Enslaved - Vertebrae

Eindride · October 6th, 2008, 05:28 AM

I hade the good fortune of being able to make it to the release party of Enslaveds Vertebrae in Stockholm, last Friday. It was an ok party, hadn't it just been for some immature dicks who ruined Grutles few minutes in the spotlight by shouting "visa kuken" ("show us your dick") one million times (sigh).

But if the party was just ok, the album itself blew me of the ground already from the pounding intro and onward. This band is - rivaled only by Borknagar - the top class act of today's metal. I have followed their career from their very first demo (Well, the Yggdrasill-demo, not Nema) and I'm astounded by the evolution their music has undergone over the years. Ivar Björnson is a songwriting genius. And i don't think the very appearent Pink Floyd-influence on the new record is a negative thing, on the contrary, their fushion of prog and extreme metal is quite original. Others have done it too, for sure, but Enslaved has their own very special personality to it. What also stands out is the way they develop Old Norse concepts into more personal and modern interpretations.

Vertebrae is, as far as i am concerned, the album of the year.

Sad thing, Ivar quit Borknagar. Öystein and Ivar, Norways two greatest songwriters, should perhaps some time in the future, get together to create some new stuff. "Witching Hour", the only song they penned together, is one of the best on TAC.

jamj1974 · October 6th, 2008, 01:24 PM

New enslaved is absolutely amazing!!!!!...did you shoot some videos for the party?

It would be cool if you share them with us.

Det Som Engang Var · October 6th, 2008, 04:12 PM

I'm dissapointed by it.

It's a great album, I definitely prefer prog Enslaved over that boring black metal shit, but the last three albums were better. Still very good though.

Allfader · October 13th, 2008, 11:54 AM

I love the last Enslaved album, sounds more black metalish this time but still is prog...one of the best of the year for sure (I'm waiting for the Asmegin and Kampfar albums to decide about the best of 2008)

Naglfar · October 13th, 2008, 02:16 PM

GRRRRRRRRR RAGE RAGE RAGE not being released until the 28th of this month in the US

GRRRRRRRRR

Enslaved is one of my favorite bands

/girly-type weeping

Good to know that it's a solid album. I wasn't a big fan of Ruun; but Isa and Below the Lights are among my Enslaved faves, and in general I've liked the band's recent direction.

~Derek~ · October 13th, 2008, 10:29 PM

I heard a song off Vertebrae and liked it.

Det Som Engang Var · October 14th, 2008, 05:11 PM

The thing is, this new one is more consistent than Ruun, but Ruun had Essence. Essence alone is better than everything on Vertebrae put together.

Lothlorien · November 16th, 2008, 11:26 PM

i love Vertebrae. it's a top contender for album of the year.

sdmf2 · November 30th, 2008, 11:57 PM

Vertebrae has taken some time for me to get into, as most Enslaved does, but after 9 or so plays its fuckign awesome! The clean vocals have improved a lot I think, although they sound higher pitched. Below the Lights, Isa, RUUN are all awesome too though.

Defiance · December 1st, 2008, 02:45 AM

I really liked this new album too, it's great, but it won't be #1 in my list (lots of old school, hard-rock and AOR releases).

I like all of their stages, the first album that I heard was Frost. I was listening to it the other day and it's still as great as the first time I heard it

.

And a collaboration of Øystein + Ivar on the new Bork album would be simply wonderful! (Hehe oh and we're also asking for Simen to collaborate too

. Probably none of them will happen though).

jamj1974 · December 3rd, 2008, 04:57 PM

New video taken from vertebrae cd.

MySpace

someone knows what is the t-shirt that ivar wears?..i love it!

DHG · December 3rd, 2008, 11:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Det Som Engang Var

The thing is, this new one is more consistent than Ruun, but Ruun had Essence. Essence alone is better than everything on Vertebrae put together.

QFT

BTW I hate it when people keep associating "Ruun" with "Path To Vanir". "Essence" is definitely a way better song, and the best on "Ruun".

