Enslaved

Enslaved are a Norwegian black metal band from Haugesund, formed in 1991 and active since then. Their core lineup centres on Ivar Bjørnson and Grutle Kjellson, who form the band’s original line-up and remain key members. The group also includes Arve Isdal, Cato Bekkevold and Håkon Vinje, with former members including Trym Torson, Harald Helgeson, Roy Kronheim, Dirge Rep, Freddy Bolsø and Herbrand Larsen.

Style and background

Enslaved begin as an old-school black metal and viking metal act, then move towards a more experimental and progressive sound. Their later music incorporates progressive metal and elements associated with 1970s progressive rock. The band is known for a black metal approach that draws on progressive structures and, in places, darker psychedelic textures. Their lyrics often deal with Norse mythology and history.

The name Enslaved comes from an Immortal demo track, Enslaved in Rot. Early songs are mostly recorded in Icelandic or Old Norse, with one track on the first full-length album performed in ancient Norwegian. From Frost onwards, the lyrics are mainly in Norwegian, and later recordings are in English.

Releases and development

The band records its first demo, Nema, in 1991, followed by Yggdrasill in 1992. In 1993 it issues the split release Emperor/Hordanes Land with Emperor, pairing the mini-albums Hordanes Land and Emperor. Its debut album, Vikingligr Veldi, follows in 1994, alongside Frost, both on Osmose Productions after the band moves from its earlier label base.

Eld appears in 1997 with Harald Helgeson on drums. Blodhemn follows in 1998 after line-up changes bring in Dirge Rep and Roy Kronheim. A major shift comes with Mardraum: Beyond the Within in 2000, which marks a more experimental and innovative direction. The band continues this approach with Monumension in 2001 and Below the Lights in 2003, which blends heavy, traditional and progressive elements with dark psychedelia.

By the mid-2000s the line-up includes Cato Bekkevold, Arve Isdal and Herbrand Larsen. ISA is recorded in 2004 and brings strong critical response, followed by tours in Europe and North America. The band receives a Norwegian Grammy and an Alarm Prize for that album. Ruun appears in 2006 and brings another Norwegian Grammy in the metal category. Vertebrae follows in 2008 and receives wide acclaim, including Terrorizer magazine’s album of the year and critic’s choice album of the year awards.

Later albums include Axioma Ethica Odini in 2010, RIITIIR in 2012, In Times in 2015 and E in 2017. The band also releases the live albums Live at the Rock Hard Festival and Roadburn Live, and the concert DVDs Live Retaliation and Return to Yggdrasill.

Collaborations and recognition

Enslaved record a collaboration with the Norwegian noise duo Fe-Mail under the name Trinacria. The track Havenless from Below the Lights appears in the film Metal: A Headbanger’s Journey. The band also performs at Inferno 2004, where its live show draws strong attention.

Enslaved are associated with black metal, progressive metal and viking metal, and release material on Enslavedunion DA.