Enslaved
Vertebrae

Enslaved must be respected because they have a discography that speaks in their favor, for the high quality of the albums released in almost eighteen years of career. And also because, having followed their journey from the very beginning (I remember when I bought the debut album "Vikingligr Veldi" in 1994, attracted by the cover, which managed to visually reproduce what would turn out to be the sonic content of the work, that is Viking lineage black metal), I have perfectly understood and shared the choices made by the Norwegian band in subsequent releases, choices that have led them to become a different creature, but one that - from the beginning - has demonstrated a unique personality. For this reason, I believe it was evident that they wouldn't stop at what was done with the previous "Ruun"; on the contrary, that is nothing more than a new starting point towards something even more different, though still connected to the past, leading unequivocally to what "Vertebrae" is.

Enslaved's pursuit has always gone hand-in-hand with a writing style that has matured and a sound that, while varied, has never lost its extreme nature, albeit more refined, and the eight new songs testify how the band is interested in spreading art that becomes sound and is born from creativity. The analysis of the work highlights multiple aspects, as noticeable in the arrangements (even more curated and detailed compared to the past) as in the riffs (such that they cover a very broad spectrum, from hard rock to black), but emphasizes how it's in the song structures where the most significant part of the transformation lies. Indeed, the perspective with which they approached composition is one that has roots in progressive music and this is clearly perceived, even if the "coverings" lead to exploring dark rather than psychedelic scenarios, favoring acoustic guitars, atmospheres full of loneliness, or solutions oriented towards instrumental experimentation, but still effectively balancing the differences.

Furthermore, the mood constitutes a breaking element because among the grooves of "Vertebrae" (mixed by Joe Barresi, who has worked with Melvins, Kyuss, Tool, Jesus Lizard, Clutch, Tomahawk, etc.) serenity and hope prevail, almost as if Enslaved - having reached a definitive awareness in their expressive means - could finally liberate the more positive side of their soul.

If you're looking for a great album, regardless of genres, you've found it.