It is not about avoiding fear of the pitch-black darkness, but to go into the darkness itself…
Norway’s premier progressive black metallers ENSLAVED have today released third single ‘Urjotun’ from their upcoming studio album Utgard –out 2nd October via Nuclear Blast. The single, one of their most experimental yet, is accompanied by a psychedelic video detailing dark visions and a journey to the outer reaches of the subconscious.
Vocalist Grutle Kjellson commented: “The lyrical idea for Urjotun had been spinning around in the chaos in the back of my head for quite a while, when Ivar sent me the riff-demo last autumn. I knew instantly that this was it, the very soundtrack of the rise of the primeval giant, the Urjotun! Our mutual love and fascination for that early krautrock scene and for bands like Tangerine Dream and Kraftwerk, finally fully ascended in an Enslaved song, almost 30 years after we picked up those legendary kraut-albums. It’s funny, that in Germany they referred to this kind of music as “Kosmische Musik”, cosmic music! And, that is exactly what this song is about; cosmic chaos. On top of this, director David Hall, made a perfect projection and visualization of our troubled minds.”
In Utgard, Enslaved continue exploring uncharted progressive and psychedelic territories – placing them in a unique position of both bearers of tradition as well as explorers into the unknown – propelling themselves into the future, yet honouring their roots.
Enslaved have launched an Urjotun t-shirt available in their merch store:
ENSLAVED are preparing for the second show of their Cinematic Summer Tour, streaming this evening at 7pm BST / 8pm CEST.This special performance is called ‘Below The Lights’ – named after their 2003 ground-breaking 7th studio album which they’ll be playing in full for the very first time! It’s a collaboration with Bergen’s infamous Beyond The Gates Festival.
*you can sign up now for a show notification, and join the waiting room to chat about the upcoming show
Enslaved commented: “Below The Lights is a special album to us, a stint between two eras in our career. It was the last to feature Dirge Rep on drums, the first since RoyKronheim left the band, the first album with guitar leads by Ice Dale and the most focused album in many, many years! We were very proud of the final result… and nobody seemed to care, hahaha! At least not at the time of its release. But, in the following years, we recognised an ever increasing horde of people suddenly embracing it. Fans started shouting: “Play Havenless!” or “As Fire Swept Clean The Earth!” at gigs. We were a bit puzzled by this sudden praise for the album, but decided to include some of the songs in our set lists. Now, almost two decades later, we are proud to finally perform the album in its entirety though the ether at Beyond The Gates Festival 2020 – a festival that we feel a close connection to; and that we have worked together with fruitfully many times in the past.Beyond The Gates always goes its own way, pushing the boundaries and sharing their unique ethos alongside a dedication to their ourite music like we also do in Enslaved.”Enslaved launched an exclusive merchandise range to accompany theCinematic Summer Tour, with designs viewable below inc. more information. To give everyone the chance to be part of this completely novum in music, all three shows will be free of charge, however Enslaved have launched a donation link if fans wish to make a contribution towards the costs of putting the shows on.
Cinematic Summer Tour information: For this forward-thinking concept, ENSLAVED joined forces with three festivals, to present fans with three different shows:
July 30th – in cooperation with Roadburn, the tour launches with a “Chronicles Of The Northbound” show.
August 20th – the second show will be a “Below The Lights” set, presented by Beyond The Gates festival.
October 1st – the band will end their virtual tour at Summer Breeze festival with a presentation of some new songs, for “Utgard – The Journey Within“.
Guitarist Ivar stated: “‘We must stick apart’ is a proverb of Discordianism (a religion I might or might not have just made up) that might fit the situation we are all in now. We are all isolated in various degrees; and we all miss live music. So, we have stuck apart and with our fantastic team of super-people in management, label and booking, plus three of our best friends who happen to be the very creme de la creme of European Festivals; we are now able to present this digital festival-tour. We are already hard at work preparing sets and shows that will make this one for the (e-)books. Thank you for your support, faith in us and patience – to have fans like you is an absolute privilege. See you in the ether!”
