Enslaved
Formed: 1991
From:
Haugesund,
Norway
Last Known Status: Active
Latest Enslaved News
Below is our complete Enslaved news coverage, including columns and articles pertaining to the band. Some articles listed may be indirectly related, such as side projects of the band members, etc.
Note: We began associating news directly with bands in late 2003. Therefore, earlier band news may not be listed on this page.
Displaying records 21 - 40 of 287 1 2 3 4 ... 14 15 Last
Enslaved Premiere New Official Live Video
Enslaved premiere a new official live video for their track “Sacred Horse“. The clip is taken from a past livestreamed show of the band which will see the light of day on June 25th as “The Rise Of Ymir (Verftet Online Festival 2020)“.
Tells singer/bassist Grutle Kjellson: More...
Enslaved Premiere New Official Live Video "Fenris"
Enslaved premiere a new official live video for their track “Fenris“. The clip is taken from their live outing “Chronicles Of The Northbound (Cinematic Tour 2020)“.
Comments singer/bassist Grutle Kjellson: More...
Enslaved Premiere New Live Video “The Crossing”
Enslaved premiere the below live video for “The Crossing“. The clip was captured during a virtual live show the group performed at USF Verftet in Bergen, Norway in 2020. That set was part of a series of four livestreamed shows with Enslaved which now will be released on June 25th by Nuclear Blast.
The new live albums/DVD sets will include: More...
OpEd
Al Case: Favorites Of 2020
First, a disclaimer… I don’t tend to listen to everything that comes out in order to pick my favorites. My listening, instead, focuses on bands I think I may be seeing in the coming year or bands I’ve seen in the past few years that I was impressed with.
These aren’t in any order, and a fuller list (including several non-metal albums) can be found here.
Also, check out Diamond Oz’s picks here. Our choices include one overlapping album. Of course, my personal favorites shouldn’t be considered concession picks of MetalUnderground.com.
Sodom – Genesis XIX
I always liked Sodom, but I didn’t listen to them much. They were supposed to play at the 2017 Gefle Metal Festival so in the six months prior I really started to get into them. Alas, they were a last minute cancel so I had to wait another year to finally see them live. That happened at 2018 Copenhell (pictured above) at about 2 a.m. I was blown away. That was a magical performance, and I’ve been a super fan ever since. Genesis XIX is their 16th album but called 19. Why? I have no idea. The album doesn’t create a new Sodom sound, and, in fact, some songs could have easily been on earlier albums. Even though there is nothing ground breaking or revolutionary here, Sodom delivers as well as they ever have and fans won’t be disappointed.
Dark Tranquillity – Moment
One of my favorite bands since I first heard them in the late 1990s, Moment is Dark Tranquillity’s 12th album. The only thing puzzling, to me, about Dark Tranquillity is why they aren’t more well known and respected. They always seem to be playing in the afternoon at festivals or opening for a couple other bands that should be opening for them in my opinion. Not to take anything away from bands like In Flames or Opeth, but it is odd to me that Dark Tranquillity has less than a third of the following on social media as them. Moment has only been out for a month so I have only listened to it a few times, but each listening sounds better (and the first run was fantastic on its own)—a good sign.
Redwood Hill – Ender
Blackened post-metallers Redwood Hill were one of the bands I most wanted to see at 2020 Copenhell, a festival which, of course, didn’t happen. Hopefully the 2021 version goes off without a hitch. Even the shorter songs on Ender are epic. If you’ve never heard of Redwood Hill and you enjoy black metal, post metal, or shoegaze then it’s time to experience an underground masterpiece.
Enslaved – Utgard
Enslaved’s 15th album was in my rotation since its release a few months ago, but I hadn’t really noticed how brilliant it was until a week or two ago when I listened to it after an edible I had consumed kicked in. That listening changed everything. Let’s just say it was a The Dark Side of the Moon kind of experience that you all should take part of.
Auðn – Vökudraumsins Fangi
Vökudraumsins Fangi is the third of three perfect, or nearly so, albums from Iceland’s Auðn. The writing is carefully crafted, beautiful, and well executed. The atmosphere created here provides therapy for a troubled soul. Put your headphones on, turn down the lights, grab your favorite beverage, and enjoy the best 55 minutes of your day.
