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

In 2019, Borknagar strucks a blow with "True North", reaching the quintessence of his art, the evolving shape, the mythological background engraved in eternal fjords. It seemed impossible to do better. Notwithstanding the Norwegians' stainless steel talent, which has never really disappointed in their thirty-year career (already!), it was with impatience mixed with a certain apprehension that we awaited the arrival of this thirteenth album.

The first thing to note about "Fall" is that the band is continuing the evolution that has been at work at least since 'Winter Thrice' (2016) and its powerful blend of ice and fire moulded in a Nordic crucible. Does that mean they're repeating themselves? Not at all, even if the margins for change remain narrow. The only real surprise - and the best track of the lot - is 'Nordic Anthem', whose tribal dimension pushes it a little down the shamanic path of Wardruna, without erasing the identity of its creators. The rest is pure Borknagar.

The first thing you look for from this classic set is an epic anthem of the calibre of 'Up To North', or an emotional one like 'Voices', which lit up the previous album. Unfortunately, none of the tracks on 'Fall' really manage to match the strength and beauty of the previous album, with the exception of 'Moon', the first single, which is enhanced by Lazare's clear vocals, always capable of sending shivers down your spine. Cornelius Jakhelln's partner in Solefald is undoubtedly the masterpiece of the ship, and his contributions are enough to propel his songs to heights they would certainly never reach otherwise ('Star Ablaze', 'Unravelling').

On the other hand, the successor to 'True North' surprises with a form of abrasive brutality that owes as much to the furious bites of ICS Vortex as to the sometimes torrential tempo, as evidenced by a track such as 'Afar', which revives the symphonic emphasis of 90s black metal. But the band never totally sacrifices melody and lyricism on the altar of dark, tumultuous aggression. In this respect, a track like 'Summit' is highly revealing of the Scandinavians' songwriting, which combines impetuosity and grace, virtuosity and emotion in a way that is as bubbling as it is majestic. Each sinuous track is peppered with icy keyboards, limpid guitars and a grandiose vocal duet.

In fact, there's not the slightest reservation about 'Fall', with its skilfully measured composition, sharp execution and crystal-clear sound recording. And while it may not match its predecessor in terms of inspiration, it nonetheless demonstrates Borknagar's excellent health in the service of an epic black metal whose formula is tried and tested but always flamboyant. - Official website

BORKNAGAR

FALL

CENTURY MEDIA RECORDS

BLACK METAL