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THE ARCHIVES
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Morrigan's Pit has closed down as of November 2006. The site and its articles will stay online as an archive until September at least, but probably longer.
The Archives
2002-2006
» CD REVIEWS
» INTERVIEWS
» LIVE REVIEWS
» SPECIALS
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BORKNAGAR
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Epic
2004
Century Media
http://www.borknagar.com
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1. Future Reminiscence
2. Traveller
3. Origin
4. Sealed Chambers of Electricity
5. The Weight Of Wind (instr.)
6. Resonance
7. Relate (Dialogue)
8. Cyclus
9. Circled
10. Inner Ocean Hypothesis
11. Quintessence
12. The Wonder
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Quite a long time we had to wait for "Epic" which isn't really a wonder considering what some of the members have been up to (Andreas aka mr V is ever busy with other bands and various projects, Asgeir has been touring extensively with Testament, Lazare released an album with Solefald...). One major change should also be mentioned: bassist Tyr is no longer with Borknagar, the bass on "Epic" was recorded by Asgeir, so that guy turned into the ultimate rhythm section I think, hehe.
Upon first listen, one of my intital thoughts was that the album title "Epic" was a well chosen one. All of the songs have mighty arrangements, they're often symphonic even (string arrangements) and the album definitely benefits from a better production compared to the last album "Empiricism" whose "tin" sound I didn't really like at all. Still, even the production now isn't exactly a dream coming true (sort of muddy somehow) but it's certainly an improvement to my ears.
Anyway, it's amazing how well heavy, aggressive parts and calm, acoustic interludes go together on "Epic". It's impossible to describe how Borknagar manage to include all those different elements into one song without making it sound chaotic or something like that. All songs are well structured and a pleasure to listen to. The songs are in the vein of the "Empiricism" material (especially the opener "Future Reminisence") but taken a step further in regards of arrangements and density.
mr V once again mostly shines with his vocals and maybe some people will be pleased that his singing here is a little more moderate than on his latest Vintersorg album. You want to hear his deep voice again? Check out "The Wonder"! (despite some grim vocals the most mellow track on the album)
Another major thing I totally love about "Epic" is the massive use of the hammond - Lazare, you truly are the one and only hammond-wrecker out there!
It's hard to name stand-out tracks on this album as there are so many great parts in each song but for the sake of naming a few titles let's say that I enjoy "Origin", "Resonance" \m/ and "Relate (Dialogue)" (except those "ooh-ahh" chants which make me picture the Borkies as fearsome Vikings - hilarious!), "Quintessence" and "The Wonder" the most.
Also "Traveller" is an awesome song except for the chorus: mr V gets a little on my nerves there and considering that I generally just love that man's voice I find that a little disturbing :o
So yeah, there are a few things bothering me but in the end those are easily counterbalanced by all the incredible moments. Great album!
submitted by Cora 19.06.2004
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rating 1 - 5 Morrigans
5 = awesome, 4 = good, 3 = average, 2 = keep practising, 1 = sell your gear!
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