ENSLAVED recently released their latest single ‘Jettegryta’, taken from their upcoming record Utgard, that will be released on 2nd October 2020.
The band recently released a trailer with guitarist Ivar Bjørnson discussing the current band line-up and the recording of the new album. Find out more, here: youtu.be/PXNokqpilbU
ENSLAVED are preparing for the debut show of their Cinematic Summer Tour, streaming today, 30th July at 20:00 CEST.The unique first performance is named ‘Chronicles Of The Northbound’ – a collaboration with Roadburn Festival, it will encompass a career spanning set including five recently fan-voted favourites.
STREAM THE EVENT on 30th July @ 7pm BST / 8pm CEST
*you can sign up now for a show notification, and join the waiting room to chat about the upcoming show
ENSLAVED are also pleased to reveal an exclusive merchandise range accompanying theCinematic Summer Tour, with designs viewable below inc. more information. To give everyone the chance to be part of this completely novum in music, all three shows will be free of charge, however ENSLAVED have launched a donation link if fans wish to make a contribution towards the costs of putting the shows on. Donation link: paypal.me/enslavedofficial
Roadburn’s Artistic Director Walter Hoeijmakers previously stated: “From their impromptu headlining slot at Roadburn 2008 to being an artist in residence, and Ivar as our co-curator (along with Einar Selvik), there has always been a very strong, palpable connection between ENSLAVED and Roadburn – artistically, musically and personally. Being able to support ENSLAVED on this Cinematic Summer Tour, and hosting their ‘Chronicles Of The Northbound’ performance makes us feel humble, and proud as well, as it’s a testimony to our everlasting friendship. Plus, it will keep much needed shows going in these testing times, albeit virtual. It will keep us feel alive, and fuels our strength to overcome the horrible adversity we’re currently facing. Thank you so much for offering us hope and comfort through your musical journey of discovery, ENSLAVED.”
ENSLAVED frontman Grutle Kjellsonalso commented: “Dear fans, first of all, thanks for the absolutely overwhelming response and excitement in connection with our latest escapades! Through hard work and cunning planning (yes, we do make cunning plans in Norway too), we have been able to set up no less than three streaming events. They will be shows with full production, and they will all be free to watch! The first one of the events “Chronicles Of The Northbound” will take place July 30th in collaboration with the mighty Roadburn Festival! This set contains songs from all eras of our 29 year long career. Bonus: you can have as many beers as you want, act as insane as you want (headbanging, mosh pits etc.) without being kicked out of the concert hall. You might get into trouble with your landlord, but I’m sure they’ll understand in the end. So, stay home, stay healthy and keep the flame alive! See you all online at July 30th!”
ENSLAVED recently released their latest single ‘Jettegryta’, taken from their upcoming record Utgard, that will be released on 2nd October 2020.
For this forward-thinking concept, ENSLAVED arejoining forces with three festivals, to present fans with three different shows:
July 30th – in cooperation with Roadburn, the tour launches with a “Chronicles Of The Northbound” show.
August 20th – the second show will be a “Below The Lights” set, presented by Beyond The Gates festival.
September 30th – the band will end their virtual tour at Summer Breeze festival with a presentation of some new songs, for “Utgard – The Journey Within“.
Guitarist Ivar stated: “‘We must stick apart’ is a proverb of Discordianism (a religion I might or might not have just made up) that might fit the situation we are all in now. We are all isolated in various degrees; and we all miss live music. So, we have stuck apart and with our fantastic team of super-people in management, label and booking, plus three of our best friends who happen to be the very creme de la creme of European Festivals; we are now able to present this digital festival-tour. We are already hard at work preparing sets and shows that will make this one for the (e-)books. Thank you for your support, faith in us and patience – to have fans like you is an absolute privilege. See you in the ether!”
