Back in the spring, when I first heard about BORKNAGAR's plans to release something called "Epic," I was almost certain the album would be a flop. There were several reasons: the blatantly cliched title (which led a number of online publications to stubbornly call the disc "Epica"), three years of silence suggesting a creative crisis hanging over the collective, and finally, the departure of Jens Ryland, who had been with the band since 1997. As a result, I can't say I jumped for joy when Fono shared the promo copy of the Norwegian ensemble's new "epic" with us. When the disc finally made it to the player, I heard exactly what I expected: blistering, incinerating black metal tempests that dissipate for a moment to let a couple of souls soar through the astral vacuum. Simple proportions... or so it seemed. Long ago, the stereotype of "a BORKNAGAR album" had firmly entrenched itself in my mind — something pompous, polished, and... feeble at the same time. A stereotype that was shattered by pure chance: the auto-repeat function on the player. Diving into the ocean of "Epic" a second time, I no longer felt the biting hostility that had initially repelled me. Entirely different waves swept me up and carried me toward an obvious clarity, into the embrace of cosmic beauty. Now, having partially regained my objective focus, I can say with confidence that the band, continuing in the direction begun on "Empiricism," has finally achieved its goal — a stroll through a Lemurian dolphinarium in the company of three glimmering moons. Tracks like "Traveler," "Relate (Dialogue)," and "The Wonder" can easily be called the best in the band's history! An intoxicating alloy of evocative music, lyrical symbolism (that rare case where ALL band members write lyrics!!!), detachment, and roaring fiery fury. The only letdown is the production at times — the wall of sound is so dense that prying out the right bricks proves difficult. And yet, in my opinion, the existential romance of "The Weight Of Wind" is worth a few broken fingernails...
P.S. In addition to the music, the disc contains a video capturing the musicians in the holy of holies of Norwegian nu-black — Top Room Studio. A must-watch!!! Those who don't speak English are strongly advised to bring a translator (paid in beer and squid)!!! :)