BORKNAGAR: Winter Thrice (BLACK METAL): review / opinion to read on Music Waves

Each new offering from Borknagar, a true super group from the Norwegian Black Chapel, is always eagerly awaited and this is more than ever the case with "Winter Thrice". There are at least two reasons for this increased expectation. On the one hand because it marks the band's return after almost four years of recording silence, an abnormally long tunnel even if the collective has always taken its time. On the other hand because it succeeds the acclaimed "Urd", which has been nothing short of the best album of its authors since "Empiricism" in 2001.

The release of "Winter Thrice" is therefore part of this double context. Despite the five years that separate them, this tenth album (already!) digs an identical groove to its predecessor, namely this (black) art whose features, both progressive and Viking, have been fixed since the arrival of Vintersorg, an artist with a strong identity and therefore recognizable among thousands.

In fact, only fragile oripal roots, embodied by growls, remain from its extreme roots, trapped between predominant clear vocals. It must be said that when you welcome voices as strongly emotional as those of the Swede, it would be wrong not to take advantage of them. Borknagar owes to this exceptional vocal presence, sketched from "Universal" (on the title "My Domain") and confirmed by "Urd", its main characteristic, as well as a large part of its value. "Winter Thrice" offers singers the perfect setting to express themselves, delighting the senses in all registers, even the most aggressive ('Cold Runs The River').

Once launched, 'The Rhymes Of The Mountain' provides delicious shivers when the frozen organ of Vintersorg appears. From the top of its almost seven minutes, this opening alone sums up the signature of the band today: vocals full of majestic ambivalence, epic breath, (timid) outbursts of violence and melodic flights.

Because it would be wrong to reduce Borknagar to these vocal games alone, however bewitching they may be, as the canvas unfolded for almost an hour impresses by its abundant and convoluted richness. Faithful to a sound identity of generous intensity, the group forges an art of majestic ambivalence, a unique blend of fire and ice, which springs from compositions worked with the meticulousness of a goldsmith, polished in the manner of an ice sculpture, which seems to have stood in the blizzard since the dawn of time.

The result is a wonderful ensemble that seems very difficult to break, both in form - the sound recording is enormous - and in substance. Borknagar has been desired, but the expectation is rewarded by this Valhalla-like offering. - Official website

BORKNAGAR

WINTER THRICE

CENTURY MEDIA RECORDS

BLACK METAL