Enslaved , a top-tier Norwegian black metal band, was in Brazil for a single performance in São Paulo. The show took place on November 14, 2024, at Fabrique Club.
During the band's visit to Brazil, Wikimetal interviewed one of the band's founders, bassist Grutle Kjellson . The musician spoke about the new album Heimdal and the 30th anniversary celebration of the album Vikingligr Veldi , the pinnacle of Enslaved's career, and of course, about his expectations for the São Paulo show. Check out the full interview below.
Wikimetal: What inspired you to revisit the figure of Heimdall on this new album?
Grutle Kjellson : Heimdall is one of the most intriguing figures in Norse mythology, acting as a guardian and possessing the gift of clairvoyance. This album explores themes of vigilance and transition, resonating with our current worldview and our musical evolution.
WM: Enslaved has always had a unique approach to black metal, evolving into a more progressive style. How would you describe this musical journey over the years?
GK: Our journey has been about exploring boundaries and mixing genres. We've always been inspired by the raw energy of black metal, while embracing the expansive narratives of progressive rock, resulting in a sound that is both old and modern.
WM: The album Heimdal is considered a natural continuation of Utgard . What are the main differences and evolutions between these two works?
GK: While Utgard was more about exploring the unknown and the subconscious, Heimdal takes it a step further, focusing on themes of transition and protection. It features more complex compositions and a richer sonic atmosphere.
WM: Enslaved has always maintained Norse mythology as a central theme in their compositions. How important is it to connect these ancient themes with modern issues, as you have been doing in your recent lyrics?
GK: The timeless nature of Norse mythology allows us to draw parallels between ancient and modern challenges. By exploring these themes, we address contemporary issues such as identity and the human condition.
WM: Heimdal has been praised for its rich production and complex sounds. How did you work to create this depth and richness in the studio?
GK: Achieving the album's depth involved experimenting with different recording techniques and layering. We incorporated a variety of instruments and effects, ensuring that each track had a unique texture and atmosphere.
WM: You're a band that has always worked with different styles within metal. How do you balance the traditional elements of black metal with the progressive and Viking influences that have emerged over the years?
GK: Balancing these elements is a matter of honoring our roots while embracing evolution. We blend the aggression of black metal with the narrative and complexity of progressive and viking themes to create a cohesive sound.
WM: The band's name was inspired by an Immortal song, "Enslaved in Rot." How do you see this connection to the roots of Norwegian black metal today?
GK: Our name is a tribute to the raw and pioneering spirit of early Norwegian black metal, a constant reminder of our origins as we continue to innovate and explore new territories.
Celebrating 30 years of the album 'Vikingligr Veldi'
WM: Enslaved is celebrating 30 years of Vikingligr Veldi with an exclusive show in Oslo. What was it like revisiting your debut album three decades later?
GK: Revisiting Vikingligr Veldi is both nostalgic and exciting. It gives us the chance to reflect on our journey and share that essential energy with old and new fans alike.
WM: Vikingligr Veldi marked a turning point in the black metal scene. What do you think makes this album so iconic and influential even after 30 years?
GK: Its iconic status lies in its uniqueness and authenticity. It captured a moment of raw energy and creative expression that resonated deeply within the black metal community and beyond.
WM: Finally, what are Enslaved's future plans after the Heimdal ? Can we expect new musical explorations or collaborations?
GK: After the Heimdal tour, we intend to continue exploring new musical horizons. Collaborations and different sonic experiments are definitely in our plans, as we remain committed to pushing boundaries.
About the band
Enslaved is an extreme metal band formed in 1991 in the city of Sveio, Norway, by Ivar Bjørnson and Grutle Kjellson .
According to the band's biography , Enslaved's evolution happened gradually. Their first EP, Yggdrasil , from 1992 marked a crucial shift for the Norwegian extreme metal scene. The band claimed an independent musical concept and style, moving away from the satanic imagery and lyrics common at the time.
The group's main theme was Norse and Viking mythology, but musically, they still bore similarities to the sound of Darkthrone and Immortal .
It was then, in 1994, that the band truly began to differentiate itself from traditional black metal with the release of the album Vikingligr Veldi . This work, which celebrates its 30th anniversary this year, marked the peak of their creativity, combining black metal with an epic atmosphere, intense guitars, and majestic keyboards, resulting in a remarkable piece of work.
As the band's musical evolution progressed, changes in its lineup became more frequent. So much so that the current Enslaved lineup only includes two of the founding members, Ivar Bjørnson (guitar and keyboards) and Grutle Kjellson (vocals and bass). And over the years, it solidified with Ice Dale (guitar), Håkon Vinje (keyboards and vocals), and Iver Sandøy .
Check out the music video for the song “Congelia”, from the new album Heimdal , featured in the setlist of Enslaved's show in São Paulo, as covered by the website Sonoridade Underground :
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