ENSLAVED Announces Video Contest Winners

The members of Norway's renowned progressive/psychedelic black metal band ENSLAVED have announced the winners of their first-ever video contest. Fans around the world were asked to create and submit a video for the track "Ethica Odini" from the band's Billboard-charting new album "Axioma Ethica Odini", which was released in Europe on September 27 and in North America on September 28.

Guitarist/songwriter Ivar Bjørnson comments on the competition: "First and foremost we wish to thank everybody who has taken part in this contest. We have seen many exciting visual interpretations of our musical and conceptual universe; some of them stood out from the rest and we are really happy to announce the three winners of the competition. Also, we would like to take the opportunity to apologize for the delay in announcing the results. We have simply been outmaneuvered by touring and poor internet access on our touring trek throughout the last month. Thank you for your patience, and hope you will enjoy watching our new videos as much as we do!"

Vocalist/bassist/lyricist Grutle Kjellson adds: "Thanks a lot to all you great people that used your talent, passion and precious time on this contest! You should know that we are very proud of you all, and that we really appreciate your efforts! You are not afraid to bleed, not afraid to dream!"

The members of ENSLAVED have awarded first place to Luka Bajt (LookaB) from Slovenia. View the video below.

Clean vocalist/keyboard player Herbrand Larsen comments on the winning video: "[It] is original. It's not a typical metal video and originality is always appreciated. It uses elements from the [album] cover, both shapes and colors… something that connects the video with the aesthetics used in the cover [art]. Speed and motion suits the riffs and the tempo in the song. I'm very impressed, especially thinking of the pressure of time all the directors had to work under."

Drummer Cato B. adds: "The winning video had a clear concept and a defined script, and [it] also carried along some elements from the album cover. In addition, the video captured the mood of the song, plus was original and well-crafted. Congrats, Luka!"
Lead guitarist Ice Dale further comments: "I liked the atmosphere in the video and the way it affected the song. It reminded me of the TOOL videos which are personal favorites of mine. The use of colors from the cover artwork was also cool and gave it the right vibe. The video stands out from the rest and deserves to be the video for 'Ethica Odini'! Well done and congratulations!!!"

Luka's winning entry will be branded as an "official" video for "Ethica Odini" and featured the band's official YouTube channel. In addition, ENSLAVED will use the video in a live setting. Luka Bajt will also receive:

* ALL VERSIONS of "Axioma Ethica Odini", including the limited-edition wooden box, autographed by the band.
* A special "thank you" video from ENSLAVED.
* Two guest list spots + a meet-and-greet session with ENSLAVED at a live concert.
* Band merchandise.

Second place has been awarded to Gildo Iacovella (TheSpiral8) from Italy. View the video here.

Gildo's winning entry will be branded as an "official" video for "Ethica Odini" and featured the band's official YouTube channel. Gildo Iacovella will also receive:
* A special "thank you" video from ENSLAVED.
* Two guest list spots + a meet-and-greet session with ENSLAVED at a live concert.
* Band merchandise.

Third place has been awarded to Miller Arias (Hammerheart) from Colombia. View the video here.

Miller's winning entry will be branded as an "official" video for "Ethica Odini" and featured the band's official YouTube channel. Miller Arias will also receive:

* A special "thank you" video from ENSLAVED.
* Band merchandise.