A very special 25th Anniversary re-issue of the pioneering self-titled debut album by Norway’s avant-garde Black Metal innovators BORKNAGAR is out worldwide today via the band’s longtime label partner Century Media Records.

Check out a visualizer clip for the track “Dauden (Remaster 2021)” created by Wanderley Perna / W Designer to get an impression of “Borknagar (25th Anniversary Re-issue 2021)” here:

BORKNAGAR founder and mastermind Øystein G. Brun commented about “Dauden” as follows: “ If there is one song that has shaped my sound and inspired my career as a musician that is “Dauden”. Even though this was not the first song written for the debut, “Dauden” was the first song I carved out on my, then newly bought, Fostex multitrack recorder. This opened a new world to me, to be able to sit in solitude and work out layers of guitar arrangements without the typical fuzz and chaos of a rehearsal room. I still remember the grandiose feeling of musical excitement when the mid-section of this song fell into place. A notion that music can derive from “nothing” to become an entity bigger than life. This exact notion has kept my flame burning throughout all these years. Furthermore, when first talking with Kristoffer “Garm” Rygg about him doing the vocals and joining the band, “Dauden” was the song we were talking about, this was the musical trigger so to speak. He was seriously into this song. And I can clearly remember as if it was yesterday, Garm dancing around in studio in awe doing choirs. There was something magical about this one…And still is!”

And Øystein G. Brun previously commented on “Borknagar (25th Anniversary Re-issue 2021)” as follows: “Throughout the years I have received countless requests for a re-release of this album…but because this album represents such a personal and treacherous part of my life, I wanted it to be done with dignity. And here we are: This is the definitive re-release of the debut album of BORKNAGAR. This release contains a genuine re-master of the debut album, based on the original mix tapes. This has been done with the uttermost care and love by yours sincerely to maintain the original sound and flavour of the album, and solely to improve the listening experience. Working on this re-release has been an emotional ride. While always maintaining a good feeling about the project it has been times of frustration and technical obstacles. Hours has been spent finding and compiling old pictures, dealing with tapes and equipment that has not been played or used in over 25 years. But now it is done, and I hope you all enjoy and appreciate this release as much as I do.”

Initially released in 1996, “Borknagar” saw Øystein G. Brun recruiting a phenomenal cast of like-minded musicians such as Garm (Ulver, ex Arcturus) doing the vocals, drummer Grim (ex-Immortal, Gorgoroth), Ivar Bjørnson (Enslaved) on keyboards and bassist Infernus (who played in Gorgoroth) to enter the notorious halls of Grieghallen Studios with the goal of rupturing the peripheries of what was then deemed “traditional” Black Metal.

The new deluxe edition of the album, now entitled “Borknagar (25th Anniversary Re-issue 2021)” marks the definitive version of this pioneering Norwegian Metal classic, as it includes a careful remaster of the 10 album songs courtesy of Øystein G. Brun himself, a makeover for the original artwork, profound liner notes, exclusive photos and a bonus disc full of previously unheard material from the band vaults. Here are the complete tracklistings of the Anniversary release:

“Borknagar (25th Anniversary Re-issue 2021)” – Digipak 2CD Digipak & Digital Album:

CD 1 – “Borknagar (Remaster 2021)” (44:47):

1. Vintervredets Sjelesagn (Remaster 2021) (06:47)
2. Tanker mot Tind – Kvelding (Remaster 2021) (03:43)
3. Svartskogs Gilde (Remaster 2021) (05:52)
4. Ved Steingard (Remaster 2021) (02:18)
5. Krigsstev (Remaster 2021) (02:02)
6. Dauden (Remaster 2021) (05:49)
7. Grimskalle Trell (Remaster 2021) (05:39)
8. Nord Naagauk (Remaster 2021) (03:07)
9. Fandens Allheim (Remaster 2021) (06:22)
10. Tanker mot Tind – Gryning (Remaster 2021) (03:01)

CD 2 – “Borknagar (25th Anniversary Bonus Material)” (60:17):