Naglfar · December 4th, 2008, 01:37 AM

I dunno man, Vertebrae is a lot more fun to listen to than Ruun. Ruun was a good album but it felt a bit plodding at times, and with the exception of Essence, the songs were smidgen repetitive (especially compared to Below the Lights and Isa, where song distinction is simply not a problem with those albums). Essence is a good song, but I think it stands out mostly because other than the opening track, it's not really Enslaved's most inspired album.

I'm really liking Vertebrae, though. Especially Reflection and the Watcher.

Para Bellum · December 4th, 2008, 02:43 AM

I have to say out of all the albums I've bough this year this is the one I am most pleased with. There is not a single song I dislike and it flows together perfectly. Yes, some Enslaved albums are better than others. But they do not have a bad album. And Vertebrae is fantastic.

Qu Appelle · December 5th, 2008, 02:15 PM

They were supposed to have a US tour starting in a few months, and I was looking forward to it immensely. But then, they canceled it. I hope it was a temporary issue and they're able to reschedule, instead of scrapping it permanently.

Please, Enslaved, come to North America! We like you here!

Det Som Engang Var · December 8th, 2008, 09:29 AM

They came here twice last year.

Qu Appelle · December 8th, 2008, 12:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Det Som Engang Var

They came here twice last year.

Well, they were supposed to come *again*

I can't recall if they hit Seattle or not. (Probably, but obviously I missed them)

Alteredmindeath · December 8th, 2008, 01:06 PM

I haven't really enjoyed an Enslaved album since ELD,but for me the newer albums are ok.

My Arms, Your Purse · December 9th, 2008, 09:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eindride

This band is - rivaled only by Borknagar - the top class act of today's metal.

edit. I like both Borknagar and Enslaved but that's just bullshit lmao, you need to listen to more metal it seems.

karpsmom · December 9th, 2008, 01:22 PM

I listen to tons of metal and I would still say Borknagar is one of the top class acts of metal

Naglfar · December 9th, 2008, 03:26 PM

I also happen to think Enslaved is the best metal band in the world, but that's my opinion... and my opinion would change if Dan Swano ever started another metal band or released Moontower II... =)

Eindride · December 12th, 2008, 01:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Para Bellum

I have to say out of all the albums I've bough this year this is the one I am most pleased with. There is not a single song I dislike and it flows together perfectly. Yes, some Enslaved albums are better than others. But they do not have a bad album. And Vertebrae is fantastic.

Very well put. That's exactly my thought too, the album really "flows toether". Very consistent. It's such a perfect mix of all the elements that make Enslaveds music stand out, so many facetts. Their whole soundpicture - or soundlandscape - is so rich. It's impossible for me to pick out a standout track on Vertebrae.

But I agree on Essence being the finest track on RUUN.

It would be nice too hear something more solid on what direction Borknagar will go on the next release, musically and thematically.

Defiance · December 12th, 2008, 01:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by karpsmom

I listen to tons of metal and I would still say Borknagar is one of the top class acts of metal

Agreed, I am not being fan-boyish here, I truly believe that they are very good bands

.

sdmf2 · December 14th, 2008, 07:40 PM

Since people are going back and forth about Essence and Path to Vanir(sort of), I'll just add that my favourite song on RUUN is Tides of Chaos, by far.