Norway’s premier progressive black metallers ENSLAVED have released the second single ‘Jettegryta’from their upcoming studio album »Utgard«. The single is accompanied by a frost-bitten video, in which an Icelandic pristine glacial landscape is darkened by sinister events. Today, the band have also launched pre-orders for »Utgard«, which will be released on October 2nd.
Grutle Kjellson commented on the video: “Iceland was the perfect place to shoot the video for ‘Jettegryta’. Jettegryta translates to Giant´s Cauldron and refers to a phenomenon in nature, where rivers/running water – over a long period – create an often cylindrical hole in solid rock. In ancient Norse folklore, the Jette/Jotun (giants) made these cauldrons to cook in. Although these particular nature phenomena don’t exist on the volcanic island of Iceland, there are plenty of other places on this magical island that could lead to the dwelling of the giants! When Norse settlers came to Iceland in the 8th and 9th century, the fumes and fog from the hot streams and the volcanos clearly told them that this island was inhabited by elves, dwarves and giants! This reminded them of the stories of »Utgard«. To them, Iceland was on the doorsteps of »Utgard«, the outer borders of the world of men; a gateway. The lyrics of the song deal with entering such a mythological and esoteric place; deep within your own mind and imagination, a gateway into the dreams, the unconscious and the realm of chaos. We have tried to transform these words into this clip, and maybe you can feel a glimpse of what those early Icelanders felt when they first entered this realm!”
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 »Utgard«, ENSLAVED continue exploring uncharted progressive and psychedelic territories – placing them in a unique position of both bearers of tradition as well as explorers into the unknown – propelling themselves into the future, yet honouring their roots.
The band previously explained: “»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 where the giants roam; where the gods of Asgard have no control; dangerous, chaotic, uncontrollable and where madness, creativeness, humour and chaos dwell.
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.”
Last month ENSLAVED announced their Cinematic Summer Tour – an innovative digital tour comprised of three online events, in conjunction with three of Europe’s leading festivals. ENSLAVED will present fans with three different shows:
Jul 30th Roadburn: “Chronicles Of The Northbound” show
Aug 20th Beyond The Gates: “Below The Lights” show
Sept 30th Summer Breeze: “Utgard – The Journey Within“ show
Last week, ENSLAVED announced their Cinematic Summer Tour – an innovative digital tour comprised of three online events, in conjunction with three of Europe’s leading festivals. Today, the band are proud to reveal details for the first event: on July 30th in collaboration with Roadburn, the tour will launch with a unique “Chronicles Of The Northbound” show. Fans are invited to VOTE NOW for their five favourite ENSLAVED songs, to help create a career spanning set.
Roadburn‘s Artistic Director Walter Hoeijmakers stated: “From their impromptu headlining slot at Roadburn 2008 to being an artist in residence, and Ivar as our co-curator (along with Einar Selvik), there has always been a very strong, palpable connection between ENSLAVED and Roadburn – artistically, musically and personally. Being able to support Enslaved on this Cinematic Summer Tour, and hosting their Chronicles Of The Northbound performance makes us feel humble, and proud as well, as it’s a testimony to our everlasting friendship. Plus, it will keep much needed shows going in these testing times, albeit virtual. It will keep us feel alive, and fuels our strength to overcome the horrible adversity we’re currently facing. Thank you so much for offering us hope and comfort through your musical journey of discovery, ENSLAVED.”
ENSLAVED frontman Grutle Kjellsoncommented: “Dear fans, first of all, thanks for the absolutely overwhelming response and excitement in connection with our latest escapades! Through hard work and cunning planning (yes, we do make cunning plans in Norway too), we have been able to set up no less than three streaming events. They will be shows with full production, and they will all be free to watch! The first one of the events “Chronicles Of The Northbound” will take place July 30th in collaboration with the mighty Roadburn Festival! This set contains songs from all eras of our 29 year long career, and we’ll invite YOU to join us in the selection of the songs! From the 9th until the 12th of June you can vote for songs here: http://nblast.de/EnslavedSetlist
Bonus: you can have as many beers as you want, act as insane as you want (headbanging, mosh pits etc.) without being kicked out of the concert hall. You might get into trouble with your landlord, but I’m sure they’ll understand in the end. So, stay home, stay healthy and keep the flame alive! See you all online at July 30th!”
