Totally agree that Vintersorg's voice gets annoying, although I find at suiting on his solo albums since he's usually singing about science.

The problem isn't his voice, it's simply that the songs just aren't all that interesting. Compared with the earlier works Universal definitely falls flat on its face, compared with current releases it fairs reasonably well. Either way it's probably a 6.5/7 from me.

This one put me to sleep to be honest, although a lot of their releases post-The Olden Domain don't exactly rev my engine.

I actually think this is their best since The Olden domain.

You just throw big numbers around, don't you? An 8.4 for Reptilian, a 10 (!) for The Obsidian Conspiracy and now this. Universal is quite mediocre, even in Borknagar's discography. Somewhere between 6 and 7 at max.
Imo, the best track is Fleshflower, as it sounds much like Age Of Silence. I still suspect Lazare sining that and not Vintersorg. But I couldn't verify that anywhere yet.
The rest of the album is by far no match for Empiricism. Neither musically nor lyrically. And Empiricism is rated 8.2 right now.

Written by corrupt on 25.08.2010 at 16:03

You just throw big numbers around, don't you? An 8.4 for Reptilian, a 10 (!) for The Obsidian Conspiracy and now this.

You just see whatever suits you and ignore other things, don't you? 6,2 for Soilwork, 7,2 for Iron Maiden, 7 for Ozzy - you missed those because they didn't fit?
Besides, even if I give all those albums 10's claiming that they're the most groundbreaking albums in the history of human race, it's my opinion and my opinion only. You're of course free to disagree, but telling me off for my marks is weird, to say the least...

I am intrigued. thanks for reviewing

Written by Troy Killjoy on 25.08.2010 at 15:25

This one put me to sleep to be honest, although a lot of their releases post-The Olden Domain don't exactly rev my engine.

Completely agree, really expected more...

Written by corrupt on 25.08.2010 at 16:03

Imo, the best track is Fleshflower, as it sounds much like Age Of Silence. I still suspect Lazare sining that and not Vintersorg. But I couldn't verify that anywhere yet.

That is Lazare singing on Fleshflower, and also the only track that I 'kind of' like from the album.

My least favourite album from borknagar tbh, but still fucking great, good review! id give it an 8 aswell

Written by Daniell on 25.08.2010 at 16:47

Written by corrupt on 25.08.2010 at 16:03

You just throw big numbers around, don't you? An 8.4 for Reptilian, a 10 (!) for The Obsidian Conspiracy and now this.

You just see whatever suits you and ignore other things, don't you? 6,2 for Soilwork, 7,2 for Iron Maiden, 7 for Ozzy - you missed those because they didn't fit?
Besides, even if I give all those albums 10's claiming that they're the most groundbreaking albums in the history of human race, it's my opinion and my opinion only. You're of course free to disagree, but telling me off for my marks is weird, to say the least...

Don't get me wrong. I like your style, I like your analysis and your wriiting. But these scores are undeservingly high. Of course I did see the others, but I don't know the albums so I'm in no position to criticize there. It just struck me as plain wrong that a review by an official metalstorm reviewer, that is advertised on the frontpage, gives an album like the latest Nevermore a 10. If it was a guest review I'd probably not care. But one aspect I always loved about metalstorm is it's unique position to the actual music. It's why I joined. Unlike most other pages that jump the hoops for a myspace friendship to a band or their own review being cited on record label's pages, on metalstorm, the music determines the score. And for those three, especially The Obsidian Conspiracy, your score deviates from anything that is right and holy.

Since I'm not affiliated with Nevermore's label, and since I do not get paid for any activity on Metalstorm, reviews including, I'm in a wonderful position of being able to state my true opinions, without the necessity of licking anyone's rectum. "The Obsidian Conspiracy" is my favourite Nevermore album, and it deserves the highest mark in my opinion. And that's what it is - MY OWN, personal, individual opinion. You have every right to disagree with it but, but YOUR opinion is as valid as mine, no more no less, so you don't have any right to judge that my mark deviated from anything. Because my mark is what it is - my assessment.

This is one of the best reviews Ive read in a while.

I agree that Vintersorg should sing less and believe Quintessence is their best work.

It's a good album, and I liked Vintersorg's vocals. Idk what's so bad about it

Damn all the hate on Vintersorg... I like his vocals. Enjoyable album for me...

I really like this album. Thanks for reviewing it so that it came to my attention. Vortex's vocals are indeed better, but Vintersorg's is not so bad at all imo. I really like the synths and keys, though I completely agree that it would turn most Black metal fans off because I myself certainly do not treat it as one

I agree with daniell about his review. Everyone has the right to their own opinion.

My opinion is that this album is great! I hadn't noticed anything that bad with even the clean vocals on display here. Universal is definitely one of my favourite Black Metal albums of 2010.

Or they could get a clean vocalist to do those passages and keep Vintersorg exclusively on the aggressive vocals. I think I prefer this album to Quintessence or Empiricism more to be honest, this album is incredibly symphonic, tracks like Havoc; Fleshflower; My Domain and Coalition of the Elements simply blow me away.

Also agree about Vintersorg's voice getting kind of annoying. I'd prefer Vintersorg just sticking to backup clean singing or sticking mainly to harsh vocals. as for Vortex, don't have any complaints. I love his voice!