What makes Origin by Borknagar notable?

'Origin' received critical acclaim upon release, noted for its ambitious composition and environmental themes. It further established Borknagar as a significant force within the progressive metal scene, influencing numerous bands that followed and contributing to the growing appreciation of melodic elements in extreme metal. Released on October 30, 2006, 'Origin' was Borknagar's sixth studio album and followed their acclaimed record, 'Empiricism'. By this point, the band had solidified its reputation for blending genres, moving towards a more melodic and progressive sound while exploring themes of nature and existence.

Origin works well if you're into steady emotional peaks throughout, atmospheric soundscapes for reflection and immersive journey through nature.

How many songs are on Origin?

Origin has 9 tracks, running approximately 35 minutes.

Released 20 years ago this October

Origin

Borknagar · 2006

35 min · 9 tracks · progressive metal

A sweeping fusion of atmospheric melodies and intricate rhythms, merging black metal's intensity with progressive metal's complexity.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Earth Imagery — The opening track sets a profound tone with its expansive soundscapes and intricate guitar work, encapsulating the album's thematic focus on nature's majesty.
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Oceans Rise — This track showcases dynamic shifts between heavy riffs and ethereal melodies, illustrating the band's ability to merge aggression with beauty effectively.
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The Human Nature — With thought-provoking lyrics and a powerful arrangement, this song delves into existential themes, embodying the philosophical undercurrents that permeate the album.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

65 /100

Treeline

Higher than 88% of albums we've rated

The album showcases ambitious compositions and a strong blend of genres, marking it as a notable entry in progressive metal.

What we noticed

Several tracks feature extended instrumental sections that allow for atmospheric exploration, often transitioning smoothly between heavy and melodic passages.
The album closes with a track that gradually fades out, creating a sense of resolution while leaving thematic elements unresolved.

Composition 25% of the score: 8/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 7/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

steady emotional peaks throughout
atmospheric soundscapes for reflection
immersive journey through nature
focused listening for introspection

Maybe skip if you

prefer instant gratification tracks
seek upbeat party anthems

Where this album fits

Career context: Released on October 30, 2006, 'Origin' was Borknagar's sixth studio album and followed their acclaimed record, 'Empiricism'. By this point, the band had solidified its reputation for blending genres, moving towards a more melodic and progressive sound while exploring themes of nature and existence.
Stylistic neighbors: Enslaved· Opeth· Amorphis