Enslaved Announces European Tour Dates
Norwegian blackened avant-gardists Enslaved are proud to announce a European tour for May 2021, having just released their acclaimed new studio album "Utgard" little over a week ago - achieving some incredible chart positions worldwide including; US #67 Billboard #9 Current Hard Music #3 Top New Artist, Germany #30, UK #17 Indie #8 Rock and Italy #39. More to come! The live run is set to include nineteen dates taking the band across seven countries, accompanied by Intronaut, Obsidian Kingdom and Crown.
Please read the band's statement as follows...
"We are aware of the uncertainty surrounding any activities being planned for the foreseeable future. Meanwhile, incurable optimism and a pragmatic outlook is in our nature. This has guided us in making plans for May 2021; plans for a tour that will finally bring the Utgard live concept outside of Norway. Expect to see an Enslaved show unlike anything you have seen before!!! Tickets will go on sale this Friday October 16th. We cannot wait to hit the road with class acts such as Intronaut, Obsidian Kingdom and Crown.
"And yes… in case we cannot bring Utgard to the stage in May 2021 - we already have a back-up solution for early 2022 (Peter Griffin style sigh). Any purchased tickets will of course remain valid! We will observe the situation closely and keep you updated. We have high hopes that Utgard can be presented to the world, live on stage in May 2021. This is who we are. Of course, the health of everyone involved is our number one priority, and we will never compromise on that. Stay safe!
"See you in the flesh!"
Ivar Bjørnson also commented:
"Your support does not cease to amaze us - now it has even been translated into some numbers, and some chart positions to be specific. We cherish each and every person giving their time to check out Utgard - no matter where they might be on the planet (or off it), but we have to comment specifically on two historical positions: #30 in Germany and #67 on the US Billboard Album Chart - two charts we have never had the pleasure of sticking out like sore thumbs on before. This is our moment in Enslaved history, all fellow travelers of Utgard! Thank you!" More...
Enslaved Uploads New Album Trailer
Norwegian blackened avant-gardists Enslaved are set to release their 15th studio album, "Utgard," on October 2nd via Nuclear Blast. In a trailer released today, guitarist Ivar Bjørnson discusses the themes explored on the upcoming album Utgard. Watch the trailer below.
"Utgard" will be available in these formats:
- CD jewel case (available with signed insert from Recordstore.co.uk)
- Limited Edition Black Vinyl (available with signed insert from Recordstore.co.uk)
- Limited Edition Grey Vinyl (300 copies)
- Limited Edition Blue Vinyl (300 copies) - SOLD OUT
- Limited Edition Yellow / Orange Splatter Vinyl (300 copies)
- Limited Edition UK Exclusive Transparent Green Vinyl (300 copies + available with signed insert from Recordstore.co.uk) More...
Enslaved Posts New Album Trailer Online
Norwegian blackened avant-gardists Enslaved are set to release their 15th studio album, "Utgard," on October 2nd via Nuclear Blast. In a trailer released today, guitarist Ivar Bjørnson discusses the artwork for Utgard and what it was like working with Truls Espedal again. You can check it out below.
Utgard will be available in these formats:
- CD jewel case (available with signed insert from Recordstore.co.uk)
- Limited Edition Black Vinyl (available with signed insert from Recordstore.co.uk)
- Limited Edition Grey Vinyl (300 copies)
- Limited Edition Blue Vinyl (300 copies) - SOLD OUT
- Limited Edition Yellow / Orange Splatter Vinyl (300 copies)
- Limited Edition UK Exclusive Transparent Green Vinyl (300 copies + available with signed insert from Recordstore.co.uk) More...
Enslaved Posts "Urjotun" Music Video Online
Norway's premier progressive black metallers Enslaved have today released third single "Urjotun" from their upcoming studio album "Utgard" - out 2nd October via Nuclear Blast. The single, one of their most experimental yet, is accompanied by a psychedelic video detailing dark visions and a journey to the outer reaches of the subconscious.
Vocalist Grutle Kjellson commented:
"The lyrical idea for Urjotun had been spinning around in the chaos in the back of my head for quite a while, when Ivar sent me the riff-demo last autumn. I knew instantly that this was it, the very soundtrack of the rise of the primeval giant, the Urjotun! Our mutual love and fascination for that early krautrock scene and for bands like Tangerine Dream and Kraftwerk, finally fully ascended in an Enslaved song, almost 30 years after we picked up those legendary kraut-albums. It’s funny, that in Germany they referred to this kind of music as “Kosmische Musik”, cosmic music! And, that is exactly what this song is about; cosmic chaos. On top of this, director David Hall, made a perfect projection and visualization of our troubled minds." More...