1. Vintervredets Sjelesagn (Live Session at Grieghallen Studios 1995) (06:46)
2. Svartskogs Gilde (Live Session at Grieghallen Studios 1995) (05:51)
3. Krigsstev (Live Session at Grieghallen Studios 1995) (02:02)
4. Dauden (Live Session at Grieghallen Studios 1995) (05:51)
5. Grimskalle Trell (Live Session at Grieghallen Studios 1995) (05:45)
6. Fandens Allheim (Live Session at Grieghallen Studios 1995) (05:53)
7. Ved Steingard (Alternate Mix) (02:13)
8. Nord Naagauk (Alternate Mix) (03:28)
9. Vintervredets Sjelesagn (Rehearsal 1994) (06:59)
10. Grimskalle Trell (Rehearsal 1994) (06:14)
11. Ved Steingard (First ever recording 1994) (02:18)
12. Vintervredets Sjelesagn (Alternate Mix) (06:49)

“Borknagar (25^th Anniversary Re-issue 2021)” – Gatefold 2LP:

LP 1 – “Borknagar (Remaster 2021)” (44:45):

Side A (20:43):

1. Vintervredets Sjelesagn (Remaster 2021) (06:47)
2. Tanker mot Tind – Kvelding (Remaster 2021) (03:43)
3. Svartskogs Gilde (Remaster 2021) (05:52)
4. Ved Steingard (Remaster 2021) (02:18)
5. Krigsstev (Remaster 2021) (02:02)

Side B (24:01):

1. Dauden (Remaster 2021) (05:49)
2. Grimskalle Trell (Remaster 2021) (05:39)
3. Nord Naagauk (Remaster 2021) (03:07)
4. Fandens Allheim (Remaster 2021) (06:22)
5. Tanker mot Tind – Gryning (Remaster 2021) (03:01)

LP 2 – “Borknagar (25th Anniversary Bonus Material)” (37:35):

Side C (20:31):

1. Vintervredets Sjelesagn (Live Session at Grieghallen Studios 1995) (06:46)
2. Svartskogs Gilde (Live Session at Grieghallen Studios 1995) (05:51)
3. Krigsstev (Live Session at Grieghallen Studios 1995) (02:02)
4. Dauden (Live Session at Grieghallen Studios 1995) (05:51)

Side D (17:03):

1. Grimskalle Trell (Live Session at Grieghallen Studios 1995) (05:45)
2. Fandens Allheim (Live Session at Grieghallen Studios 1995) (05:53)
3. Ved Steingard (Alternate Mix) (02:13)
4. Nord Naagauk (Alternate Mix) (03:10)

The limited Digipak 2CD (with 12 bonus tracks / 60 min.) and the limited Gatefold 2LP on 180g black vinyl (with 8 bonus tracks / 37 min.) can be ordered here: https://borknagar.lnk.to/Borknagar25thAnniversaryRe-Issue2021

Most recently, BORKNAGAR have unfortunately been forced to cancel their previously announced European headlining run with support by SAOR and Cân Bardd, initially scheduled to happen in November-December 2021. But in better news, BORKNAGAR have announced a re-scheduled routing for their long overdue return to North America as part of the “Devastation Of The Nation” tour with Rotting Christ, Wolfheart and Abigail Williams, as well as several other shows for 2022 in order to continue to promote their latest album “True North”. Check out a list of all upcoming BORKNAGAR dates here:

BORKNAGAR – Live 2021:
11.12.2021 Eindhoven (The Netherlands) – Eindhoven Metal Meeting

BORKNAGAR – Live 2022:
08.01.2022 Zürich (Switzerland) – Dynamo / Mehsuff Winter-Festival

Rotting Christ, BORKNAGAR, Wolfheart & Abigail Williams
“Devastation Of The Nation” – North American Tour 2022
21.04.2022 Berkeley, CA – Cornerstone
22.04.2022 Portland, OR – Bossanova Ballroom
23.04.2022 Vancouver, BC – Rickshaw Theatre
24.04.2022 Seattle, WA – El Corazon
26.04.2022 Salt Lake City, UT – Metro Music Hall
27.04.2022 Denver, CO – The Roxy Theater
29.04.2022 Minneapolis, MN – Skyway Theatre
30.04.2022 Chicago, IL – Reggies
01.05.2022 Detroit, MI – Sanctuary
03.05.2022 Toronto, ON – Lees Palace
04.05.2022 Montreal, QC – Foufounes Electriques
05.05.2022 Quebec City, QC – Imperial
06.05.2022 Manchester, NH – Jewel
07.05.2022 Brooklyn, NY – Saint Vitus Bar
08.05.2022 Baltimore, MD – Soundstage
10.05.2022 Greensboro, NC – Blind Tiger
11.05.2022 Nashville, TN – Exit/In
12.05.2022 Birmingham, AL – Zydeco
13.05.2022 Atlanta, GA – The Masquerade (Hell)
14.05.2022 Tampa, FL – The Orpheum
16.05.2022 Houston, TX – White Oak Music Hall
17.05.2022 Fort Worth, TX – Haltom Theater
18.05.2022 Austin, TX – Come and Take It Live
19.05.2022 El Paso, TX – Rockhouse Bar
20.05.2022 Phoenix, AZ – Nile Theater
21.05.2022 San Diego, CA – Brick By Brick
22.05.2022 Los Angeles, CA – 1720
More info: https://www.facebook.com/devastationonthenation
Tickets: https://bit.ly/DOTN2022

