ENSLAVED
VERTEBRAE
2008
REVIEW BY OLA
VERTEBRAE
2008
REVIEW BY OLA
Enslaved- “Vertebrae”- Nuclear Blast
Released: November 4th, 2008.
Whether you want to classify them as black metal, progressive or experimental, Enslaved create a vortex of sound that is sure to take you into another dimension. Their latest release, Vertebrae, displays elements of their past and present sound to date. This band creates music with extreme intensity, though the music engages the listener at all times.
The album opener, ‘Clouds’ is exciting; already indicating how phenomenal the rest of the album will be. Grutle Kjellson’s rasping black metal vocals overlap the beautiful soft sound of Herbrand Larsen on backing vox.
Songs ‘To The Coast’ and ‘Ground’ are very heavy with elements of prog that flow and build. ‘Vertebrae’, the title track, takes us on an epic journey through sound and space surrounded by the band’s haunting aura.
The most profound track on the album, by far, is ‘New Dawn’ which includes a sample of every sound that Enslaved has ever created. With solid drums and a chorus that chants, “A new dawn rises, out from the shadows”, ‘New Dawn’ is sure to become the most widely played track. ‘The Watcher’ closes Vertebrae leaving the listener content; incorporating every ounce of passion it takes to make this music.
Overall, Enslaved have captured true beauty, intensity and bliss throughout the entire album. With fantastic instrumentation and deep lyrics Enslaved never cease to impress. Like a vertebra, Enslaved connect us to music. This is ‘thinking-man’s’ metal.
RATING: 9 out of 10