Naglfar · December 14th, 2008, 08:10 PM

I don't even like Path to Vanir. My faves were Entroper and Essence. ^_^

October 6th, 2008, 05:28 AM	#1 (permalink)
Eindride Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Posts: 55	Enslaved - Vertebrae I hade the good fortune of being able to make it to the release party of Enslaveds Vertebrae in Stockholm, last Friday. It was an ok party, hadn't it just been for some immature dicks who ruined Grutles few minutes in the spotlight by shouting "visa kuken" ("show us your dick") one million times (sigh). But if the party was just ok, the album itself blew me of the ground already from the pounding intro and onward. This band is - rivaled only by Borknagar - the top class act of today's metal. I have followed their career from their very first demo (Well, the Yggdrasill-demo, not Nema) and I'm astounded by the evolution their music has undergone over the years. Ivar Björnson is a songwriting genius. And i don't think the very appearent Pink Floyd-influence on the new record is a negative thing, on the contrary, their fushion of prog and extreme metal is quite original. Others have done it too, for sure, but Enslaved has their own very special personality to it. What also stands out is the way they develop Old Norse concepts into more personal and modern interpretations. Vertebrae is, as far as i am concerned, the album of the year. Sad thing, Ivar quit Borknagar. Öystein and Ivar, Norways two greatest songwriters, should perhaps some time in the future, get together to create some new stuff. "Witching Hour", the only song they penned together, is one of the best on TAC.

October 6th, 2008, 04:12 PM	#3 (permalink)
Det Som Engang Var Vikingwigger Veldi Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 9,857	I'm dissapointed by it. It's a great album, I definitely prefer prog Enslaved over that boring black metal shit, but the last three albums were better. Still very good though. __________________ Myspace.com/empiricmetal

October 13th, 2008, 11:54 AM	#4 (permalink)
Allfader Session fretless bassist Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: White Falling Room Posts: 1,110	I love the last Enslaved album, sounds more black metalish this time but still is prog...one of the best of the year for sure (I'm waiting for the Asmegin and Kampfar albums to decide about the best of 2008) __________________ "Han ofra sitt auge, for at fjan skulle sjå Han blødde for dei som til slutt lot han rå. Men ingen lovnad ei ga ham, det vart ingen fred. Dei skal fframleis kjempa, til jorda sig ned" http://www.myspace.com/veraguaschile http://www.myspace.com/forestfather

October 13th, 2008, 10:29 PM	#6 (permalink)
~Derek~ April Ethereal Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Tennessee Posts: 4,365	I heard a song off Vertebrae and liked it. __________________ My black metal band's MySpace www.myspace.com/bloodredmoonmetal

October 14th, 2008, 05:11 PM	#7 (permalink)
Det Som Engang Var Vikingwigger Veldi Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 9,857	The thing is, this new one is more consistent than Ruun, but Ruun had Essence. Essence alone is better than everything on Vertebrae put together. __________________ Myspace.com/empiricmetal

October 6th, 2008, 01:24 PM	#2 (permalink)
jamj1974 death is certain... Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: spain Posts: 179	New enslaved is absolutely amazing!!!!!...did you shoot some videos for the party? It would be cool if you share them with us.

October 13th, 2008, 02:16 PM	#5 (permalink)
Naglfar As Naglfar devours us all Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: The United States of Canada (not Jesusland) Posts: 1,318	GRRRRRRRRR RAGE RAGE RAGE not being released until the 28th of this month in the US GRRRRRRRRR Enslaved is one of my favorite bands /girly-type weeping Good to know that it's a solid album. I wasn't a big fan of Ruun; but Isa and Below the Lights are among my Enslaved faves, and in general I've liked the band's recent direction.

November 16th, 2008, 11:26 PM	#8 (permalink)
Lothlorien Towards the Great Sky Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 1,862	i love Vertebrae. it's a top contender for album of the year. __________________ My Myspace My band- Lothlorien

November 30th, 2008, 11:57 PM	#9 (permalink)
sdmf2 Senior Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: Toronto, Canada Posts: 1,201	Vertebrae has taken some time for me to get into, as most Enslaved does, but after 9 or so plays its fuckign awesome! The clean vocals have improved a lot I think, although they sound higher pitched. Below the Lights, Isa, RUUN are all awesome too though. __________________ www.myspace.com/sylvusmetal