BORKNAGAR – Live 2022:
27.05.2022 Hollandscheveld (The Netherlands) – Graveland Open Air
28.05.2022 Whittlebury Park / Towchester (UK) – ManorFest
19.06.2022 Clisson (France) – Hellfest
24.06.2022 Kauhajoki (Finland) – Nummirock
27.08.2022 Thessaloniki (Greece) – 8Ball
28.08.2022 Athens (Greece) – Kyttaro

Moonspell, My Dying Bride, BORKNAGAR, Wolfheart & Hinayana
“Ultima Ratio Fest” – European Tour 2022
29.09.2022 Frankfurt (Germany) – Batschkapp
30.09.2022 Leipzig (Germany) – Hellraiser
01.10.2022 Antwerp (Belgium) – Trix
02.10.2022 Luxembourg (Luxembourg) – Den Atelier
03.10.2022 Paris (France) – Elysee Montmatre
04.10.2022 Lyon (France) – Transbordeur
05.10.2022 Pratteln (Switzerland) – Z7
06.10.2022 Stuttgart (Germany) – LKA
07.10.2022 Geiselwind (Germany) – Music Hall
08.10.2022 Munich (Germany) – Backstage Werk
09.10.2022 Brno (Czech Republic) – Sono
10.10.2022 Budapest (Hungary) – Barba Negra
11.10.2022 Vienna (Austria) – Arena
12.10.2022 Wroclaw (Poland) – A2
13.10.2022 Berlin (Germany) – Kesselhaus
14.10.2022 Hamburg (Germany) – Markthalle
15.10.2022 Oberhausen (Germany) – Turbinenhalle 2
16.10.2022 Utrecht (The Netherlands) – Ronda
Ticket pre-sale: http://www.ultima-ratio-fest.com

And more shows to be announced soon…

Feel free to check out the singles for BORKNAGAR’s “True North” album here:
“The Fire That Burns”: https://youtu.be/qMQyeyW2ZhI
“Up North”: https://youtu.be/NAKWe0DkBsE
“Voices” video: https://youtu.be/ksAcIrO1pHc
And you can order “True North” here: https://Borknagar.lnk.to/TrueNorth

“True North” received raving reviews in the media and was elected “Album of the month” by publications like Metal Hammer (Germany), Legacy (Germany) or also Scream (Norway). The album scored several international sales chart rankings upon release as follows: Germany: #31, Switzerland: #34, Finland: #42, Austria: #56, Sweden (Physical Albums): #46, USA (Billboard Heatseekers): #12, USA (Billboard Hard Rock): #22 as well as ITunes Charts: Canada: #70, Italy: #77, Germany: #86 and Finland: #94.

Norway’s avant-garde Black Metal innovators BORKNAGAR are pleased to announce a very special 25th Anniversary re-issue of their pioneering self-titled debut album “Borknagar”, out for the first time ever worldwide via the band’s longtime label partner Century Media Records on November 12^th, 2021.

BORKNAGAR founder and mastermind Øystein G. Brun comments on this special re-release as follows: “Throughout the years I have received countless requests for a re-release of this album…but because this album represents such a personal and treacherous part of my life, I wanted it to be done with dignity. And here we are: This is the definitive re-release of the debut album of BORKNAGAR. This release contains a genuine re-master of the debut album, based on the original mix tapes. This has been done with the uttermost care and love by yours sincerely to maintain the original sound and flavour of the album, and solely to improve the listening experience. Working on this re-release has been an emotional ride. While always maintaining a good feeling about the project it has been times of frustration and technical obstacles. Hours has been spent finding and compiling old pictures, dealing with tapes and equipment that has not been played or used in over 25 years. But now it is done, and I hope you all enjoy and appreciate this release as much as I do.”

