Kategorie: CD-Reviews | Genre: Metal | Heft: Jahrgang 2012, eclipsed Nr. 139 / 4-2012 | VÖ-Jahr: 2012 | Wertung: 8/10 | Label: Century Media | Autor: MB
For eclipsed-readers Black Metal might become interesting mostly when the dark hordes from the north look beyond the borders of their genre and discover the seventies for themselves. The Norwegian formation Borknagar is one of the best examples of the coexistence of dark brutality and playful progressive offsets. Since "The Olden Domain" (1997) she tries to expand her definition of Black Metal constantly. But above all the last album "Universal" (2002) with its dazzling range of styles was the first step on a new musical journey, which has now found a new artistic highlight with "Urd". The original foundation of Growls and Blastbeats is still there. But with the use of wah-wah pedals, a Hammond organ, sad strings and clean vocal melodies (after the return of bassist ICSD Vortex there are three singers on board, which ideally even complement each other to form a great choir) the band sometimes reaches Floydsche spheres. "Urd" is an orchestral symphonic mix of odd folk, nasty black metal and warm progressive rock. And really good with it.
Top track: The Earthling