ENSLAVED Members Comment On New Album

Norwegian extreme metallers ENSLAVED are putting the finishing touches on their new album, "Ruun", tentatively due on May 8 via Tabu. The following comments about the upcoming CD from each of the bandmembers were posted on the group's official web site:

Ivar Bjornson (guitar): "Me and Grutle has worked out a concept I feel is related to both the 'old' ENSLAVED sphere and our new universe; tradition and heresy, logic and metaphysics — side by side. The material is strong willed and seems to live a life of its own; it is out of our hands at this point. It is my hope and belief that old and new listeners will enjoy the album. I know we will. We are very grateful for working with Johnny Skalleberg during recording, Mike Hartung in the mix and for being backed and followed up by Roffe and Tabu Recordings every step of the way."

Herbrand Larsen (keyboards, vocals): "'Ruun' is more extreme in all aspects; sound wise, the riffs, the melodies, harmonies and disharmonies. 'Ruun' is all that and more!"

Grutle Kjellson (vocals, bass): "'Ruun' contains the most successful and efficient lyrics seen in ENSLAVED ever. The concept is more developing and interesting. We spent a lot time pre producing vocal arrangement, which has resulted in a perfect integration with the sound landscape. Every instrument and voice has founds its own orbit within the sound. However, should you not be into newer ENSLAVED, feel free to put 'Frost' once again."

Arve Isdal (guitar): "This is by far the best ENSLAVED record to date. The production is more powerful than before. We have put more effort into the recording sessions, and this shows. Some new instruments and techniques have been used, which gives this record a more colorful sound."

Cato Bekkevold (drums): "The recording was sooo smooth, and I must say thanx to Johnny for his work! And this time I also did some pre-prod in Portugal with my old pal from RE:AKTOR, NexionD which was very helpful for all of us. Ivar's gift as a songwriter never stops surprising me, and it's a privilege to play in such a great band. Musically, we don't break rules, just invent new ones. We didn't have to rush anything during any process, so I'm confident about this one!"

The recordings for the follow-up to the band's Norwegian Grammy- and Alarm award-winning album "Isa" (2004) began in early January at Amper Studio in Oslo, Norway. Songtitles set to appear on the CD include "Path of Vanir" and "Essence", both of which the band are planning on shooting videos for.

ENSLAVED will be teaming up with KHOLD and VREID for a European tour in the fall. More information will be made available soon.