MARCH 13th 2023
ENSLAVED: HEIMDAL
Review by Char Tupper

The mighty Norse progressive metallers, ENSLAVED, have recently released their epic new masterpiece, "Heimdal". The band has always been known to venture into the realms of mythology and history, including the Viking Age, as well as recently taking the journey into the esoteric nature of the Norse, and the musical exploration of "Heimdal", continues to build on that theme. The meaning of Heimdal, is arguably the most mysterious entity of Norse mythology, famously known as the gatekeeper of the nine Norse realms, which scholars to this day, still debate the purpose and interpretation of Heimdal. This album, for the band, represents a creative "Ragnarok", as Ivar Bjørnson mentions, not a negative perspective, but a new creative journey for the band of 30 years, and these guys, have once again blown away this fan, and love the depth of creative juices Enslaved brings. Let's dive into the Norse realms, shall we?


The album sets off the tone of the imagery and idea behind Heimdal, with the track "Behind the Mirror".  The introduction of the track starts with the sounds of boats rowing, then the horn (played by Eilif Gundersen of Wardruna) playing louder and louder, as if to hear the gatekeeper, leading you into the Norse realms himself. The song then begins immediately with the softer vocals of Håkon Vinje, eventually leading into the classic growls and low tones of Grutle Kjellson. The first track is already a strong start to this record with hearing each and every tone, the layers of vocals add a depth unlike any other. A unique musical sound to Enslaved, but still them all the same.  Another track I enjoyed (although, I did enjoy them all, haha!) was "Kingdom", whether the nostalgic Enslaved fan within me came forward as I write this, or what, but this one simply reminds me of a classic format of Enslaved, and there is nothing wrong with that, these songs are the ones that reel me in each and everytime, as these are the style of music, that made me love these guys in the first place. Now, venturing away from traditional Enslaved, is the track "The Eternal Sea", it builds up suspense to give you a sense of anticipation and fast riffs lie ahead, however veers off in another direction, almost like a ballad with a hint of Enslaved, which I'm not usually a big ballad fan, but when done by the Norsemen, I do enjoy the atmosphere this track adds to the record, breaking up pattern and adding a different tone. Closing off the record is none other than the title track, "Heimdal", starting off in an almost "eerie" fashion, with a low rumble, slowly building up to the growl of Grutle, and deep guitar riffs and drums. Once again adding a slower rhythm, but heavier tone and feel to the track. The closing track sums up the feeling of this record, the esoteric nature of the Norse mythology, bringing you back to the idea of the gatekeeper, and guiding you through the waterways of the fjords, listening for Heimdal.

Forming in 1991, straying away from their darker black metal brothers, a band that truly shows how a band can branch off tradition, release records time and time again, their restless spirit and drive for creative diversity, truly makes Enslaved a powerhouse of their genre.  This album reflects on the phenomenal musical path you listened to, and how you may feel you have sailed into a creative realm you are unfamiliar, but this is only the beginning, and continuing on, will lead you into a unique world of an undefined destiny, courtesy of the legendary metal story tellers, Enslaved.