ENSLAVED ‘Mið’

ENSLAVED 
Mið
Nuclear Blast Records

One of the most daring and unpredictable bands in extreme metal over the past three decades, Norway's ENSLAVED continues to find new ways to expand its musical horizon. The band’s 17th studio album,‘Mið’ may be a bit more atmospheric and introspective than its immediate predecessors, but remains a compelling, richly textured effort that finds the quintet balancing progressive ambition with black metal muscle, Viking lore and memorable melodies – and delivering some intriguing twists along the way.

Named after an Old Norse word meaning “middle” or “center,” Mið explores themes of ancient monuments, spirituality and the connections that transcend cultures and generations. But rather than getting bogged down in its philosophical or mythological underpinnings, ENSLAVED presents it in a manner that is as inviting as it is intellectually challenging, with some of its most accessible, emotionally resonant material.

The thunderclaps and gentle guitars of the brief opener “Non-Being” establishes an aura of mystery before the band launches into “I Am Ice” that combines tribal rhythms with crashing, tremmy riffs and chirpy synths and contrasts bassist Grutle Kjellson’s familiar rasp with the hypnotic mantras and chants of Sámi yoik vocalist Johan Sara Jr. It’s an intriguing combination that is both haunting and undeniably heavy.

It is complemented later by the mostly instrumental “Spirit Helper,” which throws a Native American curveball. The ceremonial vocalizing of Blackfeet cultural teacher and spiritual guardian Kevin Kicking Woman gives the song a ritualistic character, while the band gradually builds around it with sweeping keyboards, measured percussion and increasingly powerful guitar work. It, too, is a departure that works quite well, adding yet another dimension to ENSLAVED's seemingly limitless sonic palette.

“Solar Will,” however, follows “I Am Ice” withmore familiar intensity. Its driving riffs, infectious hooks and wolverine growls make it one of the album’s most direct and heaviest tracks – even with the soaring cleans of drummer/producer Iver Sandøy. The bracing “Tales of Trees” adds an even sharper black metal edge.

At the other end of the spectrum, “Mountain” is a deliberate build, alternating quieter, ethereal passages with bursts of surging guitar and trot/gallop percussion, effectively moving between restraint and outright ferocity. “Parting,” though, is surprisingly calm, even serene, opening with delicate piano and subdued keyboards before gradually unfolding. The clean vocals and melancholy guitar melodies give the song an almost dreamlike quality, while the heavier passages provide just enough contrast to keep its eight-plus minutes from drifting away. 

“I Miðju” closes things out with a more expansive, progressive air. Its shifting tempos, layered instrumentation and interplay between clean and harsh vocals provide a satisfying conclusion to an album that never quite settles into one particular groove. But that has been ENSLAVED’s strength for quite some time, and shows no sign of abating.

While some of the material takes a little time to reveal its full appeal, ‘Mið’ is consistently engaging, with enough memorable riffs, intriguing textures and unexpected turns to warrant repeated spins. Your patience will be rewarded. It's another impressive achievement from a band that has spent much of its career refusing to stand still, and one that continues to demonstrate just how much creative life remains in its ever-evolving sound.

4.0 Out Of 5.0