04/08/2020 20:14

Enslaved

Enslaved: new album 'Utgard' coming in fall

Norway's avantgarde metal heroes Enslaved will release their 15th full-length album 'Utgard' later this fall.

Enslaved's official statement: "Due to the current situation, we took the decision together with our label Nuclear Blast to postpone the release of 'Utgard' to the fall. Therefore, as you can imagine, the whole schedule had to be adjusted quickly! We understand that seeing a video teaser followed by nothing has been confusing. As of today, we can announce that our first single and video will be released on May 22nd, and we can't wait to share this new music with you all! We are sure you understand that this is for the best.

The band commented the ideas behind the album: "'Utgard' bears countless meanings to us; an image, metaphor, an esoteric 'location', a word on its own etc – on different levels and layers. From Norse mythology we know it as a landscape were the giants roam; where the gods of Asgard have no control; dangerous, chaotic, uncontrollable and where madness, creativeness, humor and chaos dwells. The album is a journey into and through 'Utgard'. It is a place of unification of that which is above and that which lies below. It is not about avoiding fear of the pitch-black darkness (it will keep on growing until the next confrontation), but to go into the darkness itself. This is the rebirth of the individual. In a world that has become so obsessed with the false lights of greed, jealousy and egotism this is a necessary journey.
'Utgard' is not a fairytale, it is a vital part of both your mind and your surroundings, and it has been since the dawn of mankind. Acknowledging that this realm exists and is a vital part of the self, has inspired us deeply since the early days of our lives. Enjoy our journey to the outer limits."

Track listing:
1. Fires in the Dark
2. Jettegryta
3. Sequence
4. Homebound
5. Utgardr
6. Urjotun
7. Flight of Thought and Memory
8. Storms of Utgard
9. Distant Seasons

"In the meantime, we'd like to tell you a little more about the 'Utgard' cover artwork! This is the 9th consecutive album cover artwork done by Truls Espedal - and like the album itself it is definitely on the wavelength of the long-distance pulse from the Enslaved generator. It is a piece of art that mirrors a massive concept and a band that is also more lyrically and philosophically inspired than ever before. That Truls is a master of his art is established a long time ago, but he has truly outdone himself on this interpretation of our Utgard. Just looking at how the colors and techniques are used to create the depth and grandiosity of the horizon. The perfect travelling companion into these uncharted territories."

(source: Nuclear Blast Records)