Norwegian progressive black metal legends Borknagar return with “Winter Thrice”, a mesmerizing journey through frost-laden soundscapes that perfectly captures the essence of Nordic winter mysticism. This album showcases the band’s masterful evolution from their black metal roots into a more progressive and atmospheric territory, with Øystein G. Brun‘s compositional genius shining through every track. The opening epic “The Rhymes Of The Mountain” sets the tone with its sweeping melodies and intricate layering, while tracks like “Cold Runs The River” and “Panorama” demonstrate the band’s ability to blend crushing heaviness with ethereal beauty.

The album’s second half maintains this compelling balance, with “When Chaos Calls” delivering some of the most aggressive moments alongside the hauntingly atmospheric “Noctilucent”. ICS Vortex‘s clean vocals soar majestically over the complex arrangements, while the harsh vocals add the necessary bite to keep things grounded in extreme metal territory. The production is crisp and spacious, allowing each instrument to breathe while maintaining the wall of sound that makes Borknagar so distinctive. Closing with the epic “Dominant Winds”, this album stands as a testament to the band’s continued relevance in the progressive metal scene.

For fans of: Enslaved, Vintersorg, Arcturus, Emperor, and Ihsahn

LP 1:
A1. The Rhymes Of The Mountain
A2. Winter Thrice
B3. Cold Runs The River
B4. Panorama

LP 2:
C5. When Chaos Calls
C6. Erodent
C7. Noctilucent
D8. Terminus
D9. Dominant Winds