A few of us were discussing the new Borknagar video (Corey, Dustin and I specifically) and we decided it would be a blast to make this a menage-a-visions where we all weigh in on their video for “Winter Thrice” off their upcoming album of the same name. The video was Directed by David Solbjørg & Kjetil Kolbjørnsrud for Twitchy Films. It’s got a bit of live performance and some beautiful shots of snow covered plains and hills. So follow the jump for the video and some hot takes.

Manny-O-War: Honestly, the sound for Borknagar’s entire new album Winter Thrice is nothing that fans of the band should be shocked by. It’s got plenty of poppy viking metal catchy choruses almost reminiscent of Katatonia at times. It’s also got the Enslaved style double bass, viking metal screams and rippers. Now, for the video, it appears that the band has constructed a Viking hall in which they can sit around a fire, play some electric metal and converse about the seasons, this year’s crops and what they have been hunting lately. Honestly, I imagine the band arguing fiercely about who gets to sit on the throne placed in front of the fire pit. Probably would create some serious band tension. Thus, the guitarists and drummers get totally screwed stuck hanging out wherever their instruments are setup. But, on the other hand it’s probably better than being outside on the frozen tundra with nothing but some designer black clothing to keep you warm.

Literati Overlord: What’s not to like a viking metal band sitting around a fire in an isolated cabin while a snowstorm rages outside? Nothing. Literally nothing. The music is, at Manny suggested, completely expected. But there is no denying how enjoyable it is. Yeah, it’s cheesy and easy to listen to with plenty of melodies and a consistent cadence in the heavier sections, but I have no problem with that. And when you think of viking metal, there has always been plenty of that to go around. Of course, the video matches this sound with more generic flashes of the winter wonderland that surround them than we could ever hope to ask for. Not to mention that seeing that band all warm and cozy around the fire, obviously conversing in song about whatever miserably frigid tasks they just walked in from, is quite comforting.

Dustbin: What a weird video. I don’t think this is Borknagar’s first music video, but it sure feels like it: Vintersorg’s obvious unease of screaming at a camera, the Ulver guy just sitting in a chair while the drummer assaults his eardrums, the “live-but-not-plugged-in-even-with-electric-instruments” vibe… it’s so odd. Visually, though, the earthy color scheme inside the cabin with the fire is a perfect foil to the absolutely beautiful shots of winter. Musically and lyrically, the tie-in is great to what’s hinted at in the visuals, but hey, half of being successful is based on successful execution. For that, this video makes me feel funny, but I love the song. It’s the best moments of Borknagar’s past 15 years rolled into one track, and I can tell you from advance listening that the title track is a perfect representation of what’s on the album.

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And there you have it. Three hot takes brought to you by the Nine Circles Crü. Tune in next week for some other video that we haven’t yet selected or prepared!

– Manny-O-War, Literati Overlord and Dustbin