by Steve Huey

Borknagar's first U.S. album, The Olden Domain, is an impressive, highly musical black metal outing; the typical Norwegian blasts of sound are largely eschewed in favor of detailed arrangements employing electric and acoustic guitars, keyboards, piano, and vocals that range from the typical growl to an almost James Hetfield-like quality. Echoes of Metallica and Mercyful Fate permeate the record, but Borknagar is undeniably carving out its own territory.