THE ARCHAIC COURSE

Archaic Course is the effort of a band in their prime time. Epic, powerfull, majestic music. Best production they ever had thanx to Woodhouse Studios. The guitars play the main role along with Hestnaes' voice (aka ICS Vortex: Dimmu Borgir, Arcturus, etc etc) They sound really loud and are played in a chordlike way like I've never heard before. Lazare, the current keyboardist, may be the best out there but totally misses the point of the music of such a band like Borknagar. Ivar's keys were more than suitable for their purposes. Vortex is no longer there, was replaced by Vintersorg... Not the same thing! Not that he is a bad singer, just not the same feeling, operatic chant. Nordic landscapes, epic voyages, nature contemplating, that's what this album is all about. BEATIFUL! Current drummer Asgeir Mickelson is indeed more technical than the late Grim, but this is not just about technics, it's about enhancing sensations and feelings, and therefore I prefer Grim's touch. I think Borknagar is a little bit lost now because they're are forcing their ways into the avantgarde scene, express themselves as musicians, wich is a good thing, if only one could ignore their roots. Folks, this is their best effort ever. The deepest, at least. Just listen to "Oceans Rise, "Universal", "Ad Noctum", "Winter Millenium" and you'll know what I'm talking about! CHEERS