Enslaved return with their follow up to 2023’s Heimdal. Not ones to rest on their past successes they decided to continue to build on what Heimdal had and push their vision of haunted black metal fused with progressive metal in a way that is synonymous with their legacy. Mið is their 17th album set to release in October of 2026 via Nuclear Blast Records.
Enslaved is a band that I’ve known about for almost as long as I’ve consumed extreme music. But now I have to be honest here, I have never actually sat and listened to any of their music. Which, to be equally honest, is astonishing to me. But one thing I love is listening to a band for the first time and it just clicks. Enslaved may be 35 years into their monumental careers, but this is my first time diving into their blend of progressive black metal, and I’m excited as Hell.
Currently, Enslaved are founding members Grutle Kjellson on bass and black metal vocals and Ivar Bjørnson on guitars, keyboards and backing vocals. Rounding out the band is long-time lead guitarist Arve “Ice Dale” Isdal and the more recent members Håkon Vinje on Keyboards, and Iver Sandøy on Drums and clean vocals.
From the first note of Mið to the last, one thing is very clear: This music is just as cold and unforgiving as the Norwegian wintery landscape, but also just as hauntingly beautiful. Mið takes you for a ride. The opening of “Non-Being” acting as a calm before the storm, ushering the sonic beatdown of “I Am Ice” which features central Sami composer Johan Sara Jr. The ending sequence feels like a war march where I wanted to raise an axe and kill things. Once lead single “Solar Will” comes in and beats you senseless, you’re treated to a souring guitar solo by Isdal.
The first half of the record isn’t where all the shining moments are kept. The whole record has so many hills and valleys to keep you engaged. “Tales of Trees” drum opening makes way to a growl before pummeling you with its opening riff is just tasty. But just when you’re prepared for another sonic beatdown, Enslaved switches it up to another soaring clean vocal delivery in the chorus that hauntingly sits on top of great heavy music.
Mið is clocking in at just over 40 mins, this is a record that makes its statement quick and to the point while still leaving a mark on you after the last note rings out.
I give Enslaved “Mið” 4 Eyes of Odin out of 5
Personal favorite track: “Mountain” which starts off haunting and depressively beautiful before the track goes dark and ominous. Sinister and evil vibes throughout the second half of the track.
Mið – Tracklisting
1. Non-Being
2. I Am Ice (featuring Johan Sara Jr)
3. Solar Will
4. Mountain
5. Spirit Helper (featuring Kevin Kicking Woman)
6. Parting
7. Tales of Trees
8. I Miðju
Enslaved’s Mið releases on October 30th via Nuclear Blast Records Preorder Information Here
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