Norwegian progressive extreme metal band ENSLAVED have just received word of their nomination for the 2012 Spellemann Award in the category, Best Metal Album, with their most recent release, Riitiir. This prestigious music award is the Norwegian equivalent to the American Grammy.

The band offer the following statement: “By the hammer, saw, and grinder of Thor! What an incredibly pleasant surprise to be getting on the road, being nominated for Spellemannsprisen (Norwegian Grammy)! Having that many people interested and versed in music liking our album is simply overwhelming. We’ll miss the party, but feel confident that others will take care of the scandalous behaviour. Thank you jury, this means a lot to us no matter the outcome of the ‘final’!”

Enslaved will play their first-ever show in Tel Aviv, Israel. The show will take place on May 30th at Reading 3 venue in Tel Aviv.

Stated Promoter Yishai Sweartz: "It's a great honor to welcome Enslaved to Israel, one of the best bands ever came out of Scandinavia, as a teenager I was informed about the band activities from MAYHEM's Euronymous in 1993 in the underground letters days and expected the debut album to come out, once released via DSP/Voices Of Wonder in 1994 I knew something unique and different is about to unleash the metal scene, years passed by and through classic albums as Frost, Eld and Monumension, Enslaved established themselves as pure innovators of artistic Nordic metal, with the years the band continued to travel through musical boundaries without betray the sound's signature, with brilliant albums as Isa, Ruun and Axioma Ethica Odini among others, created a unique sound and agenda never heard before in the metal scene.

The band's new album, Riitiir proved once again that quality counts, and Enslaved delivered one of the best metal albums in the last years, adding themselves new fans while keep the old ones close and dedicated. The show is supported by the Norwegian Embassy in Israel and I'd like to use the opportunity to thank them for believing in the band and standing by our side."

Fans who buy tickets will have a special option to get the band's new album, Riitiir, at a special package deal price. Tickets online at this location.

Watch Enslaved's official announcement below:

Enslaved are back in North America for the headlining Winter Rite tour, joined by US doom metallers PALLBEARER and occult rockers ANCIENT VVISDOM as openers.

Winter Rite 2013 remaining dates include:

February

12 - Biltmore Cabaret – Vancouver, B.C.
14 - The Pawn Shop – Edmonton, AB
15 - Dickens Pub – Calgary, AB
16 - The Exchange – Regina, SK
17 - Osborne Village Inn – Winnipeg, MB
19 - The Opera House – Toronto, ON
20 - Les Foufounes Electriques – Montreal, QC
21 - The Sinclair – Cambridge, MA
22 - Bowery Ballroom – New York, NY