Enslaved Releases New Album Trailer
Swedish Viking/black metal veterans Enslaved has uploaded a new trailer for their forthcoming album, "Utgard," which you can check out below. In this clip, guitarist Ivar Bjørnson talks about the current lineup of the group as well as the recording process. "Utgard" will be released on October 2nd through Nuclear Blast in the following formats:
- CD jewel case (available with signed insert from Recordstore.co.uk)
- Limited Edition Black Vinyl (available with signed insert from Recordstore.co.uk)
- Limited Edition Grey Vinyl (300 copies)
- Limited Edition Blue Vinyl (300 copies)
- Limited Edition UK Exclusive Transparent Green Vinyl (300 copies + available with signed insert from Recordstore.co.uk) More...
Enslaved To Stream Digital Show Today
Enslaved are preparing for the debut show of their Cinematic Summer Tour, streaming this evening at 7pm BST / 8pm CEST. The unique first performance is named "Chronicles Of The Northbound" - a collaboration with Roadburn Festival, it will encompass a career spanning set including five recently fan-voted favourites.
Stream the event today @ 7pm BST / 8pm CEST/ 2pm EST: https://youtu.be/6bLCXhJnYJE
*you can sign up now for a show notification, and join the waiting room to chat about the upcoming show
Enslaved are also pleased to reveal an exclusive merchandise range accompanying the Cinematic Summer Tour, with designs viewable below inc. more information. To give everyone the chance to be part of this completely novum in music, all three shows will be free of charge, however Enslaved have launched a donation link if fans wish to make a contribution towards the costs of putting the shows on.
Donation link: paypal.me/enslavedofficial
Purchase exclusive Cinematic Summer Tour merch here:
US store: https://enslaved.aisamerch.com/ / EU store: https://enslaved.aisamerch.de/shop-en More...
Enslaved Posts New Music Video Online
Enslaved have released the second single, "Jettegryta", from their upcoming studio album, "Utgard." The single is accompanied by a frost-bitten video, in which an Icelandic pristine glacial landscape is darkened by sinister events. Today, the band have also launched pre-orders for "Utgard," which will be released on October 2.
Grutle Kjellson commented on the video: "Iceland was the perfect place to shoot the video for 'Jettegryta'. Jettegryta translates to Giant´s Cauldron and refers to a phenomenon in nature, where rivers/running water - over a long period - create an often cylindrical hole in solid rock. In ancient Norse folklore, the Jette/Jotun (giants) made these cauldrons to cook in. Although these particular nature phenomena don’t exist on the volcanic island of Iceland, there are plenty of other places on this magical island that could lead to the dwelling of the giants! When Norse settlers came to Iceland in the 8th and 9th century, the fumes and fog from the hot streams and the volcanos clearly told them that this island was inhabited by elves, dwarves and giants! This reminded them of the stories of Utgard. To them, Iceland was on the doorsteps of Utgard, the outer borders of the world of men; a gateway. The lyrics of the song deal with entering such a mythological and esoteric place; deep within your own mind and imagination, a gateway into the dreams, the unconscious and the realm of chaos. We have tried to transform these words into this clip, and maybe you can feel a glimpse of what those early Icelanders felt when they first entered this realm!" More...
Enslaved Premiere New Single “Homebound”
Enslaved premiere a first track from their impending release “Utgard“, which had to be delayed to the fall due to COVID-19 concerns. Below you can stream “Homebound” from the upcoming album.
Enslaved Enters The Studio
Norwegian metal avant-gardists Enslaved have some big news for their fans: the band have just entered the studio and are currently working on new material for their upcoming album. This new gem will be released once again via Nuclear Blast Records and has a tentative release date of May 2020.
Band founding member and guitarist Ivar Bjørnson stated about the recordings:
"The days are growing darker in the Northern hemisphere - and Bergen is covered in a blanket of frost. This sets the scene as we have entered the studio to record the new Enslaved album. Since our last album, we have a "new" drummer - in quotation marks, since he has been with us behind the scenes for more than a decade. Together with me (Ivar Bjørnson and Grutle Kjellson) he constitutes the production team on this new album - and as before we will record in Bergen in Duper Studio and next door at Iver's Solslottet Studio. Before crossing the mountains eastwards to Örebro into Fascination Street where Jens Bogren will handle the mix.
