Norwegian progressive extreme metal icons Enslaved will release a new compilation, The Sleeping Gods - Thorn, this November via ByNorse Music. A full-length album comprised of rare material from 2010-2011, The Sleeping Gods - Thorn is a unique collection of experimental material connecting with the band's early roots. Listen to “Heimvegen”, the first single from the upcoming release:

The seven tracks comprising The Sleeping Gods - Thorn originally appeared on extremely limited EPs between Enslaved's Axioma Ethica Odini and Riitiir full-lengths and were recorded both in Solslottet Studio in Bergen, as well as the band members' own studios and partly in the deep woods of Valevaag on the South Western Coast of Norway. Like the songs themselves, the production is a mix of old and new; high tech and no-tech - a mix of concepts that have been essential in achieving the signature sound Enslaved has become notorious for today. Members Ivar Bjørnson and Grutle Kjellson co-produced the material together with long-time collaborator Iver Sandøy.

The album includes lyrics sung in Norwegian, English, and Old Norse, with themes centered on mythology and the esoteric side of the runes, as well as contrasting the Norse Ways as a polytheistic belief system to the monotheistic plague of the Big World Religions. The music nods respectfully to the wildly varying deities that make up the pantheon of inspiration for Enslaved, both "then" and "now." There are traces of the proto black metal of Bathory, the classic rock and heavy metal of the '70s and '80s, the synthesized and sequenced masters of the '70s, prog-rock, world/Norse folk music, Norwegian black metal of the '90s, modern classical music, goth rock a la Fields Of The Nephilim, and much more.

Tying he package together are the extensive liner notes Kjellson and a beautiful new layout by Costin Chioreanu of Twilight 13 Media (Roadburn Festival, Opeth, Darkthrone, At The Gates, etc.) whose mesmerizing new illustrations display a unique symbiosis between two of our times' most exciting visual and sonic artists.

The Sleeping Gods - Thorn will see release on November 11th on limited edition blue vinyl (sold out), black vinyl, digipak CD, and digitally via ByNorse Music. Pre-order at this location.

By Norse has announced Oslo By Norse, featuring Enslaved performing music from their entire career divided into three special shows.

By Norse, known as a "platform for art, music, literature, film and culture", will host an instalment of events throughout December 6th - 8th at Blå Nightclub in Oslo. These happenings are designed to support and celebrate Norwegian art, music, literature, film and culture, even within its own borders.

Oslo By Norse will also serve as a celebration of 25 year of Grammy award-winning metal band Enslaved performing music form their entire career divided into three special shows supported by special guests Obliteration, Virus and Maraton, and as a platform for workshops on ancient Norse instruments and music with Einar Selvik of Wardruna.

Tickets on sale now, order here.

More information about the variety of unique art exhibitions, workshops, live and artistic performances can be found below.

Tuesday, December 6 at Blå - Of Frost And Fire

For this first show, Enslaved will perform an exclusive set based on their early albums Hordanes Land, Vikingligr Veldi, Frost, Eld and Blodhemn. They will be supported by the band Obliteration.

Exhibition and live painting by Kim Holm - Norwegian creative artist and motion designer Kim Holm will display his works and do live paintings of the artists while performing on stage.

From 6 PM: Doors and IHUDA Tattoo inside the venue.

Wednesday, December 7 at Blå - From The Runic Depths

For this second show, Enslaved will perform an exclusive set based on their mid-period albums Mardraum, Monumension, Below The Lights, Isa and Ruun. They will be supported by the band Virus.

Workshop "Ancient Norse instruments and music" with Einar Selvik - Einar speaks about his approach to Norse historical instruments and music, as well as other topics that include his approach and study of the runes and other Norse esoteric arts. The workshop is followed by a panel discussion on "Identity and Music". This workshop is limited to 50 seats only. Send an email to workshop@bynorse.com to subscribe.

Exhibition and live painting by Kim Holm - Norwegian creative artist and motion designer Kim Holm will display his works and do live paintings of the artists while performing on stage.

From 6 PM: Doors and IHUDA Tattoo inside the venue.

Friday, December 8 at Blå - Spinning Wheel Ritual

For this third and last show, Enslaved will perform an exclusive set based on their albums Vertebrae, Axioma Ethica Odini, RIItIIr and In Times. They will be supported by the band Maraton

Exhibition and live painting by Kim Holm - Norwegian creative artist and motion designer Kim Holm will display his works and do live paintings of the artists while performing on stage.

From 6 PM: Doors and IHUDA Tattoo inside the venue.

Says Enslaved’s Ivar Bjørnson: ”London is already a most dear memory, New York has been long time announced. Now it is time to reveal the first Norwegian By Norse event; Oslo By Norse! It will mark the beginning of the end; of a fantastic year where we have marked 25 years as a band. We will do three unique sets, divided by periods Beginning-Mid periods Later day Enslaved.

“The special guest bands are of the "pinch me, I must be dreaming"-type; Obliteration, Virus and Maraton!?!? Is all these first-choice guys accepting the invite some kind of sick joke? If not, it has got to be one of the best billing ever. Subjectively speaking. Ugh!

“There will also be an intimate workshop with our brother-in-arms Einar Selvik (followed by a panel led by yours truly), ink by poking (tattoo the Viking way) set up in the venue (!) by the legendary Ihuda Tattoo and live graphic art by the eternally young Kim Holm. I almost wish I were not playing so I could just experience this. Then again I would go crazy from not working. Hope to see you all at Oslo By Norse!!!"