A new chapter is about to begin in the story of the Norwegian metal formation Borknagar. Their new album, Epic, is due to be released in early June. That is why Metalrage thought it was time for a chit-chat with guitarist Øystein G. Brun.



BlackRain: I know you must have heard this question hundreds of times before, but I'll ask it anyway. How would you describe Borknagar's music to someone who has never heard it before? Black Metal?

Øystein: No, we are definitely not a Black Metal band as far as I am concerned. We have no satanic approach, which I believe has to be present in a Black Metal band. Musically, we are trying to make our own blend of musical preferences that have affected us through our lives. Obviously there are some Black Metal inspired preferences as well but when it comes down to it I think we differ quite a lot from a mainstream Black Metal band, so to speak. It's really difficult to describe our music in a few words, but some keywords may be: epic, atmospheric, mighty and progressive….

BlackRain: Since the new album has been recorded, thousands of fans are very curious to know what's on your sixth release. Could you say something about the music on Epic? Are the folk elements still present on the new album?

Øystein: Yes, I would say that the folk influences are still present in our music. But maybe not as obvious as in some of our previous material. The fans who have followed us for a while know what I am saying. Generally speaking, about Epic, I would say that it is a solid and worthy continuation of Empiricism. There is a lot of everything and all you would expect from a Borknagar album... well, I hope! The album is close to an hour of running time, so it will provide you with massive musical impressions, so to speak. Beware…

BlackRain: I'm very curious about the lyrics on Epic, since the word implies some kind of heroicism. What are they mainly about?

Øystein: I basically don't like to explain the lyrics, as they should stand on their own feet. The lyrics on this album are heavily inspired by philosophic and existential questions, though. I would say that they are heroic to a certain extent but not in the classical way of putting it.


BlackRain: I read on the website that bassist Tyr has left the band. The bass lines on the new album are done by drummer Asgeir, but do you already have a replacement for the upcoming concerts?

Øystein: No, we are quite comfortable with the constellation we have right now; the four of us. For future shows we'll need a session bass player, though.



BlackRain: How was the new album written? Did the whole band participate in the writing progress?

Øystein: Except for two songs I have written all the songs. Well, I do the basic song writing in my home studio and send the material to the rest of the guys. The material I do is quite rough, so the whole band is involved in the final arrangements of the songs in the same extent as me. So there is definitely some “teamwork” involved.

BlackRain: How would you describe the musical differences on Epic compared to your last record, Empiricism?

Øystein: Epic has expanded our musical expression in every direction. The album has all the classic Borknagar elements, but in the same time it is more of everything. The rough parts are rougher, the atmospheric parts are more atmospheric and so on. That's the closest I get trying to explain the differences…hehe…

BlackRain: Borknagar is doing well, but is there still something of which you say: “Yes, that is something I definitely want to do before I end my musical career when the time comes”.

Øystein: No, I don't think like that anymore really. Music is not a career which has its amount of time in my life. I will always make music on some or another level. The actual process of making music is my driving force; everything else to me is a side effect, so I really don't have any goals but making good music. Where the music brings me, remains to be seen.

BlackRain: Since Simen plays in the Norse Black Metal band Dimmu Borgir now, has the contact between Borknagar and Dimmu Borgir improved by his transfer?

Øystein: Personally I only know Simen and Nick (who recently left, I've heard) from Dimmu. I have spoken to the other guys at different occasions but that's all. The simple reason for that is the fact that I live in Bergen and don't mingle regularly with the Oslo scene. My impression, though, is that they're all cool guys!

BlackRain: Are there plans for a future co-operation with Dimmu Borgir? In concert or in the studio?

Øystein: No!

BlackRain: Since there is a lot of melody in Borknagar's music, is the band influenced by any of today's, say... successful melodic Powermetal bands? Do you have any affection with Powermetal bands these days?

Øystein: Personally speaking, I can't say I do. I have to admit that I am quite isolated when it comes to new music. I have barely heard the last two Dimmu Borgir albums, so to speak. Maybe I have become too old or something, but I listen to everything except for metal in my personal sphere.

BlackRain: On Borknagar.com I read the poll: “If Borknagar were to (re-)make soundtracks for a movie/series, which would be the most fitting?” The choices are LOTR, Spinal Tap, Derrick(?!), Star Wars or Ronja The Robber's Daughter. Don't tell me you're seriously considering this?

Øystein: He, he…that was basically just a joke. I have always been interested in movie soundtracks and hope to do that sometime in the future, but that is something different… luckily…hehe...

BlackRain: I sure would have liked to hear that soundtrack for Ronja, though... hehehe. Any plans on touring Europe in 2004 and maybe visit the Netherlands?

Øystein: At the moment, we have no plans for touring, actually. There are different reasons for that, but it is mainly due to the fact that there has been a “baby-boom” in the camp lately. I have a two year old little girl, Andreas (Vintersorg) got a son in October last year and Asgeir is due to be a father any day now. So our touring capabilities are a bit limited right now due to private responsibilities.
I think that is quite cool actually, because I get more time to focus on making music. I am working on symphony, I have a project going together with Andreas (Vintersorg) called Ion and I am just about to start writing material to the eighth' Borknagar album. So it's enough to put up with…hehe…

BlackRain: Now the final question: is there anything you want to say to the readers of Metalrage?

Øystein: Thanks for your time, folks! Be sure to check out our new album Epic which will be released trough Century Media Records this summer. Take care!

BlackRain: Thank you very much for your time and good luck in the future!

Øystein: Same to you pal!


Interview by BlackRain