight.
Emancipation - circles in presence.
Renunciation - for a new era to enlighten.
The lyrics of Borknagar's song Future Reminiscence talk about "the mysteries of a hidden past" and the idea of time and the universe. The lines "Precession of the planetary relations. Cosmology, a linear or circular cast?" suggest pondering the idea of whether time and the universe operate in a linear or cyclical fashion. The idea of "restitution of a genuine consciousness" and "return to the haven of the first and the last" may refer to a desire to reconnect with a more authentic and primal way of being.
The next stanza of the song urges the listener to be aware and look to the future ("stare towards the horizon new") while acknowledging the feeling of distance and unknown ("tear the sensation of distant propinquity"). The lines "Through the secret moments I flew. As one among the very few" may hint at the idea of a select group of people who have a deeper understanding of the mysteries of the universe.
The final stanza of the song discusses the concept of eternity and the idea of being a remnant of something forever ("I am a remnant of the forever origin") that is both rising and falling at the same time. There is also a sense of both fear and excitement about the future, as there are "apocalyptic visions of the future fall" and a need for "restitution," "emancipation," and "renunciation" in order to bring about a new era of enlightenment.
Line by Line Meaning
The mysteries of a hidden past.
Exploring unknown history and secrets.
Precession of the planetary relations.
Observing the movements and relationships of celestial objects.
Cosmology, a linear or circular cast?
Wondering if the universe has a beginning and end or if it's cyclical.
Restitution of a genuine consciousness.
Bringing back a true understanding of the self and the world.
Return to the haven of the first and the last.
Going back to the source and end of all things.
Beware, stare towards the horizon new.
Be cautious and prepare for what's to come.
Sear, tear the sensation of distant propinquity.
Burn and rip apart the feeling of being close yet far away.
Through the secret moments I flew.
Traveling privately and away from others.
As one among the very few.
Being part of a small group with the same experiences.
The everlasting zero, a glimpse of a million.
The never-ending nothingness with potential for infinite possibilities.
The forever million, yet a ubiquitous presence.
The seemingly uncountable numbers that are always around us.
Coronate the path of the Gods, the Elder.
Crowning the journey of the divine and wise predecessors.
I am a remnant of the forever origin.
Being a leftover piece of the original source of all things.
I am the soul of every phantom fallen.
Containing the essence of every forgotten entity.
I am rising as I am falling, silent as calling.
Growing and falling, moving quietly yet still having an impact.
"The precise prelude of the cataclysm".
The specific introduction to a disastrous event.
Apocalyptic visions of the future fall.
Seeing visions of the end of the world that is to come.
The aberrant taste of the conceiving past.
The strange and unusual flavor of history being created.
As a slave of the next moment of presence.
Being subservient to the next instance of existence.
The ones among the very few.
Those who share a rare and unique experience.
Restitution - summons the sight.
Bringing back what was once lost or taken away.
Emancipation - circles in presence.
Freedom that surrounds us and affects everything.
Renunciation - for a new era to enlighten.
Rejecting old ways to pave the way for a brighter future.
Lyrics © RESERVOIR MEDIA MANAGEMENT INC
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Hedniskhjertad
The mysteries of a hidden past.
Precession of the planetary relations.
Cosmology, a linear or circular cast?
Restitution of a genuine consciousness.
Return to the haven of the first and the last.
Beware, stare towards the horizon new.
Sear, tear the sensation of distant propinquity.
Through the secret moments I flew.
As one among the very few.
The everlasting zero, a glimpse of a million.
The forever million, yet a ubiquitous presence.
Coronate the path of the Gods, the Elder.
I am a remnant of the forever origin.
I am the soul of every phantom fallen.
I am rising as I am falling, silent as calling.
"The precise prelude of the cataclysm".
Apocalyptic visions of the future fall.
The aberrant taste of the conceiving past.
As a slave of the next moment of presence.
The ones among the very few.
Restitution - summons the sight.
Emancipation - circles in presence.
Renunciation - for a new era to enlighten.
Ian W
Opening keyboard riff has been in my head for over a decade - finally just bought the record off of Amazon! Hail Borknagar!
llorulez
i remember when i bought this album the whole disk is a masterpiece
cbilljones
This band blows me away, the musical landscapes, the thought provoking lyrics, and insanely skilled musicianship/vocals
Goodgoyim Takethepill
i love this style of music, so much more meaning then most music. It's hard to explain to people who dont listen to it, but i think black metal in general is just overall more ambitious profound music.
Taskumatti
Can't wait for the new album, great band! :)
IvanSorath
A magnificent song , a Masterpiece
ItsNotaTuhmah
If you see the album's pictures, Vintersorg sports a very long hair. He donated his hair to a cancer health related fund, to provide wigs for chemo patients.
aarongtr180
There's nothing commercial about this. Listen to the production and the songwriting. Not exactly going to draw in deathcore fans.
Earthworm
these guys love pasta so much they have to have spaghetti with EVERYTHING
Stefan Fortmann
I will finally see them 25th September in Holland This band is epic