Enslaved show no signs of slowing down with their latest release, Utgard. In fact, there’s a youthful hunger to this album, with some pieces that make it sound different from previous releases yet still capturing the band’s black metal essence. It’s a winning combination, and one that saw a lot of favor from the DR staff, even when faced with other fantastic releases in this crowded fall season. A real showstopper of an album that also find a lot of appeal in fans, both new and old.
An excerpt from Kyle McGinn’s 9/10 review, which posted on October 5, 2020:
When you think of most bands that have 15 albums to their name, you tend to think of acts who have ‘towed the line’ or streamlined their sound into something that is at least somewhat static with each new release. They aren’t going to radicalize things or make bold changes – it’s more about keeping the sound (and therefore, the fanbase) intact. Enslaved continues to impress with their ability to bring in different elements and shape their sound over time.
A considerably strong album from Enslaved, Utgard doesn’t rest on the laurels of releases before it. It hits the epic notes the band has been cultivating for years and gives it an extra dose of progressive dreaminess. It’s a potent combo that should have fans, old and new, thrilled at the band’s songwriting finesse.
Read the entire review HERE