Bergen voyagers Enslaved return with their sixteenth album, named after arguably the most mysterious entity in Nordic mythology, the gatekeeper between the nine Norse realms: Heimdal.
The album opens with creaking ropes, lapping waves and the blowing of a horn before the opening riff to “Behind the Mirror” begins. This gentle serene start is quickly shattered as the pummelling “Congelia” continues to ride the crest of furious waves.
Shifting direction into almost Opeth-like territory is the largely acoustic “Forest Dweller” which is still much in keeping the theme of the album. The later heavier elements and psychedelic elements that are also present make this my highlight track of the album. There is also the accompanying video which is wonderfully cinematic. This is followed by the electronic and fast-paced “Kingdom”.
Capturing the aesthetic of the album is “The Eternal Sea” as it combines all the elements that have been before packaged into a seven and a half minute vessel. This is followed by the combination of blackened frostbitten riffs and sonic adventurism on “Caravans To The Outer Worlds” before the title track “Heimdal” closes the album with its reflection of paths travelled and promise of a new beginning.
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I would say that Heimdal is an album that points towards new beginnings and a dawn that’s on the other side of the apex of the land. You don’t know what’s on the other side, but you go there. It’s a continuation of the Utgard concept. Of course, you have to go into the darkness, that’s all metal and good, but the consequence is that you have to go into the dawn and see what the new day brings.
Ivar Bjørnson (guitars, songwriting)
A wonderful Nordic-inspired soundscape.
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Heimdal is out on the 3rd of March
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