VINTERSORG „Visions from the Spiral Generator”

Upon first listen, Visions from the Spiral Generator may not seem as anything special or groundbreaking in the vast metal underground. Give the album multiple spins and it will grow on you, as it did for me. Vintersorg, the now front man of Borknagar, is joined by Borknagar band mate Asgier Mickelson as well as Steve Di Giorgio, of Testament/Death fame. Musically, Vintersorg is quite similar to Borknagar, yet more mellow and hypnotic. The focus is placed on Vintersorgs amazing vocal performance, which ranges from the standard growls to impressive clean vocals. It's the clean vocals that really stand out on the album; the man can sing and credit should be given. The overall feel of Visions… is quite avantgarde and trippy, mainly due to the occasional synth work in the background and the many influences from 70's progressive rock.

Did I mention that the vocal performance is superb? Ah yes, I have. The songs are sung in both English and in Vintersorgs native tongue of Swedish, which doesn't take away from the album yet adds variety and a sense of mystery to the experience. Favourite tracks are “Vem Styr Symmetrin?” and “Spegelsfaren”. If you're an open minded listener and don't mind the more mellow side of metal then you should have no problem getting into Vintersorgs latest creation.

note: 8/10