Enslaved to Play Select NYC & Montreal Dates Around Milwaukee Metal Fest
Okay, you got me. It’s two shows — one in NYC at Gramercy Theatre, one in Montreal at Beanfield Theatre — so when I say “select” in the headline above, yeah, I mean very select. The reason the Norwegian progressive cosmic black metal progenitors are coming to the US at all is a slot (their first; how many ‘firsts’ can be left in a 35-year career?) at Milwaukee Metal Fest on May 16. Whatever gets them over is cool by me. I’m sure they’ll kill it. They’ve been over for Fire in the Mountains in the last I don’t know how many years, and are ostensibly still supporting 2023’s Heimdal (review here), but really if you see them it’s about the whole arc of their latter era and the place to which it’s brought them in terms of sound.
As to that, I’m not sure how Grammys exist and Enslaved don’t have one for metal, but I don’t think they’ve ever been chasing that kind of mainstream validation. They’ve earned it regardless, and if you make heavy metal, the Grammys don’t want to know you until you’ve been doing it for 30 years minimum. Right on that cutting edge.
From the PR wire:
ENSLAVED Embarks On US/Canada Shows In May
Cosmic metal pioneers ENSLAVED will make their anticipated return to North America in May for a trio of extraordinary shows featuring hand picked support acts and distinct set lists.
Commenting on the dates, founding guitarist Ivar Bjørnson says:
“Greetings from the western mountains of Norway, as one does. We’re getting close to May, and that means Enslaved is coming back to North America. Not a moment too soon, if you ask us. We’re going to start off in Montreal on May 12th with special guest Spectral Wound. The day after, May 13th, we’re hitting New York with the Infinity Ring as our special guest. Then on May 16, the day before the Norwegian National Day of all things, we’ll be at the legendary Milwaukee Metal Fest for the first time. We have special guests. We have special set lists. Yes, we have it all now. We want to see you there.”
ENSLAVED North American Dates:
May 12 – Montreal, QC – Beanfield Theatre (w/ Spectral Wound)
May 13 – New York, NY – Gramercy Theatre (w/ The Infinity Ring)
May 16 – Milwaukee, WI – Milwaukee Metal Fest
VIP Tickets: https://tix.soundrink.com/tours/enslaved
Tickets: https://enslaved.no/tour/
ENSLAVED is currently on tour in support of their latest avant-garde creation Heimdal. Stream the Deluxe Edition of the record here: https://enslaved.bfan.link/heimdal-deluxe.ema
Heimdal (Deluxe) includes the studio album in full, as well as alternative versions of two album tracks ‘Forest Dweller’ and ‘Congelia’, both with sublime performances from renowned cellist Jo Quail, bonus track ‘Gangandi’, plus the entirety of ‘The Otherworldly Big Band Experience’ – Enslaved’s stunning 2022 streaming event featuring fellow psychedelic Norwegian prog band Shaman Elephant.
Enslaved’s latest studio album Heimdal (released March 2023) is both a departure and a communion with roots forged over three decades ago in the turbulent birth throes of Norway’s black metal scene. It’s a record that points towards new beginnings, and a dawn that’s on the other side of the apex of the land. A psychedelic journey through arcane Norse folklore, connecting with one’s ancient ancestors and our future selves.
Enslaved are:
Ivar Bjørnson | guitars
Grutle Kjellson | vocals
Arve ‘Ice Dale’ Isdal | guitar
Håkon Vinje | keyboards, clean vocals
Iver Sandøy | drums
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