Full-length, Nuclear Blast Records
(2026)
Enslaved’s seventeenth studio effort, "Mið", is a mesmerizing proof of dynamic evolution. Coming three years after the acclaimed "Heimdal", the Norwegian progressive metal vanguard continues to stretch the boundaries of extreme music, delivering a record that feels rooted in ancient northern soil while gazing directly into the cosmos. Across its eight sprawling tracks, the band eschews predictable verse-chorus arrangements in favor of labyrinthine compositions that shift seamlessly between furious black metal ancestry and soaring, 1970s-infused progressive soundscapes. The dual-vocal interplay between harsh, icy rasps and warm, melodic clean passages provides a constant emotional tug-of-war, anchored by razor-sharp guitar riffing, intricate polyrhythmic percussion, and deep, atmospheric synth textures that give the record an almost cinematic depth.
The opening momentum of "Non-Being" immediately establishes this dual identity, charging forward with blistering intensity before dissolving into ethereal acoustic motifs. As the record unfolds, its most daring artistic choices come to the forefront through unexpected, genre-defying collaborations. In "I Am Ice", featuring guest artist Johan Sara Jr, traditional Sámi yoik vocal elements interweave with heavy, brooding riffs, creating a visceral, ancestral resonance that bridges prehistoric folklore with modern avant-garde metal. Further along, "Spirit Helper", featuring Kevin Kicking Woman, builds on hypnotic, earth-shaking grooves to deliver one of the most mesmerizing structural peaks on the album, while central cuts like "Solar Will", "Mountain", "Parting", and "Tales of Trees" showcase the band’s unmatched ability to balance raw sonic violence with sublime melodic grace.
By the time the album reaches its monumental finale, "I Miðju", the journey culminates in an epic summary of Enslaved's modern identity. The track weaves together crushing blast beats, soaring clean harmonies, and lingering acoustic passages that fade out with immense emotional weight, leaving a lasting impression of cosmic grandeur. Far from resting on the laurels of their decades-long career, the band demonstrates an unwavering commitment to pushing their creative limits. "Mið" stands as a dense, evocative, and technically immaculate masterpiece—a definitive statement that reinforces Enslaved’s position at the absolute pinnacle of progressive extreme metal.
Toxic Trace
Tracklist:
1. Non-Being
2. I Am Ice
3. Solar Will
4. Mountain
5. Spirit Helper
6. Parting
7. Tales of Trees
8. I Miðju
Grutle Kjellson - Vocals (lead), Bass
Ivar Bjørnson - Guitars
Arve Isdal - Guitars (lead), Vocals (backing)
Håkon Vinje - Keyboards, Vocals (backing)
Iver Sandøy - Drums, Vocals (clean)
Links:
Bandcamp
Official website
Spotify
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