Song of the Week: Borknagar - Colossus

Following the previous featured musician post on Simen Hestnæs aka ICS Vortex, we introduce to you one of Vortex's most famous vocal performance during his stint with Borknagar (1997-2000). One of the tracks from the album Quintessence, Vortex left the band shortly after it was released in 2000, supposedly because Øystein Garnes Brun, the founder of Borknagar, gave ol' Simen an ultimatum when his touring schedules conflicted with Dimmu Borgir's recording times. Vortex chose to stick with Dimmu Borgir and Borknagar subsequently went on the search for a new vocalist and bassist.

Borknagar has gone through numerous line-up changes, and having 3 different vocalists lending their voices in their 7 albums over the years, have structured their sound from black metal to a more viking-themed folk metal style with increasingly progressive elements. "Colossus" remains one of their most outstanding songs and has been included in their latest compilation album, For the Elements (1996-2006).

Atmospheric melodies, interesting bass lines, thought provoking and well written lyrics and ultimately, Vortex's powerful and soaring voice firmly places this song in the highest echelons of viking metal music. The lyrics particularly, are astonishingly poetic:

From out of static time has grown
Existence formed by substance unknown Prelude to matter, shift of disorder
Completion of bonds between chaos and order

The era of seasons, the essence of being
The continuous process awakens the living Absorber of every flickering sun
Arranging the pieces to vivid perfection


Unfortunately, the video for the song looks like crap, I have absolutely no idea why but give it a listen, the song sounds awesome no matter what.