True North
Borknagar · 2019
72 min · 11 tracks · progressive metal
A sweeping blend of progressive metal and atmospheric soundscapes, evoking nature's grandeur through intricate instrumentation and powerful vocals.
Top tracks — play these first
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Thunderous — Opening with expansive instrumentals, this track encapsulates the album's thematic exploration of nature's power and human emotion, setting an epic tone for the journey ahead.
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Wild Father’s Heart — This standout track combines haunting melodies with intense riffs, embodying the album's duality of beauty and ferocity, making it a quintessential representation of Borknagar's artistry.
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Into the White — With its atmospheric buildup and poignant lyrics, this song reflects on isolation and introspection, demonstrating the band's ability to weave personal narratives into vast soundscapes.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
True North showcases ambitious compositions and intricate arrangements, solidifying Borknagar's place in progressive metal.
What we noticed
- The first track opens with a slow build of atmospheric soundscapes before transitioning into heavy guitar riffs, setting a dynamic tone for the album.
- Several tracks feature layered vocal harmonies that intertwine with complex instrumental arrangements, creating a rich auditory experience.
- The album includes shifts in tempo and intensity, with tracks like 'Into the White' featuring both aggressive sections and serene interludes.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
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
- long immersive listening sessions
- gradual builds and payoffs
- atmospheric background focus
- dynamic emotional journeys
Where this album fits
- Moods
- Focus· Introspective
- Career context
- True North is Borknagar's tenth studio album, marking a continuation of their evolution in the progressive metal genre. Released on September 27, 2019, it follows their critically acclaimed album, Winter Thrice (2016), showcasing a matured sound that blends melodic elements with their traditional black metal roots.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Thunderous 8:34
- 2 Up North 6:29
- 3 The Fire That Burns 6:33
- 4 Lights 5:04
- 5 Wild Father’s Heart 5:42
- 6 Mount Rapture 6:08
- 7 Into the White 5:57
- 8 Tidal 9:32
- 9 Voices 5:09
- 10 Wild Father’s Heart (instrumental demo version) 6:25
- 11 Up North (demo version) 6:38
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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