Enslaved - Vertebrae   

Intricate, psychedelic and engrossing

Of the handful of big bands who were at the forefront of the second wave black metal in Norway, Enslaved have always held a special place for me. I originally heard the band on Hordanes Land, their split EP with Emperor, before having my mind completely blown away by Frost which, in my opinion, is the band's seminal masterpiece. It was an album that, comparatively, was so far ahead of its time and was like nothing else around. I mention this to illustrate the point that Enslaved have always been a band that has been a little different and has always done things their own way. With that in mind, fast forward 14 years and we are presented with the band's latest (and tenth) studio album, entitled Vertebrae, which continues the band's tradition of following their own desires and musical interests.

Just to fill in some of the back story for the two of you who are unfamiliar with Enslaved, the band underwent a monumental change in style around the midpoint in their career with many of their more traditional “black” metal elements being morphed and demoted in favour of a more progressive and at times psychedelic style. It was a polarising move to say the least. I have to admit myself that I haven't been the biggest fan of what I've heard of the band's new direction, though I also haven't dedicated much time to the band since Frost either, for no reason in particular. The prospect of reviewing this album was daunting to say the very least.

Upon first and then subsequent listens, what is really striking about Vertebrae is just how old school it sounds. I don't mean old school like the early 90's either; I'm talking about the 1970's and those early hard rock/heavy metal bands like Pink Floyd and Black Sabbath. The influence of Pink Floyd in particular is what really shines through as the influential beacon on this album, especially on songs like Ground where the majestic guitar leads just scream Dark Side Of The Moon. On other tracks the influence is less obvious but still ever present and is more due to the prevailing atmosphere and the clean vocal approach undertaken by Grutle such as the midpoint of To the Clouds or post introduction on Center. Whilst Pink Floyd are clearly a major influence for the band, there are many other vintage acts whose presence can be felt on the album including the aforementioned Black Sabbath, Rush and maybe even a little King Diamond too. Enslaved are clearly doing their best to work and refine their progressive elements.

Perhaps the most impressive aspect of Vertebrae is the way that Enslaved have managed to weave together their influences (often worn with pride on their sleeves) and their own post black metal/extreme metal sound into something that sounds not only coherent and fitting but has its own enveloping atmosphere too. In truth, while there are lots of memorable riffs and melodic lines, it is the atmosphere that does most of the work on this album by wrapping the listener in their own little Enslaved branded cocoon for the 49 minutes of its duration. There is an intricate and extremely delicate balance between the chilled out, psychedelic beauty and the savage blasts of fury that are often found in unexpected places. It is a true credit to the band that they are able masterfully walk this tightrope and never give the audience the impression that they are anything but stable and in complete control.

It should be clear to everybody now that the Enslaved of old are probably never going to return, and after absorbing this album, I'm actually really glad. Those early albums were and still are amazing in their own right, but Enslaved are a different band now with different tastes and diverse influences. With that being said it would be naïve to think that the Enslaved of today are going to appeal to everybody and if you haven't had much of a liking for the band's last four or five albums then I can't really see Vertebrae doing anything much for you either, but if you do fall into this category it definitely is still worth one last shot just to be sure.

(Nuclear Blast Records/Riot! Entertainment)

Added: December 19th 2008
Reviewer: Michael O'Brien
Score:
Related Link: Official Website
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