Initially released in 1996, “Borknagar” saw Øystein G. Brun recruiting a phenomenal cast of like-minded musicians such as Garm (Ulver, ex Arcturus) doing the vocals, drummer Grim (ex-Immortal, Gorgoroth and Ancient), Ivar Bjørnson (Enslaved) on keyboards and bassist Infernus (who played in Gorgoroth) to enter the notorious halls of Grieghallen Studios with the goal of rupturing the peripheries of what was then deemed “traditional” Black Metal.

The upcoming deluxe edition of the album now entitled “Borknagar (25th Anniversary Re-issue 2021)” marks the definitive version of this pioneering Norwegian Metal classic, as it includes a careful remaster of the 10 album songs courtesy of Øystein G. Brun himself, a makeover for the original artwork, profound liner notes, exclusive photos and a bonus disc full of previously unheard material from the band vaults. Here are the tracklistings of the Anniversary release:

“Borknagar (25th Anniversary Re-issue 2021)” – Digipak 2CD Digipak & Digital Album:

CD 1 – “Borknagar (Remaster 2021)” (44:47):

1. Vintervredets Sjelesagn (Remaster 2021) (06:47)
2. Tanker mot Tind – Kvelding (Remaster 2021) (03:43)
3. Svartskogs Gilde (Remaster 2021) (05:52)
4. Ved Steingard (Remaster 2021) (02:18)
5. Krigsstev (Remaster 2021) (02:02)
6. Dauden (Remaster 2021) (05:49)
7. Grimskalle Trell (Remaster 2021) (05:39)
8. Nord Naagauk (Remaster 2021) (03:07)
9. Fandens Allheim (Remaster 2021) (06:22)
10. Tanker mot Tind – Gryning (Remaster 2021) (03:01)

CD 2 – “Borknagar (25th Anniversary Bonus Material)” (60:17):

1. Vintervredets Sjelesagn (Live Session at Grieghallen Studios 1995) (06:46)
2. Svartskogs Gilde (Live Session at Grieghallen Studios 1995) (05:51)
3. Krigsstev (Live Session at Grieghallen Studios 1995) (02:02)
4. Dauden (Live Session at Grieghallen Studios 1995) (05:51)
5. Grimskalle Trell (Live Session at Grieghallen Studios 1995) (05:45)
6. Fandens Allheim (Live Session at Grieghallen Studios 1995) (05:53)
7. Ved Steingard (Alternate Mix) (02:13)
8. Nord Naagauk (Alternate Mix) (03:28)
9. Vintervredets Sjelesagn (Rehearsal 1994) (06:59)
10. Grimskalle Trell (Rehearsal 1994) (06:14)
11. Ved Steingard (First ever recording 1994) (02:18)
12. Vintervredets Sjelesagn (Alternate Mix) (06:49)

“Borknagar (25^th Anniversary Re-issue 2021)” – Gatefold 2LP:

LP 1 – “Borknagar (Remaster 2021)” (44:45):

Side A (20:43):

1. Vintervredets Sjelesagn (Remaster 2021) (06:47)
2. Tanker mot Tind – Kvelding (Remaster 2021) (03:43)
3. Svartskogs Gilde (Remaster 2021) (05:52)
4. Ved Steingard (Remaster 2021) (02:18)
5. Krigsstev (Remaster 2021) (02:02)

Side B (24:01):

1. Dauden (Remaster 2021) (05:49)
2. Grimskalle Trell (Remaster 2021) (05:39)
3. Nord Naagauk (Remaster 2021) (03:07)
4. Fandens Allheim (Remaster 2021) (06:22)
5. Tanker mot Tind – Gryning (Remaster 2021) (03:01)

LP 2 – “Borknagar (25th Anniversary Bonus Material)” (37:35):

Side C (20:31):

1. Vintervredets Sjelesagn (Live Session at Grieghallen Studios 1995) (06:46)
2. Svartskogs Gilde (Live Session at Grieghallen Studios 1995) (05:51)
3. Krigsstev (Live Session at Grieghallen Studios 1995) (02:02)
4. Dauden (Live Session at Grieghallen Studios 1995) (05:51)

Side D (17:03):

1. Grimskalle Trell (Live Session at Grieghallen Studios 1995) (05:45)
2. Fandens Allheim (Live Session at Grieghallen Studios 1995) (05:53)
3. Ved Steingard (Alternate Mix) (02:13)
4. Nord Naagauk (Alternate Mix) (03:10)