"The new material I feel is very powerful. The Enslaved signature is there, but there is a wild drive and a level of energy that makes me extremely excited. All five members have poured their dedication and souls into the preparations, and there are new sides to the band shown that will elevate this album. "
Just weeks ago, Enslaved renewed the bond with Nuclear Blast and re-signed to the label. With that, a successful collaboration lasting for more or less ten years continues. A collaboration that two years ago produced the universally lauded album "E," in which the progressive metal masters once again reinvented themselves and brought Enslaved to a new level.
Enslaved Posts New Music Video Online
There is ample reason to celebrate: Enslaved have once again joined forces with Nuclear Blast, to spread the music of the Norwegian avant-garde metallers all around the globe. With that, band and label renew a collaboration that has been ongoing for around ten years and two years ago produced the universally lauded album E.
Band founding member and guitarist Ivar Bjornson stated about the re-signing:
"It is with great pleasure we re-sign our record deal with Nuclear Blast worldwide! We have been working together for more or less a decade, and it has been an individed positive experience. They have both the heart to grasp our musical visions, and the business-muscles to spread them out into the world. When you add personal friendships with the wonderful people in America, U.K. and Germany it is simply an ideal situation for us to be in. Onwards, forwards and in all directions!"
To mark the occasion, Enslaved present a stunning new music video filled with atmospheric imaginery for their interpretation of "What Else Is There" by Norwegian electropop band Royskopp. The song is featured as a bonus track on the digipack CD and digital version of their latest album, "E." More...
Enslaved & High On Fire European/UK Tour Announced
Enslaved and High On Fire announce a fall European/UK tour together. That trek will see them hit the following cities:
09/30 Poznan, POL – U Bazyla
10/01 Warsaw, POL – Proxima
10/02 Leipzig, GER – Ut Connewitz
10/03 Esch, LUX – Kulturfabrik
10/04 Breda, NET – Mezz Jupiler Zaal
10/08 Manchester, UK – Academy 2
10/09 Dublin, IRE – Tivoli
10/10 Belfast, UK – Limelight 2
10/12 Birmingham, UK – The Mill
10/14 Bristol, UK – SWX
10/15 London, UK – The Dome
10/16 Paris, FRA – La Machine Du Moulin Rouge
In other news drummer Cato Bekkevold has announced his exit from Enslaved. In the below video, he states the split was amicable. Bekkevold will perform his last live show with the band this weekend at the ‘Hellfest Open Air‘ in Clisson, FRA on June 23rd. More...
New Bjørnson and Selvik Collaboration Streaming
After the success of their previous collaboration under the moniker of Skuggsjá, Ivar Bjørnson (Enslaved) and Einar Selvik (Wardruna) are now following up with an imposing new piece entitled "Hugsjá," which can be streamed in full or purchased via bandcamp. The word "Hugsjá" means to see with, or within, the mind - and it reflects the idea that one's mind has the potential to see further than the eyes can reach. By weaving together indigenous and contemporary thoughts, sounds and instruments, they are inviting you on a vivid journey - exploring the distant history and traditions along coastal Norway.
"Hugsjá" was first commissioned by, and performed at, Bergen International Festival in 2017, as part a series of concerts named Nordvegen ("the northern road"); inspired by local history and traditions in each of the places visited. Ultimately the material was recorded and became this full-length album.
