Borknagar - The Archaic Course

Ragingwinter · Joined: 22 Nov 2012 Posts: 1605 Location: California

Easily my favorite release from them next to the Olden domain. That 1997/1999 BM vive is flowing quite a bit here which cant help but invoke some nostalgia. With the combination of new vocalist ICS Vortex and help from Enslaved guitarist, I think Borknagar really stepped up to the plate here as far as song writing goes and released their best material yet. I'm sure I'll get told to fuck off here, but I prefer Vortex to Garm in Borknagar.

Mikael · Joined: 26 Jan 2008 Posts: 2373

I think it's a good album, not much to do with black metal with the exception of some members, but none of the Borknagar records really do. Yet, I prefer the debut, awesome harsh album.

blodhemn9 · Joined: 12 Aug 2009 Posts: 6814 Location: Chicago

Good for what it is when I'm in the mood for it. Olden Domain is the king, though.

Feuersturm · Joined: 29 Nov 2012 Posts: 1816 Location: Finland

Huh, I just listened to this album this afternoon. Strange...

Good stuff anyway. It did take a long time before I really knew how to appreciate the unfamiliar songwriting. The debut may be my favorite, but I wouldn't place The Olden Domain or The Archaic Course too far behind.

I think at Quintessence things turned a little (a lot?) less interesting. I remember that album having a weird, thin, hazy guitar sound that simply didn't fit this kind of music at all, especially when the band adopted even more of those, dare I say progressive elements? I stopped at Epic, that was enough to convince me not to go on. Not sure how it holds up today. I'm sticking with the first three for the most part.
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Ragingwinter · Joined: 22 Nov 2012 Posts: 1605 Location: California

Descension · Joined: 31 May 2010 Posts: 3546

Meh. I think I'm going to play the self-titled solely to spite this thread.

lsid · Joined: 13 Feb 2012 Posts: 45

I think Archaic Course is a really good album, but The Olden Domain will always be a special album for me. I will never forget listening to it on headphones the first and only time I took shrooms and it was an amazing, unforgettable experience.

Morbid Obesity · Joined: 07 Apr 2011 Posts: 3426 Location: Lithuanialand, PA

jameswolfe · Joined: 28 Nov 2010 Posts: 2489

This album was a huge letdown for me. I thought Olden Domain was great. Good riffs, good sound, memorable vocal lines, beautiful instrumentals. I have never been able to sit through Archaic Course.
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Ragingwinter · Joined: 22 Nov 2012 Posts: 1605 Location: California

Its not an album for everyone that's for sure. But I'm glad to see it has some appreciation on here

Dismal · Joined: 13 Feb 2012 Posts: 1554

It has some good songs. Although I always remember thinking that ICS Vortex's vocals quite often verged on being overly goofy; whereas I never found the same for Garm's.

Still prefer the self-titled and The Olden domain. Not heard anything since Quintessence.

throneofmight · Joined: 25 Jul 2007 Posts: 2544 Location: Costa Rica

lsid · Joined: 13 Feb 2012 Posts: 45

Norseman · Joined: 17 Mar 2009 Posts: 157 Location: Norway

Even at their best Borknagar were incredibly inconsistent songwriters. Some great stuff, particularely on the two first albums but also on this one (though its not really something I play often). They went down the crapper with the next album even with one really strong song (Colossus) after that point in time I've yet to hear one single Borknagar tune that isn't superbly lifeless and dull.