Pre-order here: https://borknagar.lnk.to/Borknagar25thAnniversaryRe-Issue2021

In other news, BORKNAGAR continue to promote their latest, 11^th studio album “True North” and have now also been confirmed to be part of the “Ultima Ratio Fest 2022” across Europe in September/October 2022 together with Moonspell, My Dying Bride, Wolfheart and Hinayana. Here is a list of all dates for this run:

Moonspell, My Dying Bride, BORKNAGAR, Wolfheart & Hinayana
“Ultima Ratio Fest 2022”

29.09.2022 Frankfurt (Germany) – Batschkapp
30.09.2022 Leipzig (Germany) – Hellraiser
01.10.2022 Antwerp (Belgium) – Trix
02.10.2022 Luxembourg (Luxembourg) – Den Atelier
03.10.2022 Paris (France) – Elysee Montmatre
04.10.2022 Lyon (France) – Transbordeur
05.10.2022 Pratteln (Switzerland) – Z7
06.10.2022 Stuttgart (Germany) – LKA
07.10.2022 Geiselwind (Germany) – Music Hall
08.10.2022 Munich (Germany) – Backstage Werk
09.10.2022 Brno (Czech Republic) – Sono
10.10.2022 Budapest (Hungary) – Barba Negra
11.10.2022 Vienna (Austria) – Arena
12.10.2022 Wroclaw (Poland) – A2
13.10.2022 Berlin (Germany) – Kesselhaus
14.10.2022 Hamburg (Germany) – Markthalle
15.10.2022 Oberhausen (Germany) – Turbinenhalle 2
16.10.2022 Utrecht (The Netherlands) – Ronda

Ticket pre-sale: http://www.ultima-ratio-fest.com

Previously, BORKNAGAR are scheduled for a headlining run all over Europe for November-December 2021 with support by SAOR and Cân Bardd. Here are the dates again:

BORKNAGAR, SAOR & Cân Bardd
“True North” European Tour 2021

20.11.2021 Warsaw (Poland) – Hydrozagadka
21.11.2021 Krakow (Poland) – Kwadrat
22.11.2021 Prague (Czech Republic) – Futurum
23.11.2021 Leipzig (Germany) – UT Connewitz
24.11.2021 Hamburg (Germany) – Logo
25.11.2021 Essen (Germany) – Turock
26.11.2021 Antwerpen (Belgium) – Kavka
27.11.2021 London (UK) – The Garage
28.11.2021 Glasgow (UK) – Slay
29.11.2021 Manchester (UK) – Rebellion
30.11.2021 Paris (France) – Petit Bain
01.12.2021 Toulouse (France) – Le Rex
02.12.2021 Madrid (Spain) – Caracol
03.12.2021 Barcelona (Spain) – Bóveda
04.12.2021 Lyon (France) – CCO Vileurbanne
05.12.2021 Parma (Italy) – Campus Industry Music
06.12.2021 Monthey (Switzerland) – Pont Rouge
07.12.2021 Stuttgart (Germany) – Im Wizemann
08.12.2021 Munich (Germany) – Backstage
09.12.2021 Vienna (Austria) – Viper Room
10.12.2021 Weinheim (Germany) – Café Central
11.12.2021 Eindhoven (The Netherlands) – Eindhoven Metal Meeting

And other BORKNAGAR live-dates are as follows:

BORKNAGAR live 2021/2022:

30.10.2021 Kopervik (Norway) – Karmøygeddon Arctic
27.05.2021 Hollandscheveld (The Netherlands) – Graveland Open Air
28.05.2022 Whittlebury Park / Towchester (UK) – ManorFest
19.06.2022 Clisson (France) – Hellfest

And many more shows to be announced soon…

Feel free to check out the singles for BORKNAGAR’s latest “True North” album here:

“The Fire That Burns”: https://youtu.be/qMQyeyW2ZhI
“Up North”: https://youtu.be/NAKWe0DkBsE
“Voices” video: https://youtu.be/ksAcIrO1pHc

And you can order “True North” here: https://Borknagar.lnk.to/TrueNorth

“True North” received raving reviews in the media and was elected “Album of the month” by publications like Metal Hammer (Germany), Legacy (Germany) or also Scream (Norway). The album scored several international sales chart rankings upon release as follows: Germany: #31, Switzerland: #34, Finland: #42, Austria: #56, Sweden (Physical Albums): #46, USA (Billboard Heatseekers): #12, USA (Billboard Hard Rock): #22 as well as ITunes Charts: Canada: #70, Italy: #77, Germany: #86 and Finland: #94.