With "Empiricism", as with every release, Borknagar manage to capture more emotion andmore expanses than most other bands playing at ten times their proficiency. Borknagar relish in what is simple, and choose to played slowed down music full of atmosphere and feeling, rather than wooing fans with overt technicality. Their inspiration lies in their home country of Norway, and their music does a fantastic job of allowing you to almost feel as if you're in that place, no matter how distant. No other band can paint such a perfect picture via music alone.

One of the most talked about happenings since Borknagar's last album, "Quintessence" was the loss of vocalist Simen Hestnaes who left the group to devote more time to Dimmu Borgir, and his replacement by Vintersorg, from the band of the same name. Many people consider Simen's voice to be one of the most unique in metal (and this is true), but Vintersorg does well to pick up the slack. His singing vocals fit perfectly with the gloomy music and his growling is above par.

Maybe it's true that innovation frightens people. Borknagar have constantly pushed the envelope in a more traditional manner, rather than bringing ridiculous influences to an already well-defined genre. Their music has so many layers that you could listen to the same track twenty times and get twenty different impressions as to what exactly is going on. I can't think of another band as adept at creating such a labyrinth. If you're the type who likes to have meaning handed to you on a plate, go elsewhere, but if you like to decipher things on your own, Borknagar may be the challenge you are looking for.