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
Genesis Torn
Borknagar Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Transforming the breed as it strains to erase
Cleansing the body and perfecting the bliss
Falling further into its hypnosis
Absurd scenery of strength and endurance
The mundane edeavours for the perfect resistance
Evolution axis bent. Manipulation results
Genesis torn
Enigma solved
Utopia found
Euphoria born
Expanding origin stagnates at last
Bows down in unity when paradise is lost
Dirt grows in catharsis - raise of the inbred
Totality rejects the efforts of the misled
Genesis torn
Enigma solved
Utopia found
Euphoria born
Extinction embraces the crippled presence
Altered away from the salvaging renaissance
The lyrics to Borknagar’s song Genesis Torn delve deep into the idea of temptation and how it can easily manipulate and transform the vulnerable. The first verse talks about how temptation can cleanse and perfect the body, but in reality, it is drawing the person further into its hypnosis. The second verse talks about how the pursuit of strength and endurance has become a mundane endeavor for perfect resistance. However, when these efforts fail, it results in contrast, condemnation, and insults, which leaves us questioning whether it is all worth it.
The chorus shifts into a more positive tone, singing about how it seems that Genesis, the beginning or origin, has been torn and the enigma has been solved, leading them to find utopia and experience euphoria. However, this happiness seems fleeting as they ponder the fact that their expanding origin has stagnated and paradise has been lost. They then contemplate how dirt grows in catharsis, leading to the rise of the inbred as totality, or the complete entirety or unity, rejects the efforts of the misled.
In the final stanza, the song talks about how distortion has taken hold of the present, altering and embracing the crippled existence, leading to extinction instead of the desired salvaging renaissance. The lyrics to Genesis Torn prove to be deep and thought-provoking, touching on the idea of temptation, paradise, and eventual distortion.
Line by Line Meaning
Temptation impales the vulnerable
The lure of desire can severely harm those who are susceptible to it.
Transforming the breed as it strains to erase
The pursuit of perfection can cause individuals to lose their unique traits in favor of conformity.
Cleansing the body and perfecting the bliss
Achieving purification and joy through the removal of impurities is ideal.
Falling further into its hypnosis
Succumbing more deeply to a trance-like state of submission.
Absurd scenery of strength and endurance
The idea of having immense power and stamina is nonsensical.
The mundane edeavours for the perfect resistance
Ordinary efforts may be insufficient to achieve adequate preparation for survival.
Evolution axis bent. Manipulation results
The fundamental changes directing development are distorted by intentional altering.
Contrast condemns and the answer insults
Comparison brings about condemnation, and the solution provided is offensive.
Genesis torn
The initial creation has been damaged or destroyed.
Enigma solved
Mystery is now deciphered and comprehended.
Utopia found
A perfect society or place of happiness has been discovered.
Euphoria born
Intense feelings of pleasure and elation are generated.
Expanding origin stagnates at last
Initially prosperous beginnings come to a halt and cease to grow.
Bows down in unity when paradise is lost
When a paradise is no longer attainable, people come together in a shared sorrowful submission.
Dirt grows in catharsis - raise of the inbred
Images of people wallowing in impurity come forth, as the inadequate or less competent come to power.
Totality rejects the efforts of the misled
The collective rejects the endeavors of those who have been led astray.
Extinction embraces the crippled presence
The notion of eradication is welcomed for those who are weak and incapable.
Altered away from the salvaging renaissance
Removed from the hopeful period of cultural revival and rebirth.
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: CARL WILSON, DENNIS WILSON, DENNIS C. WILSON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind