What makes Urd by Borknagar notable?

Urd received critical acclaim for its ambitious composition and lyrical depth, helping to solidify Borknagar's reputation within the progressive metal genre. The album debuted at number 12 on the Norwegian charts, showcasing its commercial impact and resonating with fans both old and new. This record also highlighted the band's ability to merge intricate musicianship with philosophical themes, influencing subsequent artists in the genre. Urd is Borknagar's eighth studio album, marking a significant evolution in their sound after the release of Universal in 2010. By this time, the band had established themselves as key players in the progressive metal scene while experimenting with varied sonic textures and themes. The album showcases a more refined approach to songwriting, integrating orchestral elements alongside their traditional black metal influences.

Urd works well if you're into steady progression with peaks, nature-inspired atmospheric soundscapes and introspective moments of reflection.

How many songs are on Urd?

Urd has 10 tracks, running approximately 59 minutes.

Urd

Borknagar · 2012

59 min · 10 tracks · progressive metal

A vast soundscape blends melodic riffs with atmospheric elements, creating a journey through existential themes and nature's majesty.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Epochalypse — Opening the album, this track sets an ambitious tone with expansive melodies and complex rhythms that encapsulate the band's evolution in sound.
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The Beauty of Dead Cities — This track stands out for its haunting atmosphere, seamlessly blending clean vocals with heavy instrumentation to explore themes of decay and beauty.
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The Winter Eclipse — Closing the album, this lengthy piece showcases intricate arrangements and dynamic shifts, representing a culmination of Urd's musical journey.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

63 /100

Treeline

Higher than 74% of albums we've rated

Urd showcases ambitious compositions and a rich soundscape, marking a solid entry in progressive metal.

What we noticed

The album features lengthy tracks, with several exceeding six minutes, allowing for extended instrumental passages and gradual build-ups.
Melodic guitar riffs are often layered with atmospheric keyboards, creating a dense soundscape that shifts between heavy and serene moments.
The vocals alternate between clean singing and harsh growls, enhancing the dynamic contrast within the tracks.

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

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 progression with peaks
nature-inspired atmospheric soundscapes
introspective moments of reflection
immersive journey through sound
long-form listening commitment

Maybe skip if you

seekers of instant gratification
prefer short standalone tracks

Where this album fits

Career context: Urd is Borknagar's eighth studio album, marking a significant evolution in their sound after the release of Universal in 2010. By this time, the band had established themselves as key players in the progressive metal scene while experimenting with varied sonic textures and themes. The album showcases a more refined approach to songwriting, integrating orchestral elements alongside their traditional black metal influences.
Stylistic neighbors: Enslaved· Opeth· Amorphis