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.

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 (webshop edition), black vinyl, digipak CD, and digitally via ByNorse Music. Pre-orders will start on September 30th.

Metal Wani writer Jake Patton recently had a chat with Enslaved founding member Ivar Bjørnson.

In the audio interview streaming below, he discusses the band’s upcoming Australian tour, fan response to new songs at summer festivals, writing the epic pieces from the darker, heavier sections to beautiful softer sections smoothly and what expectations they have with regards to Australian fans since their last tour in 2013.

He also talks about the songwriting ideas for the upcoming Enslaved album slated to release next year, writing the concept of the album, plans to finish songwriting by December. Ivar also talks about entering the studio early next year, plans to revisit black metal roots as executed on In Times and much more.

The reissue of Enslaved’s Vikingligr Veldi will coincide with the band’s 25 European Tour and will be available in a limited Enslaved 25 webshop edition (limited to 150) and a regular edition on September 23rd. Pre-order a limited copy at the following links:

- North America
- Europe/World

Listen to the track “Lifandi Liv Undir Hamri” below:

The astonishing new layout was done by Z. Bielak (Ghost, Mayhem, etc.) and includes four brand new illustrations specially made for this legendary album.

Z. Bielak has stayed true to the ideals of the era (it was originally scheduled for release in 1993); this 2LP gatefold with illustrated pockets has been respectfully remastered for vinyl by Iver Sandøy; preserving every bit of original dynamics.

"We have been waiting since the day we recorded it, and at last it is happening! It has been a challenging journey, and it has demanded a lot of patience and understanding from all parts involved. The day we hold the finished product in our hand will be as sacred a day for us as the day we finished recording it". - Ivar and Enslaved

Enslaved’s 1st full-length album was co-produced with the legendary Pytten in Grieghallen, Bergen, Norway. This album has lyrics in Icelandic, and is a tribute to the Norse landscape, history and mythology. The songs are matching these themes with long horizontal songscapes, dense atmospheres and winds from the past.  

Currently announced tour dates, with more to follow, are listed below.

September
29 - Aarau, Switzerland - KiFF
30 - Stuttgart, Germany - Club Cann

October
15 - Berlin, Germany - BiNuu
16 - Warsaw, Poland - Progresja
17 - Wroclaw, Poland - Firlej
18 - Prague, Czech Republic - Nova Chelmnice
19 - Munich, Germany - Backstage
20 - Vienna, Austria - Szene
22 - Brasov, Romania - Club Rockstadt
24 - Ljubljana, Slovenia - Kino Siska

November
2 - Toulouse, France - Metronum
3 - Rennes, France - Antipode
4 - Paris, France - Divan du Monde
5 - Leeds, England - Damnation Festival
9 - Hanover, Ljubljana Musikzentrum
10 - Dresden, Ljubljana Beatpol

Enslaved discuss their 25th anniversary celebrations in the video below: