ENSLAVED – VERTEBRAE

With their thirteenth studio album on imminent release the long wait for new Enslaved material is almost over, so we though why not have a look back in the bands catalogue. A personal favourite of mine will always be their 2008 effort Vertebrae. Beginning as a black metal band Enslaved were slowly leaning toward the progressive side of the metal spectrum, with previous album Ruun and Isa experimentation was occurring. With Vertebrae however the band really begun to delve deeper, both musically and theoretically.

The glacial pace that the band were implimenting allowed for fans of the very rigid black metal scene to become more and more accustomed to the more ethereal feeling that Enslaved evoked. From the album’s first track “Clouds” we’re given a sense that Enslaved are very much above the common black metal band. Melding aspects of progression with the rasps of Grutle Kjellson sateing black metallers all over whilst the soothing serenades showcased their more melodic sides. Solo’s pepper the album like the tasteful “Reflection” Whilst not everything was about the ethereal, the trademark epic black metal sections were still here, with the post rock vibe the band have adopted melding seamlessly with their progressive edges makes for some truly enchanting listening.

Vertebrae was a fantastic stepping stone to the evolution of Enslaved that saw them then create Axioma Ethica Odini, 2012’s Riitiir and finally reach In Times.