Borknagar "Quintessence (Limited Edition Digipak, Germany, Century Media, 77289-2)"

Quintessence is the fourth studio album by the Norwegian progressive metal band Borknagar. It was recorded at The Abyss Studios in January 2000 and mixed by Peter Tägtgren.

According to the members of the band, this album was initially meant to be a relatively straightforward black metal release, as indicated by the production quality and the emphasis on harsh vocals rather than clean singing.

Vocalist Simen "ICS Vortex" Hestnæs plays bass guitar on the album, following the departure of former bassist Kai K. Lie prior to recording sessions for the album. Original keyboardist Ivar Bjørnson and drummer Eric "Grim" Brødreskift were also replaced by Lars A. Nedland and Asgeir Mickelson respectively. Quintessence would also be the last Borknagar album to feature Hestnæs, who left to join Dimmu Borgir (reportedly due to an ultimatum on Øystein Brun's part), until his return in 2010.

Track listing

1. "Rivalry of Phantoms" Øystein G. Brun Brun 4:36
2. "The Presence Is Ominous" Brun Brun 4:55
3. "Ruins of the Future" Brun Brun 4:55
4. "Colossus" Asgeir Mickelson ICS Vortex 4:27
5. "Inner Landscape" (instrumental) Lars A. Nedland 2:51
6. "Invincible" Brun Brun 4:25
7. "Icon Dreams" Brun Brun 4:32
8. "Genesis Torn" Mickelson Brun 5:16
9. "Embers" (instrumental) Brun 1:26
10. "Revolt" Brun Brun 6:05

Total length: 43:28

Recording information:

Recorded and mixed at Abyss Studio in January 2000.

Mastered at Strype Audio, Oslo, Norway on February 7th, 2000.

Borknagar – production, arrangements

Peter Tagtgren – production, mixing, engineer

Lars Szoke – engineer

Tom Kvallsvoll – mastering

Christophe Szpajdel – logo