Enslaved - In Times

*****

Enslaved have done it again!

I will start this review by saying "Yes I am a huge fan of Enslaved and have loved the direction they have gone in the last ten years, stretching the boundaries of Black Metal and allowing progressive influences into their sound has resulted in some superb albums such as 'Riitir' and 'Isa'". 'In Times' is their forthcoming new masterpiece and kicks off with 'Thurisaz Dreaming', which is an instant classic and a real stand out track.

What surprised me at first with this track is although the Progressive sound is definitely still their they have also brought back some old school sounding riffs akin to what they were playing back in the days of frost and they use this to counterbalance and also enhance the more melodic and beautiful parts of the song. The album continues in superb fashion and we reach the third song that has had a lyric video released and some are already familiar with.

Called 'One thousand years of Rain' this song expertly changes between heavy and clean vocals throughout the Progressive journey it takes you on. This is also probably the most mournful sounding song on the album, but also one of the best which breaks down to a single guitar playing the melody then a drum roll which takes us into a classic Black Metal riff into a sudden end. As always another song challenging and surprising the listener while demanding your attention.

All the songs are equally as good as each other like the fabulous 'Nauthir Bleeding' and the title track 'In Times' that makes me come to my conclusion and that is, that they have done it again, another epic, sweeping beautiful album of perfectly played and arranged progressive Black Metal. Not one single wasted note or song on this album and although the songs may seem long, as you listen to them you usually feel they are over way too soon.

This song mixes up the cold grimness of their old albums such as frost and the new progressive elements from more recent albums such as 'Riitir' and 'Isa' this is another superb album that demands to be listened to over and over again and rewards you for repeated listening. Make sure you don't miss out, definitely one to buy and very possibly an album of the year and were only in march.

Review by Ronnie Jenkinson

Check Out! the lyric Video for 'Thurisaz Dreaming​' Below...