Enslaved - In Times

Artist: Enslaved
Album: In Times
Year: 2015
Rating: 92/100

Enslaved's musical trajectory has always been a tremendously interesting one to follow. It's staggering to believe that "In Times" is their thirteenth (yes, that's right) studio release, and that they only started recording in English on "Monumension", their sixth effort, back in 2001, and the most drastic change to their sound came on "Isa" in 2004, but one thing has always remained the same where their musical output has been concerned: it has always been of the highest quality, and "In Times" is no exception.

"Thurisaz Dreaming" kicks things off nicely with a typically black metal assault; blastbeats, screamed vocals and ferocious guitars, seamlessly blended with cleaner singing and a more prog approach. If there's one thing Enslaved have done superbly in their work since "Isa", they have mastered the art of allowing their songs some breathing space and development time, and as they unfold and the ideas need a change, the band times the moment perfectly to change things up as they see fit. Elsewhere, both "Building With Fire" and "One Thousand Years of Rain" favour a more straightforward approach from a musical perspective, but it's a flawless decision as both songs work beautifully and are delivered with passion and fire in equal measure. Similarly, "Nauthir Bleeding" boasts the best guitar solo on the album and some excellent viking chants, and the epic title track is the only track that clocks in at 10 minutes in length, but the band keep things interesting in the only way they know how; their own outstanding musicianship.

"In Times" picks up superbly where Enslaved's previous effort, "RIITIIR", left off. However, it is more than simply "RIITIIR" mark II; it's a brilliant album that stands on its own two feet with some killer moments. While Enslaved were great as a black metal band, they have evolved so far from their original musical path that they are now arguably one of extreme metal's best bands active today. Undoubtedly a high quality album with much to recommend it; this IS Enslaved we're talking about, after all. Definitely worth a look.

Track list

1. Thurisaz Dreaming
2. Building With Fire
3. One Thousand Years of Rain
4. Nauthir Bleeding
5. In Times
6. Daylight