Artisan Norway's Asgeir Mickelson has issued an interview with BORKNAGAR founder Øystein G. Brun, in which he discusses the band's new album, due out in early 2012 via the band's new worldwide deal with Century Media Records. The following is an excerpt:

Q: Are you exited about recording a new Borknagar album?

A: "Well yes, I always have a full blown “musical erection” the months before we hit the studio – and certainly this time around. I have a very good gut-feeling when it comes to the material we have at hand, we have an “updated” lineup and we’re all urging to create the best Bork album to date. May sound like the typical pre-studio cliché type of thing to say, but I have never before had so strong empirical reasons supporting my gut-feeling for saying just that."

Q: How many songs will it be? Can you reveal any titles?

A: "Actually, we don’t have all the material on the table yet as some songs still are in the making. But it seems like we are closing in on about an hour of music or 10-11 songs all in all. But this includes all the rough material, so some songs might be thrown into the archives along the line or used as bonus material if it turns out good enough. From my experience, an album should not be much longer than 45 minutes, so according to my foresight we’ll probably end up with 9 songs on the actual album – without binding to it contractually. The album title is still in progress, but I have few song titles emerging as 'Northern Nobility', 'In A Deeper World' and 'The Winter Eclipse'. At this point these titles are still working titles, but it might give you a lead where things are heading in terms of lyrics. Nothing revolutionary within the Bork- lyrical- universe, but we’ll definitely add some new perspectives and ideas. As an example, the lyric to 'In A Deeper World' will be heavily inspired by the Norwegian philosopher Arne Næss."

Q: Are there any significant changes or can we expect you to continue where you left off with the last album, Universal?

A: "With Universal we were definitely on to something, and we will surely follow this up on the new album, so we’re definitely not going Euro pop or anything like that. My perspective on this album is very ambiguous and visionary in terms of the production. I have always had a very huge focus on the song writing – and I still have, but this time around we’ll also invest a lot of time and effort when it comes to the process of producing the songs. To be quite honest, I have written my portion of the music for this new album also implementing a producer’s perspective on the songs. At least that is how I have “installed” my current mindset. I am proud of each end every album we have done in the past but we still have some goals to reach in terms of production. From my perspective we have had so many great musical intentions and ideas throughout the years that have been compromised due to the production. I am not saying bad production, more production of its time and as an always evolving band (I hope!) we also need to get the production a notch further."

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I.C.S Vortex has officially announced his return to Borknagar. To mark this grand cooperation between Vintersorg and ICS Vortex, Norway's Inferno Festival is announcing that Borknagar will headline the 2012 edition with both vocalists on stage.

Over the past months, there has been a wide array of rumors and speculations about I.C.S Vortex’ involvement with Borknagar, so now it’s time for us to bring this out from the dungeons and into the plains of clarity: Vortex is back as a permanent member of Borknagar. Vortex will handle the bass as well as doing vocals together with Vintersorg.

Borknagar is confirmed for next year's Inferno Festival, doing a rare concert with both these renowned singers on stage.

ICS Vortex was reintroduced to Borknagar in 2010 after a ten-year break with his participation on Universal as guest vocalist, and also stepped up to help out the band on a tour of South America that was later canceled. After this, the rumors and speculations have been many, and here is the confirmation that so many have hoped for.

I.C.S Vortex comments: “I am chuffed and proud to be part of the Borknagar universe once again. Hailing the dawn of a new era, I lionize their splendorous glare ”

Øystein G. Brun comments: “Even though Mr. Vortex has been absent from the band for almost a decade due to other musical endeavors, he has always remained a good, loyal and supportive friend of the band. Personally, I have always had a feeling that our paths would cross again – and now they do. I would like to welcome Mr. Vortex back in the fold, and I am really exited to get another opus done with the strongest line-up BORKNAGAR has ever had. Just imagine the musical potential having two of the best and most renowned vocalists in the scene in the same band. This is surely a huge step forward and another exciting chapter in the musical legacy of Borknagar – and I feel like a lucky bastard being part of this. The new album will surely knock your socks off and set some new standards in the world of metal!“

Lars A. Nedland comments: “Vortex and Vintersorg in the same band! Can you imagine the possibilities here? Can you imagine the choirs? The vocal duels? The sheer musical potential? Let me tell you: If you are a Borknagar fan, these are exciting times.”

Vintersorg comments: “The Vortex has made a touchdown in the Borknagar camp again. It feels very inspiring just to think about starting to shape vocal lines with this in mind. Time to make some epic music!”

David Kinkade comments: ”Nothing can describe the potent amount of excitement that has been flowing through my veins since this became a reality for Borknagar. Having two of the most talented, unique and well rounded singer/ musicians that I’ve ever known….now together in the same band. The creativity behind this effort is off the chart. Be ready. Limits don’t exist.”

Jens F. Ryland comments: “What more is there to say? I can now lean back and enjoy the ride!”

(I.C.S Vortex Photo by Kjell Ivar Lund)