The songs "Ni Mødre av Sol" and "Um Heilage Fjell" feature a mixed choir under management of Stine Kobbeltvedt with the voices of Anna Lisa Lekven, Laila Moberg, Marianne Evensen Østrem, Lisa Nøttseter, Lise Renee Aase, Kristine Bjånesøy Tikkanen, Linda Nytræ, Leif Østrem, Brede Lærum, Jan Helge Kordts, Jan-Ove Hansen, Richard Myhre Gåssand and Stine
The full tracklisting for "Hugsjá" is as follows:
1. Hugsjá (4:35)
2. WulthuR (4:16)
3. Ni Døtre av Hav (6:02)
4. Ni Mødre av Sol (5:55
5. Fornjot (4:41)
6. Nattseglar (7:06)
7. Nytt Land (7:48)
8. Nordvegen (3:41)
9. Utsyn (5:23)
10. Oska (7:29)
11. Um Heilage Fjell (5:26)
Report
70000 Tons Of Metal: Day One
Back when the first 70000 Tons Of Metal cruise set sail in 2011, metal fans around the globe looked on with enormous envy at the lucky few who were able to board the ship and witness a festival unlike any other. Seven years later, my own wish was granted as I arrived in Florida, ready to take to the seas with 61 bands, 3000 other metalheads (including Metal Underground founder, Deathbringer) and the crew on this magnificent vessel. This is the story of Metal Underground at 70000 Tons Of Metal 2018.
Boarding the ship was a relatively simple affair, impressive considering the magnitude of the journey, where travellers queued up to have their bags scanned, passports checked and sort out their currency for the trip, which is done on a special card. After this, punters are invited to have their photo taken in front of the 70000 Tons Of Metal backdrop, then take a seat and wait for their area to be called. As soon as one walks on to the ship, they're greeted enthusiastically by the pool girls, who welcome them with a copy of the official programme, which must be said, is wonderfully put together with information about everything from the bands to the ship's captain.
Making our way to our cabins, it immediately resonates what an inclusive trip this will be, as fans and band members walk together to their rooms, wherein I was able to speak briefly with Derrick Green, frontman of one of my all time favourite bands, Sepultura. After settling in, it's over to the decks for safety drills, which are conducted in English and German and where more metal royalty can be spotted (Corpsegrinder of Cannibal Corpse was in the line next to mine, laughing, joking and taking pictures with fans.) Finally, at 17:15, the first bands take to the stage and metal fans begin the holiday of a lifetime. More...
70000 Tons Of Metal Lineup Completed
The organisers of the 70000 Tons Of Metal cruise has announced the last four bands to perform at this year's event. Canadian death metal veterans Kataklysm will be performing, in addition to American power metal outfit Seven Kingdoms has been confirmed for the journey, as well as Belgian groove metal band Diablo BLVD and Colombian speed metal group Revenge. The cruise will set sail from Port Lauderdale, Florida on February 1st and head to the Grand Turk and Caicos Islands and back in a trek that will last until February 5th.
The current list of confirmed bands is as follows: More...
Two More Confirmed For 70000 Tons Of Metal
Comedy metal act Psychostick and Mexican doom metal band Majestic Downfall are the latest groups announced to play this year's edition of the 70000 Tons Of Metal cruise, which sets sail in only six days. This brings the total number of confirmed bands up to fifty six, with only four more to be confirmed. The organisers have said that the next three bands to be confirmed will all hail from different continents. The cruise will set sail from Port Lauderdale, Florida on February 1st and head to the Grand Turk and Caicos Islands and back in a trek that will last until February 5th.
The current list of confirmed bands is as follows:
Aborted
Aeternam
Alestorm
Amberian Dawn
Battle Beast
Belphegor
Benediction
Benighted
Beyond Creation
Cannibal Corpse
Dark Tranquility
Destruction
Enslaved
Evergrey
Evertale
Exciter
Exhumed
Freedom Call
Goatwhore
Gyze
In Extremo
In Mourning
Insomnium
Internal Bleeding
Korpiklaani
Kreator
Leaves' Eyes
Majestic Downfall
Masterplan
Meshuggah
Metal Church
Metsatöll
Naglfar
Necrophobic
Obscura
October Tide
Primal Fear
Psychostick
Rhapsody
Sabaton
Samael
Septicflesh
Sepultura
Seven Spires
Sinister
Sirenia
Sonata Arctica
Swallow The Sun
Threshold
Triosphere
Voivod
Witchery
Witherfall
Wolfchant
Wolfheart
Belphegor Confirmed For 70000 Tons Of Metal
The organisers of the 70000 Tons Of Metal cruise has announced that Austrian blackened death metal veterans Belphegor will be performing at this year's edition of the 70000 Tons Of Metal cruise. This brings the total of confirmed bands to fifty four, with only six more to be revealed. The cruise will set sail from Port Lauderdale, Florida on February 1st and head to the Grand Turk and Caicos Islands and back in a trek that will last until February 5th.
The current list of confirmed bands is as follows: More...