In a rare and unfortunate turn of events, veteran progressive black metal band Borknagar has been forced to cancel an upcoming live performance. The band, known for its longevity and consistent touring record, announced that it will not be able to perform at the Månegarm Open Air Festival 2025 due to a serious accident involving vocalist ICS Vortex (Simen Hestnæs).
According to a statement from founding guitarist Øystein G. Brun, Vortex suffered a severe injury after falling two meters from a stage, breaking his clavicle in two places.
Brun revealed that despite the painful injury, the vocalist’s initial instinct was to proceed with the show. “Initially, Mr. Vortex was determined to man up, deal with the pain, and go through with the concert sitting on a chair, or such. The show must go on,” he said, reflecting on his bandmate’s commitment.
However, the severity of the injury became clear after a doctor issued a travel and concert ban for Vortex due to the risk of further complications. This sudden medical order left Borknagar with no choice but to cancel the scheduled performance with very short notice.
Brun expressed the band’s disappointment and apologized to fans and fellow artists, noting that the cancellation marks a significant and unprecedented event in their long career. “This is, in fact, the first time in our 30+ years career we, individually or collectively, have been in an unfortunate situation like this, cancelling a concert in such a short notice,” he stated. The band vowed to return to the festival at a later date to make up for the missed show.
Borknagar released its latest studio album, Fall, in February 2024 via Century Media Records.
The full statement is as follows:
“We are terribly sorry to announce that we are forced to cancel our concert at the Månegarm Open Air Festival 2025, this coming Saturday, 30.08.25.
Two days ago, Mr. Vortex fell 2 meters down from a stage and broke his clavicle in two places. Initially, Mr. Vortex was determined to man up, deal with the pain, and go through with the concert sitting on a chair, or such. The show must go on.
However, this morning the pain has been unbearable, and his doctor has now issued a
travel/concert ban due to the rather serious injuries. Mr. Vortex needs to take it easy, rest, and recover to avoid any further complications.This is, in fact, the first time in our 30+ years career we, individually or collectively, have been in an unfortunate situation like this, cancelling a concert in such a short notice.
We were all looking very much forward to doing our final concert for the 2025 festival season with our friends in Månegarm, and all the other bands. And you, the fans.
Unfortunately, that can’t happen, but we sincerely hope we can come back and make up for it at a later time.
Friends, fans and associates- we are truly sorry for any inconvenience that may occur due to this cancellation.
We will be back!On behalf of BORKNAGAR,
Øystein G. Brun“
