ENSLAVED - Mið

We begin our journey with 'Non-Being', where ominous ambient sounds slowly unfold, accompanied by the distant whisper of wind lingering in the background. An unsettling atmosphere takes shape before a solitary guitar riff cuts through the surrounding darkness, carrying a melody that feels melancholic yet strangely hopeful. It is a beautiful contrast, as though a faint glimmer of light has emerged from an otherwise desolate soundscape. 

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The first full-fledged composition, 'I Am Ice', features Sámi musician Johan Sara Jr., known for his work with traditional joik, one of Europe's oldest surviving vocal traditions. His distinctive, throat-like chanting immediately lends the track an almost ritualistic atmosphere, while heavy guitar riffs unfold alongside it. Hissing vocals soon enter the picture, accompanied by a prominent bass line, a brief spoken-word passage and relatively straightforward yet effective drumming. Naturally, ENSLAVED don't hold back on the blast beats either, adding bursts of familiar black metal ferocity. Personally, I find the vocal reverb a little excessive at times, although that criticism quickly fades into the background once the magnificent choral passages emerge. Subtle synthesizers introduce a more contemporary dimension, enriching the already layered atmosphere. Towards the end, the chanting choir returns, bringing this fascinating collision of tradition and modernity to a beautifully atmospheric conclusion.

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'Solar Will' stands among the strongest compositions Mið has to offer, striking a remarkable balance between forceful riffing, soaring melodies and intricately woven arrangements. Particularly captivating is the interplay between Grutle Kjellson's fierce, unmistakable growls and Håkon Vinje's beautifully expressive clean vocals. Their contrasting voices complement each other wonderfully, allowing the composition to shift effortlessly between aggression and melodic elegance. It is precisely this dynamic that makes ENSLAVED so fascinating, as their progressive explorations never come at the expense of their black metal foundations. Towards the end, a beautiful guitar solo adds another layer of emotion before a raw, piercing scream brings the song to a powerful conclusion. 

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With 'Spirit Helper', ENSLAVED venture into particularly fascinating territory, joining forces with Kevin Kicking Woman, an elder of the Blackfoot Nation from present-day Montana. His contribution brings a deeply spiritual and cultural dimension to the composition, which begins with calming yet eerie synthesizer sounds that create an almost otherworldly atmosphere, leaving us wondering what might emerge from the surrounding stillness. Before long, Kevin's distinctive voice enters the picture, and there is something genuinely moving about being able to experience his contribution. Gentle clean vocals, thoughtful drumming and a wonderfully prominent bass line gradually join him, complementing his singing beautifully without overshadowing it. Even as heavier guitar riffs enter and the instrumentation grows more demanding, the different elements remain remarkably harmonious. During the final third, the composition blossoms into a powerful passage of sweeping, almost floating melodies that carry an undeniable sense of grandeur. Eventually, the intensity subsides, leaving only the sound of wind to guide us out of this extraordinary musical journey.

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'Tales of Trees' opens with an impressive display of drumming, accompanied by deep, almost primal growls, while powerful guitar lines establish the backbone of the composition. Once again, it is the interplay between harsh and clean vocals that makes the song particularly captivating. The latter introduce an almost fragile beauty, standing in striking contrast to the commanding growls that dominate much of the track. Around the halfway mark, subtle folk-inspired elements emerge, enriching the atmosphere with an additional layer of depth. Interestingly, the growls take on an almost narrative quality, as though recounting an ancient tale, yet it is the clean singing that truly steals the spotlight. Together with a beautifully expressive guitar solo, these vocals evoke a profound sense of longing and yearning, lending the composition an emotional weight that lingers long after its final notes.

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With 'I Miðju', ENSLAVED bring their musical journey to an expansive and atmospheric conclusion. The composition opens with a noticeably more distorted sound, its heavy, almost suffocating melodies immediately establishing an oppressive atmosphere. A passage of clean singing gradually draws us deeper into the music before primal growls and throaty vocals take control, dominating the following minutes with an almost ritualistic intensity. As the song unfolds, it develops an increasingly hypnotic, trance-like quality without sacrificing either its aggression or melodic complexity. Particularly captivating are the subtle doom influences woven into the instrumentation, lending the composition an additional sense of weight and darkness. Once again, the interplay between demanding growls and beautifully expressive clean vocals proves to be one of ENSLAVED's greatest strengths. For me, however, the true highlight is the magnificent dual-guitar solo, whose intertwining melodies carry an emotional intensity that resonates deeply. Following a powerful finale, the music slowly retreats into gentle, clean guitar passages, accompanied by strange, ominous sounds that echo the album's mysterious beginnings. A fittingly atmospheric conclusion to an ambitious musical journey.

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SCORE 8.5/10

REVIEWED BY SWAMPY