Enslaved

Enslaved Bio

Enslaved is a an extreme metal and Viking metal band from Sveio, Noway. The band was formed in 1991 by composer and guitarist Ivar Bjørnson (November 27, 1977, 42 years old) and bassist and vocalist Grutle Kjellson (December 24, 1973, 46 years old). The two had known each other since their teen years and were both in death metal band, Phobia. Attempting to leave the band, the two put together Enslaved, releasing their debut album ‘Vikingligr Veldi’ in 1994. AllMusic gave a receptive review on their album stating that “Vikingligr Veldi… proved that.. Enslaved were ready to carry on the torch of Norweigan black metal”. Enslaved hired producers and other musicians to aid their first three albums but found themselves returning to a duo. As Bjørnson and Kjellson entered the 2000’s, their metal sound progressed into extreme metal on their 2000 album release ‘Mardraum’ followed by ‘Isa’ in 2004 and ‘Runn’ in 2006. Their most notable album, ‘Vertebrae’, was released in 2008 for it’s diversity “with an impressive depth to it that surpasses the sour misanthropy so often associated with the genre” as said by MetalSucks.net. In 2011, Enslaved celebrated their 20th anniversary with their tour titled ‘Circling Above and Within North American Tour Part IV’. According to music blog Kerrang!, along with new drummer Iver Sandøy and guitarist Ice Dale, Enslaved is currently recording a new album, and “has always been one of the most prolific and respected, having never broke stride since their formation in 1991”.