The Norwegian progressive black metal legends Borknagar are back again with another platter of savage yet symphonic sounds with Fall, the follow-up to their acclaimed 2019 release True North. Have these guys ever released a bad album? I say not to that, and Fall is another terrific entry in their catalog. It is chock full of all the elements we love so much about this band, including the dueling harsh and melodic vocals, the layers of orchestral keyboards, the pummeling blast beats, the eerie atmosphere, and the top-notch guitar work...it's all here, housed within some truly memorable songs. ICS Vortex (bass) and Lars A. Nedland (keyboards) are once again delivering the vocal goods here, and they are both in fine form on the opening epic "Summits", which is so proggy in spots thanks to sumptuous keys and layers of guitars, as well as perfectly executed vocal passages...they guys can flat out sing, and ICS' growls are terrific as well. "Nordic Anthem" is cold & atmospheric, the melodic vocals soaring to the heavens, while "Afar" is a fast-paced ripper, the vocals again so majestic that they complement the arrangement perfectly. You want epic sounds? Check out the awesome "Moon", complete with some blazing lead guitar from Jostein Thomassen, and the crushing rager "Unraveling" for more proof of the supreme might of Borknagar. There's also "The Wild Lingers", a highly melancholy piece dripping with emotion, both ICS and Lars crafting some mighty vocal passages over plenty of guitar and keyboard textures...these guys work magic together when they sing in a melodic style.
If you dig the faster, more extreme stuff, "Northward" takes the listener out in a blaze of glory to close the show, Votex spewing all sorts of venom over raging and then tranquil arrangements. Wonderful stuff all around, Fall is another drop-dead winner from Borknagar, who, along with Enslaved, are at the top of the mountain when it comes to classy and majestic progressive black metal. Do not miss this one!
Track Listing
1.
Summits 07:58
2.
Nordic Anthem 05:14
3.
Afar 06:54
4.
Moon 05:51
5.
Stars Ablaze 08:26
6.
Unraveling 04:33
7.
The Wild Lingers 05:34
8.
Northward 09:54
Printer Friendly Page
Send to a Friend