Cinematic Summer Tour information:
For this forward-thinking concept, ENSLAVED arejoining forces with three festivals, to present fans with three different shows:
July 30th – in cooperation with Roadburn, the tour launches with a “Chronicles Of The Northbound” show. Fans can VOTE NOW to choose their five favourite ENSLAVED songs to help create a career spanning set.
August 20th – the second show will be a “Below The Lights” set,presented by Beyond The Gates festival.
September 30th – the band will end their virtual tour at Summer Breeze festival with a presentation of some new songs, for “Utgard – The Journey Within“.
Guitarist Ivar stated: “‘We must stick apart’ is a proverb of Discordianism (a religion I might or might not have just made up) that might fit the situation we are all in now. We are all isolated in various degrees; and we all miss live music. So, we have stuck apart and with our fantastic team of super-people in management, label and booking, plus three of our best friends who happen to be the very creme de la creme of European Festivals; we are now able to present this digital festival-tour. We are already hard at work preparing sets and shows that will make this one for the (e-)books. Thank you for your support, faith in us and patience – to have fans like you is an absolute privilege. See you in the ether!”
Each digital concert will be accompanied by different fringe events. More will be revealed about these with each individual event announcement!
To give everyone the chance to be part of this completely novum in music, all three shows will be free of charge.
There will be a donation option and special merch for the Cinematic Summer Tour. ENSLAVED recently released their latest single ‘Homebound’, taken from their upcoming record Utgard, that will be released in autumn 2020.
ENSLAVED will be releasing the new single via a limited edition 7″ vinyl format, restricted to 500 pieces. The single will be out on June 26th and can be pre-ordered here: http://nblast.de/HomeboundVinyl
The tracklist reads as follows: 1. Homebound [A-side] 2. Knights Of The Thunder (TNT Cover) [B-side] The B-side of the ‘Homebound’ vinyl is an exclusive to this format.
ENSLAVED announce their “Cinematic Summer Tour 2020” today! After a very successful innovative streaming event on April 1st from Verftet Online Music, the Norwegian Avantgarde metal heroes decided to take it one step further to enlighten our concertless summer with a series of online events that are much more than just simple online stream concerts:
A cinematic tour experience!
For this forward-thinking concept, ENSLAVED join forces with three festivals to present their fans three different shows: In cooperation with Roadburn, the tour starts July 30th, with the “Chronicles Of The Northbound” show. Fans will be invited by the festival to choose their favourite ENSLAVED songs to create a career spanning set. The second show will be a “Below The Lights” set on August 20th,presented byBeyond The Gates festival. The band will end their virtual tour at the Summer Breeze festival on September 30th, with the presentation of their new album in its entirety: “Utgard – The Journey Within“.
Guitarist Ivar states: “‘We must stick apart’ is a proverb of Discordianism (a religion I might or might not have just made up) that might fit the situation we are all in now. We are all isolated in various degrees; and we all miss live music. So, we have stuck apart and with our fantastic team of super-people in management, label and booking, plus three of our best friends who happen to be the very creme de la creme of European Festivals; we are now able to present this digital festival-tour. We are already hard at work preparing sets and shows that will make this one for the (e-)books. Thank you for your support, faith in us and patience – to have fans like you is an absolute privilege. See you in the ether!”
Each event will be accompanied by different side happenings,on which more light will be shed with each individual event announcement!
To give everyone the chance to be part of this completely novum in music business, all three shows will be free of charge. There will be a donation option and special merch for the“Cinematic Summer Tour”.
The band recently released their latest single “Homebound”:
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