December 1st, 2008, 02:45 AM	#10 (permalink)
Defiance 子連れ狼　 Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: In a 'Supermassive Black Hole', or San José, Costa Rica Posts: 2,251	I really liked this new album too, it's great, but it won't be #1 in my list (lots of old school, hard-rock and AOR releases). I like all of their stages, the first album that I heard was Frost. I was listening to it the other day and it's still as great as the first time I heard it . And a collaboration of Øystein + Ivar on the new Bork album would be simply wonderful! (Hehe oh and we're also asking for Simen to collaborate too . Probably none of them will happen though). __________________ Walk, don't drive. My music collection! Added: D.T. OCEN EP (CD, CD with bad printing), Anvil TI13 signed, Arsis WRBG signed, Equilibrium TF. My pictures! If you can speak three languages you're trilingual. If you can speak two languages you're bilingual. If you can speak only one language you're a U.S. American. - Author Unknown Thanks to words, we have been able to rise above the brutes; and thanks to words, we have often sunk to the level of the demons. - Aldous Huxley

December 4th, 2008, 01:37 AM	#13 (permalink)
Naglfar As Naglfar devours us all Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: The United States of Canada (not Jesusland) Posts: 1,318	I dunno man, Vertebrae is a lot more fun to listen to than Ruun. Ruun was a good album but it felt a bit plodding at times, and with the exception of Essence, the songs were smidgen repetitive (especially compared to Below the Lights and Isa, where song distinction is simply not a problem with those albums). Essence is a good song, but I think it stands out mostly because other than the opening track, it's not really Enslaved's most inspired album. I'm really liking Vertebrae, though. Especially Reflection and the Watcher.

December 4th, 2008, 02:43 AM	#14 (permalink)
Para Bellum Frostbitten Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: British Columbia, Canada Posts: 1,455	I have to say out of all the albums I've bough this year this is the one I am most pleased with. There is not a single song I dislike and it flows together perfectly. Yes, some Enslaved albums are better than others. But they do not have a bad album. And Vertebrae is fantastic.

December 5th, 2008, 02:15 PM	#15 (permalink)
Qu Appelle Tree hugger Join Date: May 2007 Location: Seattle! Posts: 660	They were supposed to have a US tour starting in a few months, and I was looking forward to it immensely. But then, they canceled it. I hope it was a temporary issue and they're able to reschedule, instead of scrapping it permanently. Please, Enslaved, come to North America! We like you here! __________________ -------- Yes. I do apparently only listen to Folk Metal and Sámi Joiking. And ABBA. ABBA is the best.

December 8th, 2008, 09:29 AM	#16 (permalink)
Det Som Engang Var Vikingwigger Veldi Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 9,857	They came here twice last year. __________________ Myspace.com/empiricmetal

December 8th, 2008, 01:06 PM	#18 (permalink)
Alteredmindeath found underground Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: In a frozen attic Posts: 4,335	I haven't really enjoyed an Enslaved album since ELD,but for me the newer albums are ok.

December 9th, 2008, 01:22 PM	#20 (permalink)
karpsmom Focus! Join Date: May 2005 Location: Brooklyn, New York Posts: 1,381	I listen to tons of metal and I would still say Borknagar is one of the top class acts of metal __________________

December 9th, 2008, 03:26 PM	#21 (permalink)
Naglfar As Naglfar devours us all Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: The United States of Canada (not Jesusland) Posts: 1,318	I also happen to think Enslaved is the best metal band in the world, but that's my opinion... and my opinion would change if Dan Swano ever started another metal band or released Moontower II... =)

December 14th, 2008, 07:40 PM	#24 (permalink)
sdmf2 Senior Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: Toronto, Canada Posts: 1,201	Since people are going back and forth about Essence and Path to Vanir(sort of), I'll just add that my favourite song on RUUN is Tides of Chaos, by far. __________________ www.myspace.com/sylvusmetal

December 14th, 2008, 08:10 PM	#25 (permalink)
Naglfar As Naglfar devours us all Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: The United States of Canada (not Jesusland) Posts: 1,318	I don't even like Path to Vanir. My faves were Entroper and Essence. ^_^