Well that’s not great news…

Having been with Enslaved for a grand total of thirteen years, keyboardist Herbrand Larsen has decided to step down from the band. Not only will that mean that his contributions as a keyboard player in the band be gone but one of the most important components of the Enslaved make up for me, clean vocals.

Not saying that I don’t like Grutle’s harsh vocals but the genius that lies within Enslaved stems from this exact contrast, Larsen’s beautiful croonings work the entire opposite of Kjellson’s raspy howls. Set to be performing one more show of this year in their hometown of Bergen, I would presume that it will be Larsen’s last. Both the band and Larsen have issued a statement regarding the split.

“Friends of Enslaved, brothers and sisters! Nothing lasts forever, and we have something to announce. Our keyboardist and vocalist for the last 13 years, Herbrand Larsen is leaving the band. There is no drama in connection with his departure, it was entirely his own decision, and we part ways as friends and with no bad blood in between us. We want to thank Herbrand for his duties in Enslaved in all these years, for standing alongside us on our adventures all over the world. We had some really good times on the road, in the recording studios and in our practice space. We raise our glasses, and wish you all the best on your next voyage! Thank you friend!”

Despite the fact that the split is amicable its just a shame! God knows how many times I have listened to Vertebrae, In Times, Riitiir and Axioma Ethica Odini and mostly because of that beautiful voice of his! Though it is also a pretty perfect time for the man to announce his departure, mid way through their new album cycle the band now have the time to regroup and figure out what they will do and then, who knows might even come back even stronger!

We wish